Clearaudio Universal 9-Inch Tonearm DIN, Black

The Clearaudio Universal is a radial tonearm with an extremely low-friction precision bearing and a carbon armtube – here in the 9-inch version with a 5-pin DIN connection, in black.

Technically it's identical to the RCA version; the only difference lies in the connector. The 5-pin DIN connection is the right choice if your cable path or phono stage is designed for it – for instance because you want to run a specific tonearm cable instead of using the factory-fitted one.

Why the Universal?

Because it gives the cartridge a steady hand. The vertical and horizontal axes run on separately selected precision ball bearings that guide the arm without feeding friction back into the groove. The multi-stepped carbon tube is rigid and light at the same time, so resonances never get the chance to build up. Add to that full alignment control over overhang, tracking force, azimuth and VTA – with a counterweight scale that makes every setting reproducible.

What you get

A high-end radial arm with 239.3 mm effective length, 17.3 mm overhang and 222 mm mounting distance – plus the freedom to choose the connection to your phono stage yourself via the DIN output. The mounting hole is Linn-compatible, which fits considerably more turntables than just the house brand. The included set of aluminium and stainless-steel counterweights covers cartridges from 2.9 to 24.8 grams.

Who is the DIN version for?

For anyone whose system is already built around DIN – be it the phono stage, the turntable, or an existing tonearm cable you want to keep using. Bottom line: if your phono stage has plain RCA sockets like most do, go for the RCA version; DIN then just gives you an extra transition. And if you want to adjust VTA during playback, both versions require the optionally available VTA lifter.

Our verdict

The same first-class arm, just with the other connector – precisely mounted, low in resonance, pleasingly understated in black on dark plinths. The choice between DIN and RCA isn't a question of sound, it's a question of the rest of your system. We'll tell you at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil in two minutes which of the two versions is right for your case – before you order the wrong cable.

Technical data

• Type: radial tonearm with extremely low-friction bearing
• Bearing: high-precision, selected ball bearings for vertical and horizontal axes
• Armtube: carbon, multi-stepped diameter
• Effective length: 239.3 mm (9.4 inches)
• Overhang: 17.3 mm
• Offset angle: 24.89°
• Effective mass: approx. 9 g
• Mounting distance (pivot to spindle): 222 mm
• Tonearm mounting hole: Linn-compatible, ø approx. 24.85 mm
• Null points: 66.04 mm and 120.9 mm
• Balanceable cartridge weight: 2.9–24.8 g
• Fine adjustment: tracking force, azimuth, VTA; VTA during playback only with optional VTA lifter
• Cabling: Clearaudio Super Sixstream, 1.1 m
• Connection: 5-pin DIN (tonearm side), RCA at the phono end
• Weight: approx. 745 g incl. counterweight
• Finish: black – carbon armtube and aluminium parts in black
• Warranty: 5-year manufacturer's warranty with timely registration
• Scope of delivery: tonearm with Super Sixstream cable (1.1 m, DIN to RCA), set of aluminium and stainless-steel counterweights, instruction manual

Frequently asked questions

What does the DIN connection mean on this tonearm?

It describes the connector on the tonearm side: 5-pin instead of being terminated in RCA. The signal continues via Clearaudio's Super Sixstream cable to the phono stage. The advantage lies in compatibility with setups built around DIN, and in being able to choose your cable path deliberately.

Does the DIN version sound different from the RCA version?

No. Arm, bearing, carbon tube and geometry are identical, the only difference is the connector. So decide based on your system, not on sound: DIN if your setup is built around it, RCA if your phono stage has classic RCA inputs. If you're unsure, we'll go through it with you.

Does the Universal fit my turntable?

That depends on the 222 mm mounting distance between arm pivot and platter spindle, and the Linn-compatible mounting hole. Clearaudio turntables accept it directly, many others with a matching arm base. Tell us the make and model and we'll check the fit before you order.

Can I adjust VTA during playback?

Only with the optionally available VTA lifter. As standard, you set the arm height with the platter at rest and lock it – entirely sufficient for the vast majority of collections. The lifter can be retrofitted at any time. Azimuth, overhang and tracking force can be finely adjusted independently of that.

Why buy the Universal in the DIN version from HD Zürisee?

Because connection questions quickly land the wrong part in your cart. We check with you whether DIN or RCA suits your system, mount and align the arm, and stay reachable afterwards as an authorised Clearaudio dealer. Get in touch at +41 44 680 22 00, WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls), or shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Goes well with

Find the matching cartridge under Cartridges, the turntable under Turntables. More arms are under Tonearms, matching connections under Phono Cables.