Clearaudio N1 Moving Magnet Cartridge, Black

The Clearaudio N1 is a moving magnet (MM) cartridge with an elliptical diamond on an aluminum cantilever – the entry point into Clearaudio's cartridge lineup, this version in black.

Moving magnet means: voltage is generated by moving magnets, output level is high, and any standard MM phono input is enough. The N1 is matched to the compact Clearaudio compass, but at 12.5 grams it also gets along fine with many other tonearms. No step-up transformer, no loading guesswork, no PhD required.

Why the N1?

The anodized aluminum housing is newly developed, torsionally rigid and cleanly balanced – making life hard for spurious resonances. But the real highlight is the stylus: Clearaudio gives the N1 a Quick-Swap system that lets you change the stylus unit even while it's still mounted in the tonearm. That makes it the exception within the Clearaudio MM family – the larger V2 models have to go back to the factory for a stylus change.

What you'll hear

An honest, effortless way into analog: clearly outlined voices, decent bass punch and enough resolution that vinyl sounds like vinyl and not like a compromise. With 20 dB channel separation and 80 µm tracking ability, the N1 sits squarely in the entry-level field. It's not out to dissect the music – it's out to make it.

Who is the N1 for?

For anyone who wants to fit an entry-level turntable – above all the Clearaudio compass – with a clean MM, or replace a bundled system. Plain talk: if you're already running a good moving coil on an MC phono stage, the N1 will feel like a step backward, not an upgrade. And if you're after finer groove tracing, you'll only find it further up the range, where ebony bodies and tighter channel balance come into play. As an uncomplicated everyday cartridge, though, the N1 is hard to beat.

Our verdict

A thoroughly solid entry-level MM with an extra that's rare in this class: the replaceable stylus unit. Which turntable and which phono stage suit it in your setup is something we'll sort out at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil in a two-minute phone call – you won't even have to stop the record.

Technical data

• Type: Moving Magnet (MM), High Output
• Output voltage: approx. 2.9 mV (1 kHz / 5 cm/s)
• Stylus profile: elliptical
• Cantilever: aluminum
• Stylus unit: replaceable, Quick-Swap system
• Housing: anodized aluminum, black
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Channel separation: 20 dB (1 kHz)
• Channel balance: ≤ 2 dB (1 kHz)
• Tracking ability: 80 µm
• Recommended tracking force: 2.2 g (± 0.3 g)
• Stylus compliance: 15 µm/mN
• Coil impedance: 0.66 kΩ (1 kHz)
• Coil inductance: 400 mH
• Load: 47 kΩ / 100 pF
• Weight: 12.5 g (± 0.2 g)
• Matching replacement stylus: Clearaudio N1 (MM016/EN)

Frequently asked questions

Does the N1 need a special phono stage?

No. The N1 is a moving magnet system with around 2.9 mV output voltage and runs on any MM phono input with 47 kΩ – whether built into an amplifier or as a separate phono box. An MC-capable stage or a step-up transformer isn't needed.

Can I change the N1's stylus myself?

Yes. The N1 is the only Clearaudio MM model with a Quick-Swap stylus system, which according to the manufacturer lets you change the stylus unit even while it's mounted. That's not possible with the larger V2 systems – those are sent in for a stylus change. Still, quickly check the tracking force after swapping.

Does the N1 fit my turntable?

It's matched to the Clearaudio compass, but thanks to its standard mount it fits a great many common tonearms. At 12.5 grams it's comparatively heavy, which can push very light arms to their limit. Tell us your turntable and we'll let you know beforehand whether it'll be a good match.

Where does the N1 sit in Clearaudio's MM lineup?

Right at the bottom – as the entry point below the Concept V2. It shares the elliptical diamond on an aluminum cantilever with the smaller V2 models, but sits in an aluminum housing and measures a bit coarser at 20 dB channel separation. Further up, the models differ mainly in cantilever material and stylus profile.

Why buy the N1 from HD Zürisee?

Because we'll tell you honestly whether the N1 is worth it on your turntable or whether another system is a better fit – and we handle installation properly. Our technician Mauri sets tracking force and azimuth correctly, and as an authorized Clearaudio dealer we handle warranty matters properly.

Goes well with

You'll find matching electronics among our phono preamps, and the matching arm under tonearms. Brushes, scales and adjustment aids are available under turntable accessories, more cartridges for comparison under cartridges.