Clearaudio TT2 Tangential-Tonarm, Black

The Clearaudio TT2 is a tangentially guided tonearm that leads the stylus parallel to the groove purely mechanically and without a motor – here in the black finish.

Because the arm moves tangentially along, the stylus sits at a 90-degree angle to the groove everywhere: no tracking error angle, no skating forces. The TT2 is the significantly more massive step-up over the compact TT3 – around 2000 g of arm instead of just under 700 g, and you notice that in the smoothness of operation.

Why the Clearaudio TT2?

The carriage runs on two dry-running high-precision ball bearings in a calibrated, polished glass tube – moved solely by the force of the stylus, entirely without motor, pump or electronics. Clearaudio spends around 40 hours building a single unit. You notice this in the height adjustment, which sets precisely and without fuss: no wobble, no re-adjusting after two weeks.

What you hear

Geometrically error-free tracking right into the innermost grooves – exactly where pivoted tonearms decline sonically. Add to that the calm that comes from mass: deep, controlled bass, an image that doesn't waver even with powerful dynamic swings, and voices that stay cleanly in their place.

Who is the Clearaudio TT2 for?

For analog listeners with a massive, high-quality turntable who want to leave the physical disadvantages of pivoted tonearms behind for good. Plain talk: at around 2000 g and with its purely passive operation, the TT2 demands a stable base and an absolutely level setup – even the slightest tilt disturbs the centering. And it wants to see cartridges from 7 g of net weight upward; lighter cartridges need an add-on weight. Anyone unwilling to bring this level of care is better served, honestly, by a good pivoted tonearm.

Our verdict

The TT2 isn't an arm for casual use, but a deliberate decision for uncompromising tracking geometry. Anyone who levels their turntable properly and treats it to the right cartridge gets a poise that's not easily given up again. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, we'll set it up for you – and tell you honestly beforehand whether your turntable is the right base for it.

Technical data

• Design: Tangential-Tonarm, purely mechanical and passive drive
• Bearings: two dry-running high-precision ball bearings in a calibrated, polished glass tube
• Cartridges: adjustable from 5.5 to 15.0 g; designed for cartridges from 7 g net weight (lighter ones with add-on weight)
• Effective mass: not stated by Clearaudio
• Height adjustment / VTA: via the VTA screw on the tonearm, armboard with lockable support rods
• Signal cable: 2 m Clearaudio Super Sixstream, terminated with MPC RCA
• Material / finish: aluminum in black, stainless steel, glass
• Armboard mounting hole: on request
• Weight: approx. 2000 g (without armboard); armboard approx. 245 g
• Dimensions (W × D × H): approx. 300 × 110 × 65 mm (without folding base and height adjustment screw)
• Manufacturing: approx. 40 hours assembly time per arm
• Manufacturer's warranty: 5 years upon registering the warranty card within 14 days
• Scope of delivery: tonearm, armboard made of Dural aluminum, height adapter, silver carbon headshell, five counterweights, alignment protractor, four hex keys, gloves, signal cable

Frequently asked questions

Does the Clearaudio TT2 need an air pump or power?

No, the TT2 works purely mechanically and passively. Two dry-running high-precision ball bearings glide in a calibrated glass tube, moved solely by the pull of the groove. There's no motor, no pump and no electronics – that saves space, avoids pump noise, and makes the arm immune to electrical interference.

Which cartridges fit the Clearaudio TT2?

Clearaudio states an adjustable range of 5.5 to 15.0 grams; the arm is designed for cartridges from 7 grams net weight upward. Lighter cartridges can be accommodated with an add-on weight between the headshell and cartridge. We're happy to work out together with you which cartridge fits your system sonically.

Does Clearaudio state an effective mass for the TT2?

No, Clearaudio doesn't publish an effective mass for its Tangential-Tonarme. We deliberately don't enter a value here rather than guess. For the question of whether your desired cartridge harmonizes with the TT2, what counts anyway is compliance, tracking force and the weight of the cartridge – tell us your model and we'll assess it for you.

How do I maintain the Clearaudio TT2?

Clearaudio specifies cleaning only the glass tube – a soft, dry cloth is enough. Oil or lubricant must never get into the precision bearings, as that would damage them. Otherwise, the arm is low-maintenance: keep it dust-free, keep it properly leveled, done. The TT2 rewards you with consistent smoothness of operation.

Why buy the Clearaudio TT2 from HD Zürisee?

Because a Tangential-Tonarm lives by exact leveling and clean alignment – setup is what determines the sound. Our technician Mauri sets up your TT2 precisely in Wädenswil, we check its suitability for your turntable beforehand, and remain available for service and warranty afterwards. Call us: 044 680 22 00.

Goes well with

The matching cartridge from 7 g net weight upward can be found under Cartridges, the matching turntable under Turntables, and the necessary amplification under Phono Preamps. More arms are found under Tonearms, the full analog range under All Vinyl.