Clearaudio Universal 9-Inch Tonearm DIN, Silver

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 silver.

The connector changes nothing about the arm itself: same geometry, same bearings, same carbon tube. The DIN version is the right one if your system is built around it and you want to keep control of the connection to your phono stage yourself, rather than using the factory RCA termination.

Why the Universal?

Because a tonearm has the least glamorous job in the chain: guiding without drawing attention to itself. The Universal handles that with selected ball bearings for the vertical and horizontal axes that feed practically no friction back into the groove, and a multi-stepped carbon tube that stays rigid without becoming heavy. What you notice as a result: a soundstage that stays ordered even during dense passages – provided the alignment is right. And that's exactly what you can dial in down to a tenth of a degree.

What you get

A top-tier 9-inch radial arm: 239.3 mm effective length, 17.3 mm overhang, 24.89° offset angle and around 9 grams of effective mass – values that suit most good MC cartridges. The Linn-compatible mounting hole opens it up to many third-party turntables, and the aluminium and stainless-steel counterweight set covers cartridges from 2.9 to 24.8 grams. In silver, the arm looks noticeably more technical than the black version.

Who is the silver DIN version for?

For analogue listeners whose system already calls for the 5-pin DIN connection – and for light or silver-coloured turntables where a black arm would look out of place. Bottom line: if you're running an entirely ordinary phono stage with RCA sockets, the RCA version is the better choice and saves you an adapter. And if you want to adjust VTA during playback, this version also requires the optional VTA lifter; as standard, height is set with the platter at rest.

Our verdict

An arm that takes nothing away from a good cartridge and gives everything to a very good one – here in the silver finish with DIN connection. The connector is a question of your system, not of quality; both versions are the same arm. Just bring us the key facts about your turntable and phono stage at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, and we'll tell you which version fits and which arm base you need.

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: silver – carbon armtube and aluminium parts in silver
• 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

When do I choose the DIN and when the RCA version?

DIN, if your phono stage or cable path calls for the 5-pin connector, or if you want to use a specific tonearm cable. RCA, if you're running an ordinary phono stage with RCA inputs like most people and simply want to plug in. Technically, both versions are the same arm with the same geometry.

What effective mass does the Universal have?

Around 9 grams, putting it in the mid-range. This mass pairs well with medium-to-hard stylus suspensions, as found in most high-quality MC cartridges. Anything between 2.9 and 24.8 grams of cartridge weight can be balanced. We're happy to calculate in advance whether your preferred combination makes sense.

Does my turntable need a special arm base?

Only if it isn't a Clearaudio turntable. The Universal requires 222 mm mounting distance and a Linn-compatible mounting hole. Many third-party turntables can be retrofitted with a matching base, some can't. Send us the make and model and we'll tell you in advance what's possible – no risk on your part.

Can I adjust VTA during playback?

Only with the optionally available VTA lifter. In the standard version, you set the arm height with the platter at rest and lock it in place, which is sufficient for most collections. The lifter can be retrofitted later. Tracking force, overhang and azimuth can be finely adjusted independently of that.

Why buy the Universal in silver with DIN from HD Zürisee?

Because connector, arm base and cartridge all have to match, or it gets expensive. We check that in advance, mount and align the arm in our workshop, 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

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