Clearaudio Smart Matrix Silent, Black

The Clearaudio Smart Matrix Silent is a record cleaning machine that wet-cleans one side of a record at a time and then draws the fluid back off via a vacuum arm.

This version is the base unit in the black housing – without the acrylic cover. Anyone wanting the cover included right away should choose the "Smart Matrix Silent + Cover" variant. Otherwise everything is identical: a multifunction arm for application and extraction, an integrated pump, and a record clamp that keeps the label dry.

Why the Smart Matrix Silent?

Because of the word in the middle of the name. Clearaudio specifically insulates the extraction turbine against noise – and that's exactly where most record cleaning machines fail: they clean impeccably while sounding like a wet-vac in the stairwell. Add to that the platter's clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation, which guides the brush through the groove from both directions, including against release-agent residue left over from the pressing plant.

What you get

A machine that washes one side per pass – flipping the record is manual work. In return, the noise level stays living-room friendly, and the record is dry right after extraction. The result: less static crackle, a quieter background, and the stylus working in a clean groove instead of a sanded one.

Who is the Smart Matrix Silent for?

For collections of a few hundred records and up, and for anyone regularly buying used. Straight talk: it washes one side at a time. Anyone working through stacks at speed and not keen on flipping is better served by the smart double matrix or the Double Matrix Professional Sonic. And the microfibre strips on the extraction arm are wear parts – anyone who never replaces them is just spreading the dirt around.

Our verdict

The most sensible way to wet-clean vinyl without the rest of the household leaving the room. hifitest noted in its review: "both machines extract at perfectly living-room-friendly levels, no problem at all even late in the evening with thin walls" (hifitest 3/2020). At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, it's our standard recommendation for anyone washing records properly for the first time.

Technical data

• Type: record cleaning machine, single-sided wet cleaning with vacuum extraction
• Process: apply fluid, brush, extract; flip to clean the other side
• Turntable: clockwise and counter-clockwise rotation
• Fluid application: automated via integrated pump
• Noise: sound-insulated extraction turbine (Clearaudio states no dB figure)
• Record formats: 12, 10 and 7 inch (single adapter included)
• Tanks: approx. 0.4 L cleaning fluid, approx. 0.5 L collection tank
• Max. power consumption: approx. 300 W (0.0 W when switched off)
• Housing: MDF, black finish
• Dimensions (W × D × H): approx. 345 × 345 × 235 mm with record clamp
• Weight: approx. 10.6 kg
• Cover: not included (available separately)
• Warranty: 3 years on timely registration
• What's included: fully assembled machine, record clamp, single adapter, filling funnel, IEC power cable, 2 spare microfibre strips, 500 ml Groove Care, cap for the fluid tank, tube plug, warranty card

Frequently asked questions

Does this variant come with a cover?

No. This is the base unit in black; the acrylic cover isn't included. If you want it from the start, choose the "Clearaudio Smart Matrix Silent + Cover" variant in black or silver. Retrofitting is also possible, as Clearaudio sells the cover as a separate accessory.

Does the Smart Matrix Silent clean both sides of a record at once?

No, it cleans one side at a time. After the first pass, you flip the record by hand and wash the second side. Only the smart double matrix and the Double Matrix Professional Sonic work both sides in a single wash at Clearaudio.

How loud is the Smart Matrix Silent?

Clearaudio doesn't state a decibel figure, but specifically insulates the extraction turbine against noise. In practice, that means you can hold a normal conversation in the same room while it's extracting. hifitest described the level as living-room friendly in 2020, even late at night with thin walls.

Can I also wash singles and 10-inch records?

Yes. According to the manual, the machine is designed for 12, 10 and 7-inch records, and the single adapter for the large centre hole is included. Shellac records need their own fluid: Groove Care isn't intended for that, Clearaudio offers Pure Groove Shellac for it.

Why buy the Clearaudio Smart Matrix Silent at HD Zürisee?

Because we've worked with record cleaning machines for years and tell you honestly whether single-sided washing suits your pace or whether a Double Matrix would be the better choice. We'll set you up and keep you supplied with replacement strips. Call us: +41 44 680 22 00, WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Goes well with

Everything around a clean groove: record cleaning for fluids, brushes and spare microfibre covers, plus turntables, cartridges and turntable accessories.