Clearaudio Statement TT1 MI Tangential-Tonarm, Wood/Black

The Clearaudio Statement TT1 MI is a patented Tangential-Tonarm for the Innovation and Master Innovation series – in this finish with natural Panzerholz and black aluminum parts.

Panzerholz isn't decoration. This highly compressed laminated wood is known in mechanical engineering for its damping, and that's exactly why it sits here in the chassis: it absorbs energy that would otherwise travel back to the stylus as resonance.

Why the Statement TT1 MI?

Because it solves two problems at once. First, the tracking angle: the arm tracks the groove tangentially, without offset, without anti-skating, without compensation. Second, disturbances: the drive is purely mechanical and passive, dry-running ball bearings work in a calibrated, polished glass tube. Add to that the material mix of Panzerholz, aluminum, stainless steel and glass, whose natural tone remains visible here, plus the magnetic locking in the playback position. The arm comes wired from the factory with two meters of Super Sixstream with RCA connectors.

What you hear

An image that stands stable across the whole side. Instruments stay where they belong instead of blurring slightly towards the end of the record. The fundamental tone has body without becoming thick, and in quiet passages the background stays free of noise that isn't on the record.

Who is the Statement TT1 MI for?

For Innovation and Master Innovation owners who like to see technology and prefer wood over high gloss. Cartridges between 5.5 and 15.0 grams can be adjusted, covering the entire sensible range. Plain talk: this won't be cheap, and the arm needs a turntable at its level. Anyone still at entry-level will get more out of a good pivoted tonearm than out of a half-matching tangential one.

Our verdict

The wood-black combination is the calmest of the four finishes: a warm natural tone on the chassis, matte black on the mechanics. Technically it's exactly equivalent to the other variants, so sonically there's nothing to choose between them – only between interiors. Whether the arm suits your turntable and your cartridge, we'll check at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil before anything is ordered.

Technical data

• Type: patented Tangential-Tonarm (linear tracking)
• Design principle: purely mechanical, passive drive via dry-running ball bearings in a calibrated, polished glass tube
• Bearings: ball bearings in the glass tube – no air bearing, no compressor, no motor
• Material: Panzerholz, aluminum, stainless steel, glass
• Finish: Panzerholz natural, aluminum parts black
• Adjustable cartridges: 5.5 g – 15.0 g
• Suitable turntables: Clearaudio Innovation and Master Innovation
• Armboard mounting hole: on request
• Signal cable: 2 m Super Sixstream, terminated in RCA
• Dimensions (W × H × D): approx. 540 × 195 × 210 mm (width incl. lift)
• Weight: approx. 8.2 kg
• Manufacturer's warranty: 5 years

Frequently asked questions

Why does Clearaudio use Panzerholz in the chassis?

Because of the damping. Panzerholz is highly compressed laminated wood that converts vibrations into heat instead of passing them on. Combined with aluminum, stainless steel and glass, this results in a chassis that develops very little life of its own – important, because in the end any resonance would become audible again via the stylus.

Does the wood finish sound different from the black one?

No. Clearaudio states identical technical data for all four finishes of the TT1 MI: same design principle, same materials, same adjustment range, same dimensions, same weight. Only the surfaces differ – Panzerholz natural or black, aluminum black or silver. So decide based on room and turntable.

Which cartridges can I mount?

Any cartridge with a weight between 5.5 and 15.0 grams can be adjusted on the TT1 MI. That means you're practically always within range with MC cartridges of this class. Which cartridge harmonizes with your Innovation additionally depends on stylus profile, compliance and phono stage – ask us about it.

How long is Clearaudio's warranty on the TT1 MI?

The manufacturer states five years of manufacturer's warranty for the Statement TT1 MI; the Statement TT1 for the larger turntable comes to ten years. We handle warranty matters for you as an authorized dealer, so you don't have to deal with the distributor yourself.

Why buy the Statement TT1 MI from HD Zürisee?

Because this arm wants to be aligned together with the turntable, not as an afterthought. We deliver, install and precisely set it up – and give you honest advice beforehand on whether the step is worth it in your system. Get in touch at +41 44 680 22 00, via WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls), or shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Goes well with

Cartridges for the arm can be found under Cartridges, matching turntables under Turntables. More arms are shown under Tonearms, brushes and accessories under Turntable Accessories.