Clearaudio Unity 10-Inch Tonearm, Silver

The Clearaudio Unity is a 10-inch radial tonearm with a magnetically stabilised single-point sapphire bearing and a carbon armtube – this version in silver with a factory-fitted RCA connection.

Its principle can be explained in one sentence: a sapphire carries the arm, a magnetic field keeps it on track. That gives the mobility of a unipivot arm without its proverbial nervousness. The geometry is designed for 10 inches – 254 mm effective length, 16.22 mm overhang, 21.59° offset angle – deliberately sitting between the two usual formats.

Why the Unity?

Because it takes on the best argument for unipivot arms and defuses the best counter-argument. Resting on a single point, the arm follows the groove as readily as no gimbal bearing can. That very freedom is normally also what makes it wobbly. The magnetic field gives it back the guidance it was missing, without adding friction. Aluminium, stainless steel and a carbon armtube keep the construction around it quiet.

What you hear

Speed and calm at the same time. The space opens up wide, instruments stand firmly in place, and fine dynamics come through unchecked – even where other arms are already starting to blur. The Unity sounds distinctly direct: it adds nothing to the recording and takes nothing away. With 16 grams of effective mass, it's tailored to cartridges with fairly low stylus compliance.

Who is the Unity suited for?

For analogue listeners who want to reach the very top and bring a cartridge between 5.0 and 17.0 grams. In silver it's the choice for turntables with an aluminium chassis or a light-coloured plinth. Plainly put: if your cartridge falls outside this weight window, even the best arm won't help – then we'll find another solution together. And anyone deliberately after a soft, warm vintage sound gets rather the opposite from the Unity: sobriety.

Our verdict

A top-tier tonearm that elegantly settles an old technical debate: unipivot or gimbal? Here you get the advantages of the former without its drawbacks. Continuously variable VTA adjustment during playback, finely adjustable azimuth and a cleanly fitted Super Sixstream cable make it practical for everyday use. Whether your turntable provides the necessary 238 mm, we'll quickly work out with you at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil.

Technical data

• Type: radial tonearm, 10 inch
• Bearing: magnetically stabilised single-point sapphire bearing
• Armtube: carbon
• Material: aluminium (silver), stainless steel, carbon armtube
• Effective length: 254 mm
• Overhang: 16.22 mm
• Offset angle: 21.59°
• Effective mass: 16 g
• Mounting distance: 238 mm (tonearm pivot to spindle)
• Overall length: 370 mm
• Adjustable cartridges: 5.0 g – 17.0 g
• Fine adjustment: tracking force, azimuth, VTA continuously variable (also during playback)
• Wiring: Clearaudio Super Sixstream, 1.1 m
• Connection: RCA
• Weight: 790 g (without counterweight)
• Finish: silver
• Warranty: 2-year manufacturer's warranty
• Included in delivery: tonearm with counterweight, Super Sixstream signal cable (1.1 m, RCA)

Frequently asked questions

How heavy can my cartridge be on the Unity?

Between 5.0 and 17.0 grams. That's deliberately a window, not a blanket figure: below it the counterweight can no longer balance the cartridge cleanly, and above it the same applies. With 16 grams of effective mass, the arm is designed for cartridges of medium to low stylus compliance.

What sets the Unity apart from an ordinary unipivot arm?

The magnetic field. The arm rests on a single-point sapphire bearing, but is additionally held magnetically along its axis. That preserves the typical light running while removing the loose wobble that bothers many listeners with a classic unipivot – especially when setting azimuth.

What mounting distance does the Unity need?

238 mm from the tonearm pivot to the platter spindle, with 254 mm effective length and 370 mm overall length. As a 10-inch arm it falls under neither the common 9-inch nor the 12-inch dimensions. We'll work this out against your turntable in advance.

Is the Unity also available with a DIN connection?

Yes. This version comes with the Super Sixstream signal cable fitted to RCA; Clearaudio alternatively offers the Unity with a DIN connection. The DIN version is worth it if you want to swap the tonearm cable later, or if your phono stage is built for it. Technically both variants are identical.

Why buy the Unity in silver at HD Zürisee?

Because with this arm the setup decides the outcome, and we don't have to leave that to you. We check in advance whether your cartridge fits the weight window, mount and set it up in Wädenswil, and stay available afterwards as an authorised Clearaudio dealer. Contact: +41 44 680 22 00, WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls), shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Goes well with

Matching cartridges are under Cartridges, more arms under Tonearms. You'll find the matching turntable under Turntables, and everything else about vinyl under All Vinyl.