Clearaudio concept Signature Turntable, Dark Wood

The Clearaudio concept Signature is a belt-drive turntable delivered without tonearm and cartridge – this version with a dark plinth made of compressed solid wood.

Dark Wood is the calmest of the four variants: the same high-pressure-compressed solid wood layers as the light wood finish, just in a darker tone. Technically the two give away nothing to each other, visually they're worlds apart.

Why the concept Signature?

Because a drive unit above all needs to do one thing: hold its speed. That's exactly where Tacho-Speed-Control comes in – it measures at the platter, not at the motor, and continuously corrects. A stretched belt, a cool room, a bearing that runs a fraction differently after years of use: the electronics calculate it away. On every switch-on the drive unit calibrates itself automatically, manual calibration is also possible. The 12-volt DC motor hangs decoupled in six O-rings (IMS light), so nothing of its work reaches the plinth.

What you get

Everything except arm and cartridge: platter, sub-platter, bearing, belt, control electronics and external power supply, fully mounted and calibrated. The 30 mm platter made of high-density polymer sits on a CNC-turned aluminium sub-platter, the hardened steel spindle runs in a sintered-bronze bushing on a Teflon thrust pad. You choose the speed via an illuminated button that steps through 33 1/3, 45 and standby. The height-adjustable feet also bring things into line on a sideboard that's seen better days. If you want to keep the dust out, the AC174 acrylic dust cover is the matching accessory.

Who is the concept Signature for?

For anyone with dark furniture who's looking for a turntable that doesn't stand out as a bright patch on the shelf – and for anyone who deliberately wants to choose arm and cartridge themselves. The Clearaudio tonearms concept, Verify, Clarify, Satisfy Kardan, Tracer and Profiler can be fitted, plus MM and MC cartridges up to the Talisman V2 Gold. Plain talk: without tonearm, cartridge and phono stage, no sound is produced at all. If you'd rather not put that together yourself, a matched complete package is the more relaxed option.

Our verdict

The dark wood finish is the most elegant version of the concept Signature and technically identical to the light one. The real payoff sits under the platter anyway: a speed control that monitors itself, and a motor suspension from the Reference class. To turn that into a chain takes two more decisions – arm and cartridge. Bring us your setup and your ideas, we'll take care of the rest at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil.

Technical specifications

• Type: belt-drive turntable chassis, without tonearm and cartridge
• Drive: ground flat belt
• Motor: decoupled, extremely quiet-running 12 V DC motor
• Motor suspension: IMS light – decoupling via six O-rings
• Speed control: Tacho-Speed-Control (TSC), automatically compensates for friction and temperature, self-calibrates on every start, manual recalibration possible
• Speeds: 33 1/3 and 45 rpm (no 78 rpm operation)
• Speed selection: illuminated button on the front, steps through 33 1/3 → 45 → standby
• Wow and flutter: ± 0.05 %
• Platter: 30 mm, high-density polymer, on a CNC-turned aluminium sub-platter
• Bearing: polished, hardened steel spindle in a sintered-bronze bushing on a Teflon thrust pad
• Plinth: high-pressure-compressed solid wood layers, dark
• Top plate: satin, low-resonance polymer
• Base plate: medium-density fibreboard (MDF)
• Feet: height-adjustable
• Power supply: external plug-in power supply, 12 V DC, usable worldwide
• Power consumption: max. 3.6 W, 1.92 W in operation, 0.74 W standby
• Compatible tonearms: Clearaudio concept, Verify, Clarify, Satisfy Kardan, Tracer and Profiler
• Compatible cartridges: MM and MC cartridges from the concept mc up to the Talisman V2 Gold, as well as common MM cartridges
• Dimensions (W × H × D): approx. 420 × 125 × 350 mm
• Weight: approx. 7.5 kg (manufacturer figure incl. tonearm and cartridge)
• Finish: Dark Wood
• Matching dust cover: AC174 acrylic dust cover (optional)
• Model no.: TT068/WD-DARK
• Warranty: 2-year manufacturer's warranty
• Included: drive unit with platter, sub-platter and drive belt, external power supply, instruction manual – tonearm and cartridge not included

Frequently asked questions

Does the concept Signature come with a tonearm and cartridge?

No, this is a bare drive unit. The box contains the plinth, platter, sub-platter, belt and external power supply, factory-calibrated. You buy tonearm and cartridge separately and have them fitted – the Clearaudio tonearms concept, Verify, Clarify, Satisfy Kardan, Tracer and Profiler are approved, as are MM and MC cartridges up to the Talisman V2 Gold.

How does Dark Wood differ from the light wood version?

Only in the tone. Both wood finishes use high-pressure-compressed solid wood layers for the plinth and are technically completely identical. Compared with Black and Silver, nothing changes either except the plinth material: drive, motor, bearing, platter and speed control are the same across all four finishes.

Is there a matching dust cover?

Yes, the Clearaudio AC174 acrylic dust cover is made for the concept Signature. It isn't included and is ordered separately. It makes particular sense in dusty rooms or where the drive unit sits open and easily accessible.

How much space does the drive unit need?

Around 42 centimetres wide, 35 centimetres deep and 12.5 centimetres high, plus room for the external power supply. With the tonearm fitted and the cover on, you need a little extra reserve at the back and on top. The weight is about 7.5 kilograms, so a stable sideboard is enough.

Why buy the concept Signature at HD Zürisee?

Because we don't just put this drive unit in a box and wish you luck. We choose the arm, cartridge and phono stage with you, mount and align everything in Wädenswil and remain your contact afterwards as an authorised Clearaudio dealer. 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

You choose the arm under Tonearms, the cartridge under Cartridges, the phono stage under Phono Preamps. Dust cover and alignment accessories are in Turntable Accessories, more drive units are under Turntables.