Clearaudio TT3 Tangential Tonearm + SSW 1.0 m, Silver

The Clearaudio TT3 is a tangential tonearm that guides the stylus purely mechanically along a straight line across the record – this version in silver, factory-wired with 1.0 m of Sixstream Super Wire (SSW).

A classic pivoted tonearm traces an arc, yet the groove runs straight inward. The TT3 resolves this old contradiction without any electronics at all: a sled carries the headshell tangentially across the record, driven solely by the pull of the groove. No tracking angle error, no skating force, no power supply.

Why the TT3 with Sixstream Super Wire?

Because you get a matched pair instead of two separate parts that still have to find each other. The Sixstream Super Wire – listed by Clearaudio in its accessories range as Super Sixstream – is symmetrically built, uses twisted OFC copper strands with Teflon insulation and has very low resistance; the manufacturer explicitly names it as the partner cable for the TT arms. In this version it comes in 1.0 metre, factory hard-wired and fitted with MPC RCA connectors. The arm glides on dry-running ball bearings inside a calibrated, polished glass tube; armtube in high-precision carbon, headshell in stainless steel, VTA built in and fine-tunable during play. The silver aluminium suits light-coloured turntables without pushing itself into the foreground. Alternatively, the same construction is available with the silver-conducting Direct Silver Wire (DSW), also factory-wired.

What you hear

You'll notice the biggest difference exactly where things usually get tight: in the inner groove. Instead of increasing harshness, voices and strings stay cleanly sorted right up to the run-out groove. Add to that a deep, calm soundstage and a fine dynamic that lets small transient noises stand out instead of smoothing them away.

Who is the TT3 suited for?

For anyone who wants to hear their record collection with geometric correctness right to the last bar, and who owns a turntable that stands calm and level. Plainly put: the TT3 doesn't forgive any tilt. Without clean levelling the sled won't move freely, and then not even the best cable will help. Anyone running their turntable on a wobbly sideboard should talk about surface and decoupling first. Anyone who wants to run a Clearaudio turntable anyway gets the short route to that goal here.

Our verdict

Fine mechanics instead of marketing: the TT3 solves a problem that most tonearms simply manage around. That it arrives fully wired with the matching Sixstream Super Wire saves you a purchase decision and a connector transition. The trade press judges: "The coarse and fine dynamics were and are sensational, the accuracy on good records is simply exquisite." – LowBeats, 8 June 2025 (overall rating 4.6 out of 5, "outstanding"). At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil we'll tell you in advance whether your turntable plays along.

Technical data

• Type: tangential tonearm with patented two-point tangential guidance
• Drive: purely mechanical and passive – tracking driven solely by the stylus, no motor, no air pump, no power
• Bearings: dry-running ball bearings in a calibrated, polished glass tube
• Armtube / headshell: high-precision carbon armtube / stainless steel
• Wiring: factory hard-wired with Sixstream Super Wire (SSW) – symmetrical construction, twisted OFC copper strands, Teflon insulation
• Cable length: 1.0 m
• Connectors: MPC RCA, separate ground cable
• Factory alternatives available: SSW in 1.5 m, Direct Silver Wire (DSW) in 1.0 or 1.5 m, or base version with RCA sockets
• Height adjustment (VTA): built in, fine-tunable during play; 10 mm height adapter pre-fitted, 14.5 mm included
• Overhang / offset angle: 0 mm / 0° – by design, without anti-skating
• Cartridge weight: balance range 5.5–15 g; Clearaudio recommends from 7 g net weight, below that with an additional headshell plate
• Counterweights: four, pre-fitted (2.3 g, 2.6 g, 4.3 g, 8 g)
• Effective mass: not stated by Clearaudio
• Material and finish: silver aluminium, stainless steel, glass
• Dimensions (W × D × H): approx. 275 × 95 × 45 mm (without folding base, without height adjustment screw)
• Weight: approx. 690 g (without tonearm base); tonearm base approx. 245 g
• Setup reference: optimal distance from stylus to centre of headshell sled 62 mm
• Mounting: direct fit on Clearaudio Performance DC, Ovation and Innovation series; other turntables via the drilling template in the manual (3.3 mm drill bit, M4 thread)
• Special feature: foldable base for free access to the platter
• Warranty: 5-year manufacturer's warranty with registration within 14 days
• Included in delivery: TT3 with pre-fitted sled and factory-wired SSW cable (1.0 m, MPC RCA), carbon armtube and stainless steel headshell with four pre-fitted counterweights (2.3 / 2.6 / 4.3 / 8 g), folding aluminium base with pre-fitted 10 mm height adapter and M4 × 40 screws, additional 14.5 mm height adapter, three M4 × 30 mounting screws, four Allen 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 SSW stand for, and how does it differ from DSW?

SSW refers to the Sixstream Super Wire this TT3 is factory-wired with: symmetrically built, twisted OFC copper strands with Teflon insulation, recommended by Clearaudio as the partner for the TT arms. DSW stands for Direct Silver Wire with a silver conductor. Both are hard-wired; DSW sits above it in price.

Why a tangential tonearm at all?

Because the groove is cut tangentially. A pivoted tonearm follows it on an arc and meets it exactly at only two points, with tracking angle error in between. The TT3 guides the stylus continuously parallel to the groove, generating no skating force you'd have to compensate for.

Is a cable length of 1.0 m enough?

In most cases, yes. One metre is enough as long as the phono stage sits in the same rack, right next to or under the turntable. If the signal has to travel across the room or into a second piece of furniture, choose the 1.5-metre version instead – the cable cannot be extended later.

Which cartridges can be mounted?

Anything between 5.5 and 15 grams of own weight can be balanced, with 7 grams and up recommended. Four counterweights from 2.3 to 8 grams come pre-fitted. Mounting in the tangential sled is trickier than on a pivoted tonearm – we're happy to take care of it for you.

What effective mass does the TT3 have?

Clearaudio does not publish a value for this. The figure describes pivoted tonearms swinging on an arc and doesn't apply to a tangentially guided sled. Whether your desired cartridge harmonises well with its stylus compliance is therefore something we work out from practical experience – just tell us your turntable and cartridge.

Why buy the TT3 at HD Zürisee?

Because this arm stands or falls with careful setup. Our experienced team sets up the base, tracking force and VTA, helps you choose the right cartridge, and takes care of service and warranty as an authorised Clearaudio dealer. Call us at +41 44 680 22 00 or write to shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Goes well with

You'll find matching cartridges under Cartridges, turntables under Turntables and the necessary amplification under Phono Preamps. Around the record, it's worth a look at All Things Vinyl and Tonearms.