Clearaudio Universal User manual

User manual
Bedienungsanleitung
© clearaudio electronic GmbH, 2021-09 Made in Germany
Universal / Universal 12”
Pic. similar /
Abb. ähnlich
Pic. similar /
Abb. ähnlich

User manual / Bedienungsanleitung
Page / Seite 2 © clearaudio electronic GmbH, 2021-09
User manual ..................................................................... 2 - 18
Bedienungsanleitung........................................................ 19 - 35
Dear Clearaudio customer,
thank you for your purchase of Clearaudio‘s Universal tonearm, one of the best radial tonearm`s
available in the world of high end audio.
The Universal tonearm is manufactured with the highest degree of tolerance and quality.
This product has been developed with a focus on excellent quality, functionality and ease of use.
Please take a moment to read this product manual to ensure correct set-up and to avoid any
possible damage.
Clearaudio wishes you much enjoyment with your new Universal tonearm.
You’re Clearaudio team
Warning
Do not expose the equipment to rain or moisture.
Do not handle the mains lead with wet hands.
No naked ame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the equipment.
Only for use on turntables.

User manual / Bedienungsanleitung
Made in Germany Page / Seite 3
Contents
1. List of components........................................................................4 - 5
2. Mounting the tonearm base..........................................................6 - 9
2.1 Mounting the tonearm base on the Clearaudio Performance DC / Ovation turntable
2.2 Mounting the tonearm base on a Clearaudio Innovation series turntable
2.3 Mounting the clamping ring on a other manufacturer’s turntable
2.4 Mounting the VTA-Lifter on a other manufacturer‘s turntable
3. Mounting the Universal tonearm without VTA-Lifter....................10
4. Adjustment of the distance between spindle and pivot point ...... 10
5. Adjustment of the Universal tonearm.......................................... 11 - 16
5.1 Adjustment of the VTA
5.2 Alignment of the tonearm
5.3 Alignment and adjustment of the cartridge
5.4 Adjustment of the tracking force
5.5 Adjustment of the azimuth
5.6 Adjustment of the antiskating
6. Special instructions.......................................................................17
6.1 Maintenance
6.2 Transportation
6.3 Service
7. Technical details...........................................................................18
8. Warranty information...................................................................36 - 37

User manual / Bedienungsanleitung
Page / Seite 4 © clearaudio electronic GmbH, 2021-09
1. List of components
The Clearaudio Universal tonearm is delivered in a customized packing to ensure its safe transport.
Please retain the original packaging for any future potential transportation and shipping.
Please see the list below to check the contents of your Clearaudio Universal tonearm.
Pic. 1: List of components (Pic. similar)
1
3 4
8
2
5
7
6

User manual / Bedienungsanleitung
Made in Germany Page / Seite 5
1. Universal 9 inch tonearm with
pre-mounted counterweight (49g)
or
Universal 12 inch tonearm with
pre-mounted counterweight (66g)
optional: with VTA-Lifter
(separatly packed)
6. Clamping base
(incl. pre-mounted screw M6 x 8)
2. Hex wrench (# 1.5 / 2 / 3) 7. Mini Level Gauge
3. Counterweights for
Universal 9“:
- 18.3g (Aluminium)
- 31.5g (Aluminium)
- 49g (Stainless steel) (pre-mounted)
- 66g (Stainless steel)
- 85g (Stainless steel)
Counterweight for Universal 12”:
- 49g (Stainless steel)
- 66g (Stainless steel) (pre-mounted)
- 85g (Stainless steel)
8. Tonearm alignment gauge
4. Aluminium screw driver 9. Without picture:
Warranty Card, Clearaudio Quality Card,
user manual, return delivery note
5. Screws for clamping ring
- 3pcs M4 x 10
Recommended Tools:
• Clearaudio Cartridge alignment gauge (Art. No. AC005/IEC)
• Clearaudio Weight Watcher touch (Art. No. AC163)
Both items and more accessories are available through your dealer or at www.analogshop.de.

User manual / Bedienungsanleitung
Page / Seite 6 © clearaudio electronic GmbH, 2021-09
2. Mounting the tonearm base
2.1 Mounting the tonearm base on the Clearaudio Performance DC or Ovation turntable
Please check that the correct tonearm base is mounted on your turntable (Pic. 2).
Please note that you will need an dierent tonearm base, if you want to mount the Universal
tonearm in combination with the VTA-Lifter (Pic. 3).
If the wrong tonearm base is mounted, place the turntable on the edge of a table or similar surface,
so you have access to the tonearm base from below.
Remove the previous tonearm base by loosening the six M4 x 35mm screws with a hex wrench on
the bottom side of the clamping ring.
Exchange the tonearm base for the correct one and loosely tighten it so the tonearm base is still
rotatable. Please make sure that the base sits perfect on the turntable.
Without VTA-Lifter
To mount the tonearm without VTA-Lifter, you need the tonearm
base AC031-5 (Pic. 2)
With VTA-Lifter
To mount the tonearm in combination with VTA-Lifter, you need
the tonearm base AC031-8 (Pic.3).
Pic. 2: Tonearm base for Performance DC &
Ovation (Art. No. AC031-5)
Pic. 3: Tonearm base for Performance DC &
Ovation (Art. No. AC031-8)

