Clearaudio Concept Signature Review

Clearaudio has upgraded its entry-level turntable. The Concept matures into the Signature. 7Review tests the finely tuned turntable in its larger version.

When “Clearaudio” is on a turntable, you can expect something special, even from the entry-level model by the Franconian analog specialist. They recently launched the next evolution of their base model “Concept,” first introduced in 2009, which 7Review reviewed a long time ago.

The new “Concept Signature” adopts the timeless, modern, flat chassis with rounded edges from its predecessor, along with the 2.3 kg platter made from hard, resonance-dampening POM plastic, placed on an aluminum disc, which is encircled by a polished flat belt.

The resonance-optimized Signature drive can be equipped with different tonearms and cartridges from the extensive program offered by the manufacturer based near Erlangen. The base configuration includes the magnetically suspended Concept arm and the Concept MM cartridge.

This version of the turntable, available in four finishes – besides the black chassis of our test model, it also comes in silver or two wood designs – costs $2,600. This is a reasonable price, though we believe the drive is capable of much more, and we appreciate the significant sonic improvement when upgrading from the Concept MM to the more expensive Concept MC, which is featured here in its select “Signature” variant, replacing the previously offered “Essence” MC and costing $1,600. The well-balanced linearity and especially the perfect channel symmetry – with Clearaudio confidently claiming a maximum deviation of 0.3 decibels – underscore the value of this upgrade.

The moving coil, encased in an aluminum-magnesium alloy, is easy to align during installation due to its straight edges. It features a hard, lightweight boron cantilever, with a diamond tip having an intricate “Micro Line” cut attached at the front. The cartridge’s connection values are “average,” meaning the Concept Signature does not require any special adjustments to amplification or impedance settings.

The manufacturer recommended their new “Profiler” tonearm, which moves smoothly and without play, using a low-friction sapphire dual bearing for vertical movement, while horizontal movement is guided by two high-precision ball bearings in the damped aluminum tube. We agreed!

The cartridge is pre-adjusted at the factory

The buyer doesn’t need to worry about adjusting the pickup correctly – this is done at the factory when purchasing the complete setup. We checked it using the included template and couldn’t have done it better. Since the counterweight on the arm doesn’t have a scale, a small rubber ring on the thread gives a rough indication when the optimal tracking force of 22 millinewtons is reached. It’s more accurate to set the value using the also included stylus pressure gauge, which is simple but fairly reliable.

We made a more precise adjustment using an electronic tonearm scale. The dealer could do this during the purchase, as the arm bearings are unlikely to be damaged by the counterweight on the short trip home. Moreover, the counterweight is so tight on the shaft that accidental movement is almost impossible.

Speaking of adjustments: The two speeds selectable via the convenient dial – “33” or “45” – displayed on the small screen can be checked and adjusted in two ways. First, automatically via “Tacho Speed Control” (TSC). To activate it, press the tiny “calibrate” button, recessed next to the main switch. The platter will start spinning, the speeds will blink, and the system will fine-tune itself, which can take more than ten minutes. Afterward, the Clearaudio stops and is ready to go.

Test Equipment

Turntable/Cartridge: Acoustic Signature Verona Neo/ Transrotor Figaro, Cyrus TTP,/ Transrotor Merlo Reference, Transrotor Rondino nero/Sumiko Starling

Phono Preamp: Brinmann Edison MK II

Integrated Amplifier: Symphonic Line RG14 Edition MK5S

Preamplifier: Audio Research REF 6 SE

Power Amplifier: Krell KSA-i400

Speakers: B&W 801 D4, Wilson Audio Sasha V

Cables: HMS, In-Akustik (IC+SP)

»Anyone choosing the Concept Signature shouldn’t skimp on the tonearm and cartridge!«

Those who prefer manual adjustments can also do it themselves. While the platter is spinning, press the mini button and use the main dial to adjust the speed. The blue-illuminated elements surrounding the dial will increase or decrease, depending on the adjustment. A strobe disc makes this process easier. But be careful: it can take up to 30 seconds for the command to be processed after each adjustment. Once done, the DC motor runs as instructed. Interestingly, the manual method is not mentioned in the otherwise informative and complete user manual, unlike the automatic method.

To prevent vibrations from being transferred to the chassis, the motor is elastically suspended using six small rubber rings. This solution was borrowed from their large Reference Jubilee turntable. A pulley nearby helps eliminate any belt flutter.

The rest of the setup is simple. Three small, height-adjustable feet with rubber tips allow for quick leveling of the turntable. You don’t need to worry about the phono cable: Clearaudio’s high-quality “Direct Wire Plus,” with secure RCA connectors and 1.1 meters in length, is permanently installed.

Clearaudio’s Smallest Sounds Big

Right at the start of the listening test, after the usual break-in period, we were grateful that we had opted for the high-end tonearm and pickup. Despite its relatively lightweight 7.5 kg design, the turntable demonstrated plenty of audiophile authority and musical competence. It would be a shame to underutilize it!

Like a larger turntable, Clearaudio’s well-equipped entry-level model delivered “Lights Of Lousianne” to listeners, conveying the cozy warmth of the wonderfully recorded track from Jennifer Warnes’ “Hunter” album without losing any nuance. The singer was clearly outlined against the expansive, dark-toned background, with no hint of haste or breathlessness, allowing the leisurely melodic arches to unfold naturally.

Short and crisp, with scrubbing cellos and a pointed voice, came the title track, where the Concept Signature, powered by a plug-in power supply, remained impressively composed even during the highly dynamic drum kicks. Even in the chorus, which often sounds compressed and irritating on simpler turntables, it stayed wonderfully relaxed and unstrained. In such challenging passages, the high-quality tonearm and cartridge truly pay off, with the Signature MC showcasing its full potential. It’s a hot tip even for other turntables, often significantly enhancing their performance.

A tuning tip: Slightly tighten the central screw that secures the headshell, as well as the plastic screws holding the cartridge in place. Temperature fluctuations and micro-vibrations during playback can cause them to loosen slightly. Afterward, you might notice a slight improvement in grip and definition.

This is especially important when playing albums like Munyungo Jackson’s eponymous, detail-rich release. In “Columbiana,” it’s crucial to accurately organize the multifaceted nuances and place them precisely within the wide-open sound spectrum. The Clearaudio handled this brilliantly.

During this lively, almost freshly-breathed track, it was noticeable how fluid and seamless the turntable connected the lower registers to the shimmering upper harmonics, despite its transparency and lightness. The superb reproduction of mid-bass and lower frequencies is a significant strength of the outstanding analog combination of the Concept Signature, Profiler, and “Signature” Concept MC, which adds a mature and refined impression that exceeds both its visual and price class. This was especially evident in Maria Pihl’s richly textured test favorite, “Malvina,” where the Clearaudio once again demonstrated polish and class, plus the signature touch of something special.

Specs

Verdict

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