Clearaudio Smart Matrix Silent, Silver

The Clearaudio Smart Matrix Silent is a record cleaning machine that wet-cleans one side of a record and then draws the applied fluid, along with the dissolved dirt, back off via an extraction arm.

Here you get the silver version of the base unit, without the acrylic cover. Anyone wanting the cover included in the package right away should choose the "Smart Matrix Silent + Cover" variant. Technically both are identical: multifunction arm, integrated pump, record clamp with label protection.

Why the Smart Matrix Silent?

Because it solves the problem that record washing at home otherwise gets stuck on: the noise. The extraction turbine sits sound-insulated inside the housing instead of roaring freely into the room. The platter runs clockwise and counter-clockwise, so the brush reaches the groove from both angles – important against release agent that's been sitting in the record since the pressing plant.

What you get

Silver has the practical side effect that dust shows up less on it than on black – you still have to look for it though, because cleanliness is half the job when washing. Washing is done side by side, and you flip in between. Afterwards the record is dry right away, the crackle noticeably quieter and the background calmer.

Who is the Smart Matrix Silent for?

For grown collections and for people who pounce at flea markets. Straight talk: anyone who regularly gets through thirty records in one go will eventually get tired of flipping – that's what the two-sided models smart double matrix and Double Matrix Professional Sonic are for. And without fresh microfibre strips, cleaning performance drops noticeably.

Our verdict

Cleanly built, quiet in operation, no fuss in handling. The specialist magazine hifitest summed it up like this: "clearaudio's currently smallest record cleaning machine shines with excellent build quality, a wealth of well-thought-out details and trouble-free, quick-to-manage handling" (hifitest 3/2020). Which version suits your room is something we can clarify in a five-minute phone call at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil.

Technical data

• Type: record cleaning machine, single-sided wet cleaning with vacuum extraction
• 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
• 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 silver version come with a cover?

No. This offer is the base unit in silver without the acrylic cover. If you want the cover from the start, order "Clearaudio Smart Matrix Silent + Cover" in silver or black instead. Retrofitting later is possible, as clearaudio sells the cover separately.

Does it wash one side or both sides?

One side per pass. You place the record, let it wash and extract, flip it over and repeat. If you want both sides in a single wash, the smart double matrix or the Double Matrix Professional Sonic are the shorter route.

Does the machine disturb the evening in an apartment?

As a rule, no. clearaudio doesn't publish a dB figure, but does encase the extraction turbine with sound insulation. hifitest called the extraction level living-room friendly in 2020, unproblematic even late at night with thin walls. It's not a whisper, but it's not a vacuum cleaner either.

How many records can I get through in one go?

This is mainly limited by the tanks: around 0.4 litres of cleaning fluid and around 0.5 litres of collection volume. clearaudio doesn't state a fixed upper limit per session. In practice this means: during longer wash sessions, keeping an eye on the collection tank is part of the routine.

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

Because we tell you beforehand which of the four Smart Matrix variants you actually need, instead of leaving you to guess. Plus spare parts, fluids and a technician on site. Get in touch: +41 44 680 22 00, WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Goes well with

What else makes sense around the wash: record cleaning for fluids and spare covers, turntable accessories for clamps and brushes, as well as turntables and cartridges.