Clearaudio Emotion SE Turntable

The Clearaudio Emotion SE is a belt-drive turntable unit with an external motor unit and a patented magnetic platter bearing, delivered without tonearm and cartridge – this Second Edition with a transparent acrylic chassis.

Transparent here isn't an effect, it's construction: the resonance-optimised acrylic plinth shows what nothing else shows – bearing, belt, platter. If you like watching while you listen, this is a unit that doesn't hide.

Why the Emotion SE?

Because two decisions make the difference. The first: the motor doesn't sit in the plinth but in its own unit made of solid cast metal beside it – so its vibrations stay exactly where they belong, away from the platter. The second: Clearaudio's patented CMB magnetic bearing, an inverted bearing with a polished ceramic spindle, where magnetic force carries most of the platter's weight. Less bearing load means less friction, and less friction means less rumble. The 28 mm platter made of CNC-precision-turned GS acrylic brings the mass that settles everything else down.

What you get

A bare drive unit: acrylic chassis, platter, bearing, external motor unit, belt, pulley and tools. You choose tonearm and cartridge yourself – from the factory Clearaudio recommends pairing it with the Satisfy Kardan Carbon and the Artist V2, with the nano phono V2 or smart phono V2 as a matching phono stage. You switch between 33 1/3 and 45 rpm by moving the belt on the stepped motor pulley; with an optional pulley, 78 rpm for shellac records is also possible. The height-adjustable feet bring the whole thing level.

Who is the Emotion SE for?

For anyone looking for a calm, honest entry into upmarket vinyl who wants to choose arm and cartridge themselves – and for anyone who'd rather see their setup than hide it. Plain talk: if you expect a ready-to-go plug-and-play package, the compass is the better fit; without an arm and cartridge the Emotion SE makes no sound at all. And if you want to change speed at the push of a button, know that here the belt is moved by hand. In return you get 78 rpm – which the electronically regulated models don't offer.

Our verdict

The Emotion SE is a drive unit for people who want to hear quiet, not effect. Magnetic bearing and external motor aren't brochure talking points but exactly the two places where an analogue chain picks up interference – both are cleanly solved here. What's missing is half the decision: arm and cartridge. Bring us your ideas and your phono stage, and we'll work out at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil what it can become.

Technical specifications

• Type: belt-drive turntable unit, resonance-optimised chassis shape, without tonearm and cartridge
• Chassis: transparent acrylic
• Drive: belt over stepped motor pulley
• Motor: decoupled synchronous motor in a solid die-cast metal housing, external motor unit
• Speeds: 33 1/3 and 45 rpm as standard, 78 rpm with an optional motor pulley
• Speed selection: move the belt by hand on the stepped pulley; on/off via the switch on the motor unit
• Wow and flutter: ± 0.2 %
• Platter: 28 mm GS acrylic (GS-PMMA), CNC precision-turned
• Bearing: Clearaudio's patented inverted magnetic bearing (CMB) with polished ceramic spindle
• Feet: height-adjustable
• Power supply: 230 V / 50 Hz
• Dimensions (W × H × D): approx. 400 × 88 × 330 mm (without tonearm)
• Weight: approx. 7 kg (incl. motor unit)
• Finish: transparent (acrylic chassis)
• Recommended factory combination: Satisfy Kardan Carbon tonearm, Artist V2 cartridge
• Matching dust cover: AC074 (optional)
• Model no.: TT031 (230 V) / TT031/110 (110 V)
• Warranty: 3 years (provided you register within 14 days)
• Included: acrylic chassis, platter, bearing unit with bearing oil, external motor unit with pulley, drive belt, spirit level, tracking-force scale and tools – tonearm and cartridge not included

Frequently asked questions

Does the Emotion SE come with a tonearm?

No, you're buying the bare drive unit. Chassis, platter, magnetic bearing, motor unit, belt and tools are included, tonearm and cartridge are not. Clearaudio recommends the Satisfy Kardan Carbon with the Artist V2 from the factory. We'll work out with you which combination suits your phono stage.

What does the magnetic bearing (CMB) do?

Clearaudio's patented magnetic bearing is built inverted and works with a polished ceramic spindle. Magnetic force takes on most of the platter's weight, which noticeably reduces friction. That cuts rumble and mechanical noise – the music sits more calmly in the room, especially during quiet passages.

How do I change speed on the Emotion SE?

By hand: you move the belt one step up or down on the stepped motor pulley. As standard you get 33 1/3 and 45 revolutions per minute, and with an optionally available pulley 78 rpm for shellac records is added. It's switched on and off at the motor unit.

How much space does the Emotion SE need?

Without a tonearm the drive unit measures around 400 millimetres wide, 330 millimetres deep and 88 millimetres high, and weighs about 7 kilograms with the motor unit. Allow extra room at the back and on top once a tonearm is fitted. The height-adjustable feet compensate for an uneven piece of furniture.

Why buy the Emotion SE at HD Zürisee?

Because a drive unit without arm and cartridge only comes alive with the right combination. We match tonearm, cartridge and phono stage to your setup, mount and align everything in Wädenswil and remain your contact afterwards as an authorised Clearaudio dealer. Call us on +41 44 680 22 00, message us on WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or write to shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Pairs well with

You'll find the right arm under Tonearms, the cartridge under Cartridges, and the phono stage under Phono Preamps – the nano phono V2 and smart phono V2 are there. Alignment accessories are in Turntable Accessories, and record cleaning is handled by Record Cleaning. More models are under Turntables, everything about vinyl under All About Vinyl.