Clearaudio TT3 Tangential-Tonarm + DSW 1.0 m, Black

The Clearaudio TT3 with DSW is a purely mechanical Tangential-Tonarm that is wired continuously at the factory with the Direct Silver Wire cable – this version in black, with 1.0 meter cable length and MPC RCA connectors.

Important to understand: you don't get a loose cable in the box here, but an arm whose signal line runs continuously from the factory, from the cartridge all the way to the RCA connector. A connector transition under the base is thus eliminated entirely – exactly the point where a sensitive phono signal would otherwise have to change hands for the first time.

Why the TT3 with DSW wiring?

DSW stands for Direct Silver Wire, the higher-grade of the two factory-available direct wirings; the second is called Sixstream Super Wire (SSW) and uses OFC copper instead of silver. The silver conductor runs continuously and is terminated with MPC RCA. The 1.0-meter version is the right choice when the phono stage and turntable are in the same rack or directly next to each other: a short path, no coiled-up excess behind the furniture. The arm itself remains the familiar TT3 – precision ball bearings in a polished glass tube, carbon arm tube with stainless steel headshell, integrated height adjustment, four pre-mounted counterweights.

What you hear

The same calm, deeply layered imaging right into the inner groove as with the TT3 with jacks – just without the question of whether your self-chosen cable ends up being the weakest link in the chain. Fine details keep their space, the soundstage stays stable across the entire side of the record.

Who is the TT3 with DSW suited for?

For anyone who wants to start without hunting for a cable and whose phono stage is close to the turntable. Plain talk: the direct wiring is a commitment – simply plugging in a different cable later doesn't work here, that's what the base version with RCA jacks is for. And like every tangential arm, this one also needs an exactly level, low-vibration placement, otherwise even the best wiring won't help much.

Our verdict

The consistent variant: one signal path, no connector junction, ready-made and terminated. At 1.0 meter it suits compact setups where the turntable and phono stage stand together – anyone needing to bridge more distance takes the 1.5-meter version. That the arm itself is beyond doubt is confirmed by LowBeats: 4.6 out of 5 points and the rating "outstanding" – LowBeats, June 8, 2025. Whether the length is enough for your setup, we'll quickly work out with you at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil before you order.

Technical data

• Type: Tangential-Tonarm with patented two-point tangential guidance
• Drive: purely mechanical and passive – no motor, no servo, no air pump
• Bearings: dry-running precision ball bearings in a calibrated, polished glass tube
• Arm tube / headshell: high-precision carbon arm tube / stainless steel
• Wiring: continuous factory direct wiring with Direct Silver Wire (DSW), silver conductor
• Cable length: 1.0 m
• Connectors: MPC RCA, separate ground cable
• Factory alternatives available: DSW in 1.5 m, Sixstream Super Wire (SSW) in 1.0 or 1.5 m, or base version with RCA jacks
• Height adjustment (VTA): integrated, fine-adjustable via height adjustment screw; 10 mm height adapter pre-mounted, 14.5 mm included
• Tangential alignment: by rotating the folding base
• Overhang / offset angle: 0 mm / 0° – no anti-skating by design
• Cartridge weight: balance range 5.5–15 g; Clearaudio recommends from 7 g net weight upward, below that with an additional headshell plate
• Counterweights: four pieces, pre-mounted (2.3 g, 2.6 g, 4.3 g, 8 g)
• Effective mass: not stated by Clearaudio
• Material: aluminum (black), stainless steel, glass
• Dimensions (W × D × H): approx. 275 × 95 × 45 mm (without folding base and height adjustment screw)
• Weight: approx. 690 g (without armboard); armboard approx. 245 g
• Mounting: directly on Clearaudio Performance DC, Ovation and Innovation series; on third-party turntables via the drilling template in the manual (3.3 mm drill, M4 thread)
• Alignment reference: optimal distance from stylus to the center of the headshell carriage 62 mm
• Warranty: 5 years upon registration within 14 days of purchase
• Scope of delivery: tonearm with pre-mounted carriage and factory-wired DSW cable (1.0 m, MPC RCA), carbon arm tube and stainless steel headshell with four pre-mounted counterweights (2.3 / 2.6 / 4.3 / 8 g), aluminum folding base with pre-mounted 10 mm height adapter and M4 × 40 screws, additional 14.5 mm height adapter, three M4 × 30 mounting screws, four hex keys (1.5 / 2 / 2.5 / 3 mm), Clearaudio linear gauge, ground cable, Clearaudio mini spirit level, one pair of white gloves

Frequently asked questions

What does DSW stand for on the TT3?

DSW stands for Direct Silver Wire, Clearaudio's directly wired silver conductor for the TT tonearms. It runs continuously at the factory from the cartridge to the connector and is terminated with MPC RCA. It's offered in 1.0 and 1.5 meters; the more affordable alternative is called Sixstream Super Wire, or SSW for short, with an OFC copper conductor.

Do I need an additional tonearm cable?

No. This version is fully wired and terminated at the factory – you plug the two RCA connectors directly into your phono stage and attach the ground wire. A separate phono cable is completely unnecessary, as is the question of which one would suit the arm. An adapter isn't needed either.

Is 1.0 meter of cable length enough for my setup?

If the turntable and phono stage are in the same rack or directly next to each other, yes. Measure the path from the base of the tonearm to the input jacks and add a bit of reserve for cable routing. If it gets tight, the 1.5-meter version is the safe choice – a cable that's too short can't be extended.

Can I swap the DSW cable later?

Not on the fly. The line is deliberately wired continuously, so there's no connector junction under the base where you could attach a different cable. Anyone who wants to keep this freedom open chooses the base version of the TT3 with a pair of RCA jacks and ground terminal.

What is the effective mass of this tonearm?

Clearaudio does not state an effective mass for the TT3. The value comes from the world of pivoted tonearms and can't be cleanly transferred to a tangentially guided carriage. Instead of calculating, we match cartridge and arm using stylus compliance and empirical values – just get in touch with your desired cartridge model.

Why buy the TT3 with DSW from HD Zürisee?

Because the choice between jacks, DSW and SSW, and between the two lengths, should be made correctly once – it can hardly be corrected afterward. We go through your setup with you, mount and align the arm, and remain available as an authorized Clearaudio dealer. Phone +41 44 680 22 00, WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls).

Goes well with

The matching cartridge can be found under Cartridges, its counterpart at the other end of the cable under Phono Preamps. Also: Turntables, more Tonearms, and small parts in Turntable Accessories.