Clearaudio Universal 12-Inch Tonearm RCA, Silver

The Clearaudio Universal 12-inch is a radial tonearm with an extremely low-friction precision bearing and a carbon armtube – this version with 308.01 mm effective length, RCA connection and silver aluminium parts.

What makes this arm special isn't visible: a bearing of selected ball bearings for the vertical and horizontal axes that offers the cartridge practically no resistance as it follows the groove. The carbon tube, meanwhile, stays quiet instead of contributing resonances of its own. Tracking force, azimuth and VTA are all finely adjustable, height even during playback.

Why the Universal 12-inch?

Because in analogue technology, length isn't an end in itself, it's mathematics. 308.01 mm effective length, 13.01 mm overhang, 18.85° offset: across the entire record side, the stylus stays closer to the ideal tangent than with a shorter arm. On top of that comes a depth of adjustment that otherwise only starts noticeably higher up the shelf. Anyone claiming you can't hear the difference has usually simply never had it set up properly.

What you get

A complete high-end radial arm in silver – aluminium, stainless steel and a carbon armtube that goes especially well with light-coloured plinths and aluminium chassis. Wiring runs continuously with Clearaudio's low-impedance Super Sixstream (1.1 m) all the way to the RCA plug. The counterweight is included, balancing cartridges from 2.9 to 21.0 grams. Decisive for planning: 295 mm mounting distance from pivot to spindle.

Who is the Universal 12-inch for?

For discerning listeners with a turntable that can actually accommodate the long arm – 295 mm mounting distance isn't a detail, it's the first question. Bottom line: this arm has no place on a compact entry-level turntable, and anyone who doesn't want to deal with alignment at all is leaving potential on the table – unless they leave it to us. This version is terminated in RCA from the factory.

Our verdict

A radial arm with no discernible weakness: a smooth-running precision bearing, a low-resonance carbon tube, complete alignment control and a five-year manufacturer's warranty. In silver, it's the more understated of the two – until you look closer. We work out at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil which version and which connection suit your turntable, before anything gets ordered.

Technical data

• Type: radial tonearm, 12-inch
• Bearing: extremely low-friction precision bearing, high-precision selected ball bearings for vertical and horizontal axes
• Armtube: carbon
• Material: aluminium (silver), stainless steel, carbon armtube
• Effective length: 308.01 mm
• Overhang: 13.01 mm
• Offset angle: 18.85°
• Mounting distance: 295 mm (tonearm pivot to spindle)
• Overall length: 420 mm
• Adjustable cartridge weight: 2.9 g – 21.0 g
• Fine adjustment: tracking force, azimuth, VTA (VTA during playback)
• Cabling: Clearaudio Super Sixstream, 1.1 m, continuous
• Connection: RCA
• Weight: 760 g (incl. counterweight)
• Finish: silver
• Warranty: 5-year manufacturer's warranty
• Scope of delivery: tonearm with counterweight, factory-fitted Super Sixstream cable (1.1 m, RCA)

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between the 9-inch and 12-inch versions?

The tonearm geometry. 12-inch means 308.01 mm effective length, 13.01 mm overhang and 18.85° offset; the 9-inch version has 239 mm, 17 mm and 24.89°. The longer arm keeps the stylus closer to the tangent, but requires 295 mm mounting distance instead of 222 mm on the turntable.

How heavy can my cartridge be?

Between 2.9 and 21.0 grams, the counterweight balances every cartridge cleanly. That covers pretty much every MM and MC cartridge you'd want to run on an arm of this class. Only true heavyweights above that fall outside the range – better to ask us first.

Is silver the only finish?

No. The Universal 12-inch is available in silver and in black, technically identical. Silver suits turntables with aluminium chassis and light-coloured plinths particularly well, while black recedes more visually. Both finishes come with either RCA or DIN connection.

Can the arm height be adjusted during playback?

Yes, VTA can be adjusted while the record is playing. You hear the effect directly instead of having to replay the record after every change – a real advantage with pressings of different thicknesses. Tracking force and azimuth are set with the platter at rest.

Why buy the Universal 12-inch in silver from HD Zürisee?

Because an arm of this class only delivers what you're paying for once it's been properly aligned. Our technician Mauri mounts and aligns it in Wädenswil, we check the mounting distance against your turntable beforehand, and we advise on the right cartridge match. Reach us at +41 44 680 22 00, WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls), or shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Goes well with

Find more arms under Tonearms, matching cartridges under Cartridges. The turntable to go with it is under Turntables, and everything else about vinyl under All About Vinyl.