Clearaudio Performance DC Turntable, Silver / Black

The Clearaudio Performance DC is a belt-drive turntable unit with a decoupled 12-volt DC motor, inverted ceramic magnetic bearing and a 40 mm POM platter – this version with silver aluminium plates on a black plinth.

The drive unit is delivered alone. You decide tonearm and cartridge yourself, and that's not a gap but the concept: the base lasts long enough that you can comfortably upgrade the arm twice.

Why the Performance DC?

Because interference has been designed out at every point. The DC motor is mounted decoupled and works via a ground flat belt so its vibrations don't migrate into the plinth. The bearing is built inverted, with a polished ceramic spindle in a sintered-bronze bushing, magnetically relieved by the patented CMB system. And the mass of the 40 mm POM platter keeps the speed to 0.05 percent wow and flutter – measured, not claimed.

What you get

A drive unit with a bright top and bottom plate over a dark plinth – the version that's still visible on a dark rack yet doesn't look loud. Included are the platter, aluminium sub-platter, flat belt, plug-in power supply, bearing oil, grounding cable and mounting tools. The tonearm mount is designed as an interchangeable base and accepts almost any common 9-inch arm.

Who is the Performance DC for?

For collectors who see their system as a modular kit and value choosing each component individually. Plain talk: if you expect a turnkey device with the arm and stylus already fitted, reach for the Clearaudio Concept instead – otherwise, alignment work awaits right after unboxing. We take care of that for you, though.

Our verdict

Solid engineering rather than showmanship: a drive unit you set up properly once and then use for twenty years – including a 78 rpm speed for old shellac. FIDELITY's verdict read: “Sonically, it doesn't need to hide behind top-class components either.” (No. 41, 2019). Which arm suits the cartridge you want, we'll quickly work out with you at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil.

Technical specifications

• Type: turntable drive unit, belt drive – without tonearm and cartridge
• Motor: decoupled 12 V DC motor, electronically regulated
• Drive: ground flat belt onto aluminium sub-platter
• Bearing: inverted, ground and polished ceramic spindle, sintered-bronze running bushing, patented magnetic bearing (CMB)
• Platter: 40 mm solid POM, with aluminium sub-platter
• Speeds: 33 1/3, 45 and 78 rpm, electronically switchable via button
• Wow and flutter: 0.05 %
• Fine speed adjustment: three trimmers on the rear
• Plinth construction: resonance-optimised, high-density wood chassis in sandwich construction between two aluminium plates
• Finish: Silver aluminium plates / Black plinth
• Tonearm mount: interchangeable mount for almost all commercially available 9-inch tonearms
• Recommended tonearms: Satisfy Kardan Aluminium, Tracer, TT5 (incl. swing base)
• Power supply: plug-in power supply for worldwide use on all mains voltages and frequencies; optional upgrade to Clearaudio Professional Power 12V or smart power 12V
• Power consumption: max. 3.3 W, operating 1.6 W, off 0.0 W
• Matching dust cover: AC104 (radial tonearm) / AC104/TT5 (with TT5)
• Dimensions (W × H × D): approx. 420 × 125 × 330 mm (without tonearm)
• Weight: approx. 11.0 kg
• Model no.: TT040/S/B
• Warranty: 5 years if registered within 14 days
• Included: drive unit body with motor, bearing top part, aluminium sub-platter, platter, flat belt, plug-in power supply, bearing oil, hex keys, grounding cable, gloves, quality and warranty card – tonearm and cartridge not included

Frequently asked questions

Does the Performance DC come with a tonearm and cartridge?

No. This page shows the bare drive unit. Clearaudio also offers the Performance DC as a complete package with a pre-mounted tonearm and cartridge – here you get the base and choose arm and cartridge freely. The interchangeable mount accepts almost any commercially available 9-inch tonearm.

What do the two colour names in the title mean?

The first names the aluminium top and bottom plates, the second the plinth in between. In this version the metal plates are silver and the plinth is black. The plinth is a high-density wood chassis that sits in sandwich construction between the aluminium plates and damps resonance.

What speeds does the Performance DC manage?

33 1/3, 45 and 78 revolutions per minute, electronically switchable via a button. So shellac records play without an extra platter or belt change, you just need a suitable 78 rpm stylus. Fine adjustment of all three speeds is done via trimmers on the rear, and wow and flutter is 0.05 percent.

Does the Performance DC need a better power supply?

That's not necessary. The included plug-in power supply reliably powers the 12-volt DC motor and works worldwide on all mains voltages. Anyone looking for more quiet in the drive later on can switch to the Clearaudio Professional Power 12V or the smart power 12V – both are designed exactly for the Performance DC series.

Why buy the Performance DC at HD Zürisee?

Because the drive unit is only half the job. We look for the right arm with you, a cartridge that harmonises with it and the correct phono stage, set everything up cleanly and, if you like, deliver right into your living room. Reach us on +41 44 680 22 00, via WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Pairs well with

Tonearms are under Tonearms, cartridges under Cartridges, and the phono stage under Phono Preamps. Everything about the record itself is gathered under All About Vinyl and in Turntable Accessories.