Clearaudio TT5 Tangential Tonearm, Black

The Clearaudio TT5 is a linear tangential tonearm that guides the stylus purely mechanically and without a motor, parallel to the groove – here in the black version.

Because the arm runs tangentially alongside the record, the stylus sits at a 90-degree angle in every groove: no tracking angle error, no skating forces. The TT5 is Clearaudio's compact entry point into this technology – the same construction philosophy as the larger arms, just more manageable and, at around 520 g, considerably lighter.

Why the Clearaudio TT5?

The sled runs on dry-running high-precision ball bearings in a polished glass tube, driven solely by the force of the stylus – no motor, no pump, no electronics. It's mounted via an aluminium clamping ring that holds the system steady. Less mechanics in the signal path ultimately means simply: more music and less extraneous noise.

What you hear

Geometrically error-free tracking right into the very last inner groove – exactly where pivoted tonearms increasingly distort. Voices and piano stand calm and sorted in the room, and the sound image stays composed even at the end of the record. No nervousness, no harshness, no wavering in the peaks.

Who is the Clearaudio TT5 suited for?

For analogue listeners who want to leave the drawbacks of the pivoted tonearm behind without reaching straight for the upper class. Plainly put: the TT5 is moved solely by the pull of the groove – that demands an absolutely level turntable on a stable base. Anyone who places their turntable by feel on a wonky shelf won't be happy with it. It's designed for cartridges from 7 g of own weight upward; lighter ones need one of the included additional weights.

Our verdict

The TT5 is the most sensible way to bring tangential technology into your home: compact, low-maintenance and manageable to set up. It rewards care in placement with a neutrality you'd otherwise pay considerably more for. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, we check in advance whether it fits your turntable – and then set it up for you cleanly.

"The Clearaudio TT5 sounds exactly how I'd expect a tangential arm to sound: very tidy and neutral, with clarity, accuracy and a clean line." – FIDELITY, Clearaudio TT5 review, 2017

Technical data

• Design: linear tangential tonearm, purely mechanical and passive drive
• Bearings: dry-running high-precision ball bearings on the sled, guided in a polished glass tube
• Cartridge: adjustable from 5.5 to 15.0 g; designed for cartridges from 7 g of own weight (lighter ones with additional weight)
• Effective mass: not stated by Clearaudio
• Mounting: aluminium clamping ring; tonearm mounting hole available on request. Fixed base – the pivoting Swing Base is available as a separate version
• Signal cable: 1.1 m Clearaudio Super Sixstream, fitted with RCA
• Material / finish: black aluminium, stainless steel, glass
• Weight: approx. 520 g (without aluminium clamping ring); clamping ring approx. 65 g
• Dimensions (W × D × H): approx. 200 × 140 × 140 mm, including headshell
• Manufacturer's warranty: 5 years with registration of the warranty card within 14 days
• Included in delivery: pre-assembled tonearm with carbon headshell, aluminium clamping ring, Allen key, additional weights from 2.3 to 8.0 g, Clearaudio mini level gauge, gloves, signal cable

Frequently asked questions

Does the Clearaudio TT5 need an air pump or power?

No. The TT5 works purely mechanically and passively – the dry-running ball bearings are moved solely by the groove's guidance. That saves space, avoids pump noise, and makes the arm low-maintenance and insensitive to electrical interference. With this arm, only the turntable itself needs power.

Does the Clearaudio TT5 fit my turntable?

Thanks to its compact design and mounting via the aluminium clamping ring, the TT5 fits many Clearaudio turntables and quite a few third-party makes; Clearaudio provides the tonearm mounting hole dimensions on request. What matters is a stable base and an exactly level setup. Tell us your turntable model and we'll check its suitability.

What's the difference between the TT5 and the version with Swing Base?

Nothing technical about the arm itself. The Swing Base is an additional, pivoting mount that attaches to the tonearm base and lets you swing the arm aside for cueing. We carry this version as a separate product. Sonically, the two variants give nothing away to each other.

Does Clearaudio state an effective mass for the TT5?

No, Clearaudio doesn't publish this figure for its tangential tonearms. We therefore deliberately leave out a number rather than guessing one. For choosing a cartridge, compliance, tracking force and cartridge weight are more helpful – tell us the cartridge you have in mind and we'll assess the combination for you.

Why buy the Clearaudio TT5 at HD Zürisee?

Because a tangential arm lives and dies by precise levelling, and the setup decides the sound. Our technician Mauri sets up the TT5 for you precisely in Wädenswil; we check its suitability for your turntable in advance and take care of service and warranty afterwards. Advice at 044 680 22 00.

Goes well with

You'll find matching cartridges from 7 g of own weight under Cartridges, the turntable to go with it under Turntables, and the amplification under Phono Preamps. The version with Swing Base and more arms are listed under Tonearms, the whole analogue range under All Things Vinyl.