Clearaudio Smart Matrix Silent + Cover, Silver

The Clearaudio Smart Matrix Silent + Cover is a record cleaning machine with single-sided wet cleaning, delivered including the matching acrylic cover.

This order number refers to the silver machine with cover – in other words the set, not the bare base unit. Underneath, it runs the same technology as all Smart Matrix Silent models: multifunction arm, integrated pump, record clamp, sound-insulated extraction turbine.

Why silver with cover?

Silver, because the unit looks less like a workshop tool next to light-coloured equipment and racks. Cover, because when washing records cleanliness is never a side issue: whatever dust settles on the brush and vacuum arm between two uses otherwise ends up in the wet groove at the next wash. The cover takes that worry off your hands, with no maintenance effort at all.

What you get

Machine and cover in one box, plus clamp, adapter and a starter supply of cleaning fluid. The platter turns in both directions, so the brush reaches the dirt from two angles. Extraction is thorough and quiet; afterwards the record is dry, the background quieter, and noticeably less statically charged.

Who is the Smart Matrix Silent + Cover in silver for?

For collectors with a fixed spot who want to look after their equipment rather than dust it off every time. Straight talk: anyone who has to get through big stacks quickly should reach for a machine that washes both sides – here you flip the record. And the collection tank holds around half a litre, so it needs an eye kept on it during long sessions.

Our verdict

The most rounded package in the Smart Matrix family: quiet, cleanly built, protected in storage. hifitest praised the series for its "excellent build quality" and "trouble-free, quick-to-manage handling" (hifitest 3/2020). Whether silver or black suits your room is something we're happy to clarify in advance at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil – so no one has to send anything back afterwards.

Technical data

• Type: record cleaning machine, single-sided wet cleaning with vacuum extraction
• Special feature: incl. matching acrylic cover
• Process: apply fluid, brush, extract; flip to change 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, silver finish; cover made of acrylic
• Dimensions (W × D × H): approx. 345 × 345 × 250 mm with cover fitted (approx. 345 × 345 × 235 mm with record clamp)
• Weight: approx. 10.6 kg (unit)
• Warranty: 3 years on timely registration
• What's included: fully assembled machine, acrylic cover, 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

Is the cover really included with this silver variant?

Yes. With "Smart Matrix Silent + Cover, Silver" the acrylic cover is part of the scope of delivery. Without the cover, the product is simply called "Smart Matrix Silent, Silver". Watch for this addition when ordering, so the right one of the four variants ends up in your cart.

Does it clean one side or both sides of a record?

One side per pass, then you flip the record by hand. Cleaning both sides in a single wash is handled at clearaudio by the smart double matrix and the Double Matrix Professional Sonic. In return, the Smart Matrix Silent is more compact, quieter and considerably cheaper to run.

How much space do I need for the unit?

With the cover fitted, around 345 × 345 × 250 millimetres; without the cover and with the record clamp, around 345 × 345 × 235 millimetres. Allow a bit of clearance on the sides so the multifunction arm can move freely and you can easily reach the collection tank.

Which cleaning fluid goes in it?

Included is 500 millilitres of Groove Care, clearaudio's alcohol-free variant. Alternatively there's Pure Groove with isopropanol, which is stronger against greasy soiling. Shellac records need Pure Groove Shellac – the other fluids aren't intended for that.

Why buy the Clearaudio Smart Matrix Silent in silver with cover at HD Zürisee?

Because we've lived and breathed vinyl for decades and can tell you when the cover pays off and when the base unit is enough. You'll get your supply of fluid and microfibre strips from us, and service too. Contact us: +41 44 680 22 00, WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls), shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Goes well with

So the clean record also sounds clean: record cleaning, turntable accessories, cartridges and everything vinyl.