Clearaudio Celebrity Al Di Meola Turntable, Wood

The Clearaudio Celebrity "Al Di Meola" is a belt-drive turntable limited to 1,000 units, whose plinth is modelled on the shape of an electric guitar – this version with genuine rosewood veneer.

It was created together with Grammy-winning jazz guitarist Al Di Meola and Impex Records. The rosewood veneer really brings the guitar shape to life: grain instead of lacquer, a warm tone instead of contrast. Tonearm, cartridge, a numbered special-edition album and a plectrum are included.

Why the Celebrity?

Because underneath the eye-catching shape there's no showpiece, but Clearaudio technology from the top drawer. The 30 mm platter made of high-density polymer sits on a CNC-machined aluminium sub-platter, the polished, hardened steel spindle runs in a bronze bushing on a Teflon thrust pad. It's driven via a flat belt with Tacho-Speed-Control: a sensor measures the actual platter speed and continuously corrects for friction and temperature drift, self-calibrating on every start. The 12-volt DC motor hangs in the IMS light suspension, decoupled via O-rings – a principle from the Reference Jubilee. Everything is operated via the guitar's "volume knob", converted here into a multi-function control.

What you get

A ready-to-connect complete package: drive unit, a special version of the Profiler tonearm and the specially developed MM cartridge "Celebrity", factory-fitted and aligned. Plus a specially numbered special-release album by Al Di Meola on vinyl and a plectrum. The MDF plinth with rosewood veneer stands on a powder-coated steel base plate with height-adjustable feet – the shape is show, the foundation is not.

Who is the Celebrity for?

For collectors, jazz listeners and anyone looking for a turntable that still makes an impression even when no record is playing. The rosewood veneer suits warm, wood-toned interiors especially well. Plain talk: if you're after an unassuming turntable for the sideboard, this isn't it – the Celebrity wants to be seen and, at around 46 centimetres wide, needs the space for it too. And if you'd rather choose your own arm and cartridge, a pure drive unit like the concept Signature is the better choice.

Our verdict

The wood version is the warmer of the two finishes and technically identical to the black one – the choice is purely visual. What remains is a turntable that tells a story without cutting technical corners: regulated speed, decoupled motor, clean bearing. With 1,000 units worldwide, an early conversation about availability is worthwhile – at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil we're happy to work that out with you, including the right phono stage.

Technical specifications

• Type: belt-drive turntable, ready to connect, limited to 1,000 numbered units
• Plinth: medium-density fibreboard (MDF) in electric-guitar shape, genuine rosewood veneer
• Base plate: powder-coated steel with height-adjustable feet
• Drive: flat belt
• Motor: decoupled, extremely quiet-running 12 V DC motor
• Motor suspension: IMS light – decoupling via O-rings
• Speed control: Tacho-Speed-Control (TSC), automatically compensates for friction and temperature, self-calibrates on every start
• Speeds: 33 1/3 and 45 rpm (no 78 rpm operation)
• Wow and flutter: less than ± 0.05 %
• Platter: 30 mm, high-density polymer, on a CNC-machined aluminium sub-platter
• Bearing: polished, hardened steel spindle in a bronze bushing on a Teflon thrust pad
• Control: multi-function control in the shape of the guitar's volume knob
• Tonearm: special version of the Clearaudio Profiler, factory-fitted
• Cartridge: Clearaudio Celebrity (MM), developed specially for this edition, factory-fitted
• Power supply: external plug-in power supply with adapters, usable worldwide
• Power consumption: max. 2.75 W, 1.04 W in operation, 0.5 W standby
• Dimensions (W × H × D): approx. 460 × 140 × 360 mm (with tonearm)
• Weight: approx. 10 kg (incl. tonearm and cartridge)
• Finish: Wood (genuine rosewood veneer)
• Model no.: TT070/WD
• Warranty: 2 years (registration required)
• Included: Celebrity with special Profiler tonearm and Celebrity MM cartridge fitted, numbered special-release album on vinyl, plectrum, external power supply with adapters

Frequently asked questions

Is the Clearaudio Celebrity ready to connect?

Yes. The special Profiler tonearm and the Celebrity MM cartridge are fitted and aligned at the factory. You set the turntable down, level it using the height-adjustable feet and connect it to an MM phono input or a phono stage. Then the first record plays.

How does the wood version differ from the black one?

Only in the finish. Both versions use the same MDF plinth, here with genuine rosewood veneer instead of a black finish. Drive, motor, bearing, platter, tonearm and cartridge are identical. Sonically the two give away nothing to each other – the choice is purely a matter of décor.

How many units are there?

1,000 worldwide, each numbered. The package includes a specially numbered special-release album by Al Di Meola on vinyl and a plectrum. That makes the Celebrity as much a playback device as a collector's item – and with a fixed number of units, deciding early pays off.

How much space does the Celebrity need?

With the tonearm, around 460 millimetres wide, 360 millimetres deep and 140 millimetres high, plus some reserve at the back for the cable and power supply. It weighs about 10 kilograms complete, so a stable piece of furniture is enough. The height-adjustable feet compensate for small unevenness in the surface underneath.

Why buy the Clearaudio Celebrity at HD Zürisee?

Because a limited collector's item deserves proper support. We clarify availability and number, set up the Celebrity in Wädenswil and match the phono stage to your system – with the analogue know-how of an experienced specialist team. Reach us on +41 44 680 22 00, via WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or at shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Pairs well with

The right phono stage is under Phono Preamps – Clearaudio itself is represented there with the nano phono V2 and smart phono V2. To keep the special pressing clean, Record Cleaning helps, scales and alignment aids are in Turntable Accessories. More models are under Turntables, and everything to do with vinyl is gathered under All About Vinyl.