Clearaudio Universal 12-Inch Tonearm DIN, Black

The Clearaudio Universal 12-inch DIN is a radial tonearm with an extremely low-friction precision bearing and a carbon armtube – this version with 308.01 mm effective length, a 5-pin DIN connector at the arm, and black aluminium parts.

The difference from the RCA version sits at the arm base: instead of a permanently fitted cable, you'll find a 5-pin DIN output here. That turns the tonearm cable into a replaceable component. Everything else stays the same – selected ball bearings on the vertical and horizontal axes, a low-resonance carbon tube, and fine adjustment that covers tracking force, azimuth and VTA.

Why the Universal 12-inch with DIN?

Because it lets you separate two concerns. The arm delivers the mechanics: 308.01 mm effective length, 13.01 mm overhang, 18.85° offset angle – a geometry that keeps the stylus closer to the tangent across the record side than any 9-inch arm. The cable delivers the signal transfer, and you're free to change that later without dismounting the arm. Handy for anyone who likes to upgrade one thing at a time.

What you get

A high-end radial arm in black, made from aluminium, stainless steel and carbon, with 5-pin DIN at the arm base. The matching cable is already included: Clearaudio Super Sixstream, 1.1 m, terminated from DIN to RCA. Cartridges from 2.9 to 21.0 grams can be balanced, with the counterweight part of the delivery. The arm weighs 760 grams including counterweight and needs 295 mm mounting distance.

Who is the Universal 12-inch DIN for?

For listeners with a large turntable and the wish to keep the tonearm cable open to change – for instance because the phono stage is built around DIN, or a cable upgrade is already planned. Bottom line: if you never intend to swap the cable, you gain nothing here and do just as well with the RCA version, which has no extra connector in the signal path. And without 295 mm mounting distance on your turntable, neither version will work.

Our verdict

The same low-compromise mechanics as the RCA version, just with one more option: the cable stays swappable. Precision bearing, carbon tube, complete alignment, five-year manufacturer's warranty. Whether DIN or RCA makes more sense in your system is something we'll tell you honestly at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil – even when the cheaper option is the right one.

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 (black), 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)
• Connection at the arm: 5-pin DIN (tonearm cable detachable)
• Cabling: Clearaudio Super Sixstream, 1.1 m, terminated DIN to RCA
• Weight: 760 g (incl. counterweight)
• Finish: black
• Warranty: 5-year manufacturer's warranty
• Scope of delivery: tonearm with counterweight, Super Sixstream cable (1.1 m, DIN to RCA)

Frequently asked questions

What does the DIN connection give me over RCA?

Freedom of cable choice. The 5-pin DIN plug at the arm turns the tonearm cable into an independent component: you can swap it for a different one later without touching the arm. The included Super Sixstream (1.1 m, DIN to RCA) is already a very good cable – you're not starting from zero.

What's the mounting distance of the 12-inch version?

295 mm from tonearm pivot to platter spindle, with 308.01 mm effective length, 13.01 mm overhang and an 18.85° offset angle. At 420 mm overall length, the arm is considerably longer than a 9-inch model. We work out with you in advance whether your turntable or tonearm base can accommodate that.

Which cartridges suit the Universal 12-inch?

All cartridges between 2.9 and 21.0 grams. That covers common MM and MC cartridges. Truly heavy cartridges above 21 grams can no longer be balanced by the counterweight – tell us your cartridge and we'll check before you order.

Can I adjust tracking force, azimuth and VTA myself?

Yes, all three can be finely adjusted, VTA even while the record is playing. That's exactly what makes the arm interesting for top-tier cartridges. If you don't trust yourself with the initial setup: on request, we set up the arm fully aligned for you.

Why buy the Universal 12-inch DIN from HD Zürisee?

Because a DIN arm brings two decisions together: alignment and cable choice. We advise you on both, check the mounting distance against your turntable, and handle the warranty correctly as an authorised Clearaudio dealer. Call us at +41 44 680 22 00, WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls), or shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Goes well with

Alternative tonearm cables are under Phono Cables, more arms under Tonearms. Find the matching cartridge under Cartridges, the amplification under Phono Preamplifiers.