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A German Hi-Fi Specialist Just Unveiled an Entry-Level Turntable for Audiophiles

The brand, known for its high-end turntables that cost six figures, is releasing its most affordable turntable to date.

Clearaudio Compass turntableClearaudio

By Tucker Bowe

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Clearaudio is a German hi-fi manufacturer with a history dating back to 1978. It specializes in exquisitely high-end turntables, ranging from its $1,800 Concept to its $275,000 Statement V2.

Given the booming market for entry-level turntables — where brands like Fluance, Pro-Ject, Audio-Technica, and U-Turn Audio are making a killing — Clearaudio is diving into new waters with its most affordable turntable to date.

Meet the Clearaudio Compass.

Clearaudio Compass

Clearaudio Compass turntable
The Clearaudio Compass is the brand’s most affordable turntable to date.
Clearaudio

It’s most affordable turntable

The Compass is Clearaudio’s new entry-level turntable that, according to the brand, is “designed to make high-end audio quality and performance accessible, without compromise.”

The Compass is a belt-drive turntable that features high-precision milled components, including a specially manufactured platter and sub-platter, and other premium materials.

Clearaudio Compass turntable
The Compass comes with a “newly developed” N1 moving magnet cartridge.
Clearaudio

Ready-to-play

The Compass’s standout component is its new T1 tonearm, which is a more compact version of Clearaudio’s acclaimed Satisfy tonearm, which it incorporates in many of its more premium Concept ($2,200) and Signature ($3,000) turntables.

It also comes pre-equipped with a “newly developed” N1 moving magnet cartridge.

The company is calling the Compass a “ready-to-play turntable” as it comes fully intact. You don’t need to buy additional gear (which is common with many ultra-premium turntables). However, you will need a separate phono preamp, as the Compass doesn’t come integrated with one.

Clearaudio Compass turntable
The Compass is a belt-drive turntable featuring premium materials and high-precision milled components.
Clearaudio

No compromise, minimalism

As for its design, the Compass is a simple, minimalist-looking turntable that’s available in two different finishes: black or silver. It also comes with a detachable acrylic lid.

The chassis (body) of the turntable is made of medium-density wood fiber (MDF), while the bottom is steel plated to add weight and further reduce unwanted vibrations.

Clearaudio Compass turntable
The Compass features a new T1 tonearm, a smaller version of the Satisfy tonearm that is featured in its more high-end turntables.
Clearaudio

Price and availability

The Clearaudio Compass will be available this September. It has a suggested retail price of €1290,  roughly $1,470, making it several hundred bucks cheaper than its current entry-level turntable, the $1,800 Concept.

Clearaudio Compass turntableClearaudio

Clearaudio Compass

Specs

Turntable Belt-drive
Speeds 33.3 RPM, 45 RPM
Cartridge Clearaudio N1 MM
About the Author:

Tucker Bowe has been on Gear Patrol’s editorial team since 2014. As a Tech Staff Writer, he tracks everything in the consumer tech space, from headphones to smartphones, wearables to home theater systems. If it lights up or makes noise, he probably covers it.

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