Clearaudio TT5 Tangential Tonearm + Swing Base, Silver

The Clearaudio TT5 with Swing Base is a linear tangential tonearm with an additional pivot mount for convenient cueing – this version in silver.

At its core it's the familiar TT5: linearly guided, stylus at a 90-degree angle, no tracking angle error, no skating. Added to this is the Swing Base, a smooth-running mount that's screwed onto the tonearm base and lets you swing the arm aside.

Why the TT5 with Swing Base?

With the rigid TT5, you thread the record through the gap between arm and platter – it works, but it's a small balancing act every time. The Swing Base sits between base and arm and guides it precisely to the side: cue the record, swing it back, done. The swing direction – to the right or to the rear – is fixed during mounting, to suit where you'll place it.

What you hear

The same as with the rigid TT5: geometrically error-free tracking right into the inner groove and a calm, unruffled sound image without the usual distortion toward the end of the record. It plays in a fixed position, pivoting only for a record change – rigidity stays exactly where it belongs.

Who is the TT5 with Swing Base suited for?

For anyone who wants tangential technology but doesn't want to miss out on the convenient record change of a pivoted tonearm. Plainly put: the extra cost buys comfort and handling, not more sound. Anyone who thinks purely in purist terms takes the rigid version instead – sonically, neither gives anything away to the other. And even with Swing Base: the turntable still has to be stable and absolutely level.

Our verdict

Silver, pivoting, everyday-practical: this combination takes exactly the awkwardness out of tangential technology that puts some people off buying it. Sonically, everything stays true to the clean, neutral TT5. Our specialist team in Wädenswil mounts the Swing Base for you with the correct distance and the right swing direction – and tells you in advance whether your turntable offers enough space for it.

"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. Handling and build quality convince all round too, especially with the optional Swing Base." – FIDELITY, Clearaudio TT5 review, 2017

Technical data

• Design: linear tangential tonearm with purely mechanical, passive drive, including Swing Base
• Bearings: dry-running high-precision ball bearings, sled guided in a polished glass tube
• Swing Base: two-part pivot mount, fixed to the tonearm base with three M4 × 16 socket-head screws and doesn't replace it; swing direction to the right or to the rear selectable
• Mounting distance: 222 mm between platter and tonearm pivot point (as specified in the Swing Base instructions)
• 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 published by Clearaudio
• Signal cable: 1.1 m Clearaudio Super Sixstream, fitted with RCA
• Material / finish: silver aluminium, stainless steel, glass
• Weight: arm approx. 520 g without aluminium clamping ring; clamping ring approx. 65 g, Swing Base additional
• Arm 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, additional weights from 2.3 to 8.0 g, Clearaudio mini level gauge, Allen key, gloves, signal cable; Swing Base with three M4 × 16 screws, Allen keys 1.5 / 2 / 3 and instructions

Frequently asked questions

What is the Swing Base for?

It's an additional pivot mount fitted onto the tonearm base that lets you swing the arm aside for cueing – without having to manoeuvre around the stylus. The standard base is retained, not replaced. Sonically identical to the rigid TT5, just more convenient.

Does the pivot mechanism affect stability?

No. In playing position, the Swing Base sits firm; it only moves for a record change. What matters is clean mounting with the specified distance of 222 millimetres between platter and tonearm pivot point. If that's observed, the arm's rigidity is fully preserved.

Which turntables does the Clearaudio TT5 fit?

Thanks to its compact design, it 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, level base and enough space next to the platter for the swing motion. Tell us your model and we'll check its suitability.

How do I care for the TT5 with Swing Base?

Keep the glass tube free of dust – a soft, dry cloth is enough. Oil or lubricant must not get into either the arm's bearings or the Swing Base's precision bearings – Clearaudio explicitly warns against this, as it damages the bearings. Otherwise, the combination is pleasantly low-maintenance.

Why buy the TT5 with Swing Base at HD Zürisee?

Because the setup decides the sound, and the mounting distance is not something to guess at. As an experienced specialist team in Wädenswil, we set up the TT5 for you precisely, advise you on the right combination, and take care of service and warranty – by phone at 044 680 22 00 or via WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls).

Goes well with

You'll find matching cartridges under Cartridges, the turntable to go with it under Turntables, and the amplification under Phono Preamps. The rigid version and more models are shown under Tonearms, everything else for the groove is under All Things Vinyl.