User manual / Bedienungsanleitung
Made in Germany Page / Seite 7
Pic. 4: Tonarme base for Innovation
Serie (Art. No. AC030-4)
2.2 Mounting the tonearm base on a Clearaudio Innovation series turntable
Please check that the correct tonearm base is mounted on your turntable (Pic. 4).
Please note that you will need an dierent tonearm base, if you want to mount the Universal
tonearm in combination with the VTA-Lifter (Pic. 6).
If the tonearm base is already pre-assembled, it is in a position which is optimized for the packaging.
The position of the tonearm base will be correct during the adjustment of the tonearm.
If not, remove the previous tonearm base by loosening the screw of the aluminium base with a 7mm
hex wrench.
Exchange the tonearm base against the correct one and place it as seen in picture 6.
Now you can loosely tighten it so that the tonearm base is still rotatable.
Without VTA-Lifter
To mount the tonearm without VTA-Lifter, you need the
tonearm base AC030-4 (Pic. 4).
With VTA-Lifter
To mount the tonearm in combination with VTA-Lifter, you
need the tonearm base AC030-10 (Pic. 5).
Pic. 5: Tonarm base for Innovation Serie
(Art. No. AC030-10)
Pic. 6: Rough alignment of the tonearm base

User manual / Bedienungsanleitung
Page / Seite 8 © clearaudio electronic GmbH, 2021-09
2.3 Mounting the clamping ring on a other manufacturers’ turntables
In order to mount the aluminium clamping ring on the turntable chassis, please rst drill three holes
into the turntable chassis.
To ensure the correct position of the three holes, please use the measurements given in the drawing
template below (Pic. 7).
Please note that this image is not true to scale.
For this step, use a 3.3mm drill. After you have drilled the three holes, thread the holes using an
appropriate tap cutter. If the material of the turntable chassis is not suitable for threading, please
use a 4.5mm drill for the holes. In this case you will need longer screws with nuts to t the tonearm
base.
Now you can mount the clamping base on the clean and dry surface of the turntable chassis.
Please note:
This drilling template is ony suitable for Universal 9 inch tonearms.
Please see the technical details on page 18 for the correct distance between platter
spindle and tonearm pivot point of the Universal 12 inch tonearm.
Pic. 7: Drilling template for mounting the tonearm base on a other manufacturers‘ turntable

User manual / Bedienungsanleitung
Made in Germany Page / Seite 9
2.4 Mounting the VTA-Lifter on a other manufacturers’ turntables
In order to mount the VTA-Lifter on the turntable chassis, please rst drill the holes into the turntable
chassis.
To ensure the correct position of the holes, please use the measurements given in the drawing
template below (Pic. 8).
Please note that this image is not true to scale.
Please note:
This drilling template is ony suitable for Universal 9 inch tonearms.
Please see the technical details on page 18 for the correct distance between platter
spindle and tonearm pivot point of the Universal 12 inch tonearm.
Pic. 8: Drilling template for mounting the VTA-Lifter on a other manufacturers‘ turntable

User manual / Bedienungsanleitung
Page / Seite 10 © clearaudio electronic GmbH, 2021-09
3. Mounting the Universal tonearm without VTA-Lifter
To assemble the Universal tonearm with VTA-Lifter,
please follow the separate user manual for the VTA-
Lifter.
Take the clamping ring and place it on the recess in the
tonearm base.
Now you can attach the clamping ring to the tonearm
base with the 3 supplied M4 x 10 screws.
Make sure that the side hole of the clamping ring
(see Pic. 9) remains accessible.
Insert the tonearm cable rst and then the tonearm foot
of the
Universal tonearm into the hole of the clamping
ring.
Pic. 9: Mounting the clamping ring without
VTA-Lifter
4. Adjustment of the distance between spindle and pivot point
For the exact setting of the tonearm pivot point, we recommend to use the Clearaudio alignment
gauge (Art. No. AC005/IEC, also available from www.analogshop.de).
Make sure that the distance between spindle and the pivot point of the tonearm is exactly 222mm
(for Universal 9 inch) and 295mm (for Universal 12 inch) (Pic. 10).
You can adjust the distance by rotating the tonearm base.
Please tighten the tonearm base and check the measurement again.
Pic. 10: Distance between spindle and tonearm pivot point
Universal 9 inch
222mm
Universal 12 inch
295mm

