Clearaudio Performance DC with TT-5 Linear Tracking Arm

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General:
Performance DC turntable with an upgraded TT-5 Linear Tracking Arm (a $4500 upgrade).

No phono cartridge is included but you can choose from one of our many Sumiko models. I would recommend a moving coil unit like the Songbird or Starling.

Looking like new and performing flawlessly. Will ship in its original box.

ABOUT THE TURNTABLE:
The Performance DC is a complete package designed to open up the high-end listening experience to those ambitious music lovers who are willing to handle with the basic features of tonearm and cartridge adjustment, and who simply seek the best in music reproduction.

An enhanced version of the Performance DC with wood chassis offers even greater resonance control.

A newly developed DC motor with high precision bearings and flat belt-drive, in conjunction with a platter of 40mm thick POM which rests on a Clearaudio ceramic magnetic bearing (CMB), provide optimal conditions for the correct sampling of the record groove.

Excellent tracking properties and hyper-accurate speed synchronisation ensure the ultimate listening pleasure, whatever your choice Performance DC package. Combine your own Performance DC.

ABOUT THE TONEARM:
Clearaudio is the leader in tangential tonearm technology since the 1980s. The TT-5 linear tracking tonearm with Swing Base features a fixed, rigid construction similar to our Statement linear tonearm. Like all Clearaudio straight-line tracking tonearms, it moves tangentially with the record groove pulling the cartridge and armwand along a linear path. The TT-5 Swing Base allows the entire arm to be swung out of the way when changing records, without compromising rigidity or performance.

In a conventional pivoted tonearm, the arm is moved in an arc across the record’s surface by the stylus following the record groove, requiring an averaging system to minimize tracking error. In Clearaudio’s linear tonearms, the arm moves tangentially, with the stylus propelling the tonearm wand along a linear path by a carriage running on precision rollers inside a polished glass tube. The cartridge remains parrallel to the record groove, following the same path the cutting head did when making the record, eliminating any lateral tracking error. Since the record groove, stylus, cantilever and tonearm are perfectly aligned, no side forces are generated and no anti-skating compensation is required. 

Tracking force and azimuth are adjustable so that the cartridge and stylus are always in the perfect position to read the musical information in the record groove. With the TT-5, Clearaudio offers vinyl fans a more affordable entry point into tangential tonearm technology.

Ownership:
Single Owner

Connections:
RCA

Cosmetic Condition:
8/10 = Very Good. Excellent front faceplate, one minor flaw on chassis side or top. See our detailed rating description here.

Working Condition:
Working perfectly and calibrated on our custom turntable calibration stand.

Packing:
Original Manufacturers Packing

Original MSRP:
$7,500.00

Specs:
CONSTRUCTION DETAILS:
Resonance-optimised body, highly compressed wood chassis in sandwich construction embedded between two aluminium plates.

SPEED OPTIONS:
33 ⅓, 45, 78rpm

DRIVE UNIT:
Decoupled and resonance damped 12V DC motor, flat belt-drive and plug-in power supply unit designed for worldwide use with all networks and power frequencies.

BEARING:
Cut and polished ceramic shaft in a sintered bronze bushing, Clearaudio ceramic magnetic bearing (CMB)

PLATTER:
Synthetic material, surface CNC-precision milled, Surface CNC-precision milled, 1.1 inches / 40mm thickness

SPEED ACCURACY (MEASURED):
± 0.05%

POWER CONSUMPTION:
Max. consumption: 3.3 watts

Consumption in operation:
1.6 watts

Standby mode: < 0.5 watts

Off mode: 0.0 watts

Dimensions:
420 × 330 × 125mm

Weight:
20 lbs.

Link to Manual:
Click Here

Testing Process:

First we try to identify any mechanical issues, particularly in the tonearm bearings.  We check for freedom of movement or any resistance on both the horizontal and vertical range.  There is a quick test for this which involves placing the table on its front edge and allowing the arm to swing freely like a pendulum.  We then make any adjustments necessary to achieve minimal resistance and sometimes adjust the bearing pressure.  On gimbal tonearms we inspect the cone tip with a magnifier.

We then asses the platter speed by using one of several methods, the most accuse is a playing a test tone on a test record and measuring the frequency out put with a frequency counter or oscilloscope.  We also utilize test equipment to measure the wow and flutter to ensure its within spec.  We do this for all speeds available for that particular model.  Adjustments are then made to achieve proper speed which will vary depending on table drive design.  Some require an adjustment of an internal or external potentiometer, some will require a pulley or motor adjustment.  We also inspect the platter bearing to ensure its properly lubricated keeping in mind that some don't require lubrication at all.

We then inspect the power supply and address any issues with overworked capacitors particularly on Linn and later Thorens machines which tend to need attention.

On fully mechanical vintage tables like the Thorens TD124 and Garrard 301/401 we will go thought the entire mechanism, replace any worn parts and lubricate all components necessary to ensure smooth operation, speed change and low mechanical noise.

When fitting a new cartridge we will go through our detailed calibration process which can involve as many as 12 steps depending on the arm design.  We perform this work on our custom turntable calibration rig which was developed in-house.

Some of these steps include:

• Pivot to spindle adjustment

• Tracing force

• Anti-skate

• Tonearm height

• Lifter height

• VTA

• Azimuth

• Stylus Distance and Overhang

We then do a critical listening test using our test records and our test system to ensure proper sonics.