Clearaudio Concept Verify Aluminium Tonearm, Black

The Clearaudio Concept Verify in black is a magnetic-bearing 9-inch radial tonearm with an armtube made of black anodised aluminium.

Instead of running on points or ball bearings, the arm rides in a magnetic field. Because nothing touches, there's nothing to wear out, stick, or start to play up after a few years. A bearing you're allowed to forget about once it's installed.

Why the Concept Verify?

Because it brings Clearaudio's magnetic-bearing technology into the sensible middle of the range. The aluminium armtube resists twisting and carries a bit more mass than the carbon version – which suits cartridges that like a calm, full fundamental tone. Antiskating works contact-free via magnetic force, the Direct Wire Plus is permanently wired and factory-fitted with MPC RCA connectors. And the black finish visually disappears on dark turntables instead of cutting across them.

What you get

An arm that stays calm. The friction-free motion takes away the slight hardness that mechanical bearings like to put into the midrange; voices sit firm and steady, without wandering. The bass feels a touch more physical than its carbon sibling, while the treble is a little more restrained. Put on a record after work, then a second one, and what you'll notice most is that nothing gets on your nerves.

Who is the Concept Verify in black for?

For anyone who wants to fit a good turntable with a maintenance-free arm and prefers a slightly warmer character. Cartridges from 2.5 to 17 grams can be balanced, covering almost everything from a solid MM to a full-grown MC. Plain talk: if you're after maximum transparency and that last touch of air in the treble, the carbon version in silver is the smarter pick. And like every magnetic-bearing arm, this one prefers a stable surface over a springy wooden floor – on shaky ground, a wall mount helps more than any upgrade to the arm itself.

Our verdict

The unfussy entry into the friction-free world: no wear, no bearing maintenance, no re-alignment marathon after two years. The black aluminium version is the slightly earthier of the two and suits systems that already lean toward the analytical. Which of the two versions suits your cartridge better – we'll tell you honestly at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, even when that's the cheaper one.

Specifications

• Type: radial tonearm, 9 inch, with friction-free magnetic-bearing technology
• Armtube: aluminium, black
• Antiskating: magnetic, contact-free
• Effective length: 239.56 mm
• Mounting distance (pivot to spindle): 222 mm
• Overhang: 17.56 mm
• Offset angle: 24.16°
• Overall length: 305 mm
• Adjustable cartridge weight: 2.5–17 g
• Effective mass: not specified by Clearaudio
• Signal cable: Clearaudio Direct Wire Plus (1.1 m), permanently wired, fitted with MPC RCA connectors
• Weight: approx. 450 g (incl. counterweight)
• Model no.: TA035/concept
• Warranty: 2-year manufacturer's warranty from registration
• Scope of delivery: tonearm with permanently wired signal cable and counterweight; cartridge not included

FAQ

What's the difference to the silver carbon version?

The armtube. This version uses black anodised aluminium, the silver one a carbon tube. The bearing, geometry and cable are identical, and the aluminium version weighs around ten grams more overall. Tonally, the black version gives the midrange a bit more substance, while the carbon version resolves the treble more finely.

Does the magnetic bearing wear out over time?

No. No parts touch inside the bearing, so there's no abrasion and no bearing play. There's also nothing to oil or re-adjust. Years later the arm still moves as freely as on day one – provided no dust or metal debris collects in the bearing gap.

Will the Concept Verify fit my turntable?

If your turntable allows a mounting distance of 222 mm between the tonearm pivot and the platter spindle, it will fit. That's standard for Clearaudio and achievable on many other turntables too. Tell us the make and model, and we'll check the drilling, distance and required arm height before you order.

Do I need special tools to install it?

No, but you'll need patience and an alignment protractor. It's mounted via the tonearm base, then overhang, tracking force and azimuth are set. If you're doing this for the first time, set aside a quiet hour. Alternatively, our technician Mauri takes care of it and delivers the arm fully set up.

Why buy the Concept Verify from HD Zürisee?

Because we tell you upfront which of the two versions suits your system – rather than just dropping the pricier one into your cart. Mauri handles mounting and alignment in Wädenswil, and we deal with warranty cases directly as an authorised Clearaudio dealer. You can reach us on +41 44 680 22 00, via WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Goes well with

You'll find a matching cartridge under cartridges, and the turntable to go with it under turntables. More arms are under tonearms, and everything around the record itself is gathered under all things vinyl.