Clearaudio TT2 Tangential-Tonarm, Silver

The Clearaudio TT2 is a tangentially guided tonearm that leads the stylus parallel to the groove purely mechanically and without a motor – this version in silver.

Instead of swinging in an arc across the record, the arm travels along in a perfectly straight line. The stylus therefore sits at a 90-degree angle to the groove everywhere: no tracking error angle, no skating forces. Compared to the compact TT3, the TT2 plays in a different weight class – around 2000 g instead of just under 700 g.

Why the Clearaudio TT2?

Two dry-running high-precision ball bearings guide the carriage through a calibrated, polished glass tube. The whole thing is driven solely by the pull of the stylus – no motor, no pump, no electronics that could hiss along. Around 40 hours of assembly time go into every single arm, and the silver aluminum shows every tolerance mercilessly. Here, there's none to show.

What you hear

Clean, geometrically correct tracking right into the last inner groove – exactly where pivoted tonearms shed feathers sonically. Add to that the composure that comes from mass: the bass stays deep and controlled, the soundstage well-sorted, and even fierce dynamic swings don't slide the sound picture off balance.

Who is the Clearaudio TT2 for?

For analog listeners with a massive, high-quality turntable who want to leave the physics of the pivoted tonearm behind for good. Plain talk: the TT2 is guided solely by the pull of the groove – that demands a stable base and an absolutely level setup, otherwise even the slightest tilt disturbs the centering. It's designed for cartridges from 7 g net weight upward; lighter cartridges need an add-on weight. Anyone who shies away from this care is honestly better off with a good pivoted tonearm.

Our verdict

The TT2 is a deliberate decision for uncompromising tracking geometry, not a casual upgrade. Given the foundation it demands, it plays with an effortlessness you'll be reluctant to give up again. We at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil clarify with you beforehand whether your turntable provides the right base for it – and then set it up cleanly for you.

Technical data

• Design: Tangential-Tonarm with purely mechanical, 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 from 7 g net weight upward, lighter cartridges with add-on weight
• Effective mass: not published by Clearaudio
• Height adjustment / VTA: 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 silver, 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, measured without folding base and height adjustment screw
• Manufacturing: around 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 work without power and without an air pump?

Yes, the TT2 is fully passive. The dry-running ball bearings are so free-moving that the groove guidance alone moves the carriage. No motor, no pump, no electronics – that saves space, avoids pump noise, and makes the arm immune to electrical interference in the signal path.

Which cartridges fit the Clearaudio TT2?

Clearaudio states an adjustable range of 5.5 to 15.0 grams; the arm is engineered for cartridges from 7 grams net weight upward. Lighter cartridges get an add-on weight between headshell and cartridge. We're happy to discuss calmly with you which cartridge suits your system and musical taste.

Does Clearaudio state an effective mass for the TT2?

No, Clearaudio doesn't publish this value for its Tangential-Tonarme. We deliberately don't write down a number here rather than guess. Whether a particular cartridge harmonizes can still be assessed well via compliance, tracking force and cartridge weight – tell us your desired model, and we'll clarify it.

How do I maintain the Clearaudio TT2?

Clearaudio specifies cleaning only the glass tube – a soft, dry cloth is entirely sufficient. Oil or lubricant never belong in the precision bearings, as they would damage them. Otherwise there's little to do: keep it dust-free, keep it level. That's exactly what keeps the smoothness of operation stable for years.

Why buy the Clearaudio TT2 from HD Zürisee?

Because with a Tangential-Tonarm, setup determines the sound, not the price tag. As a seasoned specialist team in Wädenswil, we level and align your TT2 precisely, check its suitability for your turntable, and take care of service and warranty afterwards. Message us on WhatsApp: 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls).

Goes well with

The matching cartridge from 7 g net weight upward can be found under Cartridges, the turntable for it under Turntables, the amplification under Phono Preamps. Alternatives are shown in the Tonearms overview, everything about vinyl under All Vinyl.