User manual / Bedienungsanleitung
Made in Germany Page / Seite 11
5. Adjustment of the Universal tonearm
The following settings require to mount the cartridge on the headshell.
Always follow the cartridge manufacturer’s instructions.
Leave the stylus protector on your cartridge to avoid any damages!
Now you can connect the respective signal cable with the matching color pins of the cartridge.
Please note the following colour coding:
Red: right channel / R+
Green: right channel / R-
White: left channel / L+
Blue: left channel / L-
Connect the pins of your cartridge to the jacks of the headshell or tonearm cable, taking care not
to use too much force.
If necessary, you can use suitable precision pliers or tweezers for assistance.
5.1 Adjustment of the VTA
The tonearm remains loose in the clamping ring and is not
screwed tight.
Now place a record or the Clearaudio alignment gauge
(Art. No. AC005/IEC) on the turntable and remove the stylus
protector from your cartridge.
Remove the antiskating screw of the tonearm, this screw will be
re-inserted later.
Make sure that the tracking force is roughly adjusted in order not to damage the
cartridge.
Please be extremely careful during the following steps!
Never move the cartridge in the alignment gauge while it is lowered.
Place the included Mini Level Gauge on the headshell and take the tonearm from its resting position
so that it rests on the lowered lift bracket.
Lift the entire tonearm in the clamping ring so that the cartridge hovers over the platter.
Now carefully lower the entire tonearm in the clamping ring so that the tonearm tube is parallel
to the platter. The tonearm tube should not touch the lift bracket, but the needle must rest on the
record or the alignment gauge.
Pic. 11: Antiskating screw

User manual / Bedienungsanleitung
Page / Seite 12 © clearaudio electronic GmbH, 2021-09
5.2 Alignment of the tonearm
For the correct alignment of the Universal tonearm, we recommend to use a ruler or the Clearaudio
alignment gauge (Art. No. AC005/IEC).
Open the clamping ring again, being careful as the height of the tonearm is already adjusted.
Set the distance as following (Pic. 12):
- Universal 9 inch
Distance from platter to rest position holder = 195mm (± 3mm)
Distance from platter to headshell center = 217mm (± 3mm)
- Universal 12 inch
Distance from platter to rest position holder = 251mm (± 3mm)
Distance from platter to headshell center = 248mm (± 3mm)
Pic. 12: Alignment of the tonearm
Fix the tonearm in the clamping ring and re-check the previous settings again as described and
correct them if necessary.
Universal 9 inch
195mm
217mm
Universal 12 inch
251mm
248mm
While the tonearm is in this position you can hand-tight the clamping ring.
After xing, you can re-check the setting using the Mini Level Gauge and correct if necessary.
If the position is still correct, you can put the tonearm back in the rest position holder and put the
stylus protector back on.

User manual / Bedienungsanleitung
Made in Germany Page / Seite 13
5.3 Alignment and adjustment of the cartridge
For the nal tonearm and cartridge adjustment you will need the adjustment template which is also
included in the scope of the delivery. Place it directly on the turntable (without record) and align it
so that the arrow points to the tonearm pivot point (Pic. 13).
Take the tonearm out of the rest position and align it in the area of the cross lines.
Lower the tonearm and check the alignment.
The cartridge body must be aligned in the template grid
so that the needle tip is in the cross lines.
Also the side and front edges of the housing have to be
parallel to the grid lines.
To correct the adjustment, you have to loosen the screws
of the cartridge a little so that the cartridge can be moved
in the headshell.
Re-check the setting again after you have tightened the
screws.
Pic. 13: Placing the adjustment template
Pic. 14: Alignment of the cartridge

User manual / Bedienungsanleitung
Page / Seite 14 © clearaudio electronic GmbH, 2021-09
5.4 Adjustment of the tracking force
To increase or lower the tracking force, you have to turn the adjustment screw at the end of the
tonearm.
Pic. 15: Adjustment of the tracking force
Green arrow = Higher tracking force
Red arrow = Lower tracking force
Classication of the counterweights for dierent cartridges, with a recommended
tracking force of 2.8g for Universal 9“:
Counterweight in g Cartidge weight
From... to....
18.3g 2.9g 5.3g
31.5g 5.1g 8.9g
49.0g (pre-mounted) 7.7g 14.9g
66.0g 11.2g 19.9g
85.0g 15.0g 24.8g
Classication of the counterweights for dierent cartridges, with a recommended
tracking force of 2.8g for
Universal 12“:
Counterweight in g Cartidge weight
From... to....
49.0g 2.9g 11.3g
66.0g (pre-mounted) 5.6g 16.2g
85.0g 8.5g 21.0g

Use the chart below to check whether the correct weight is installed for your cartridge.
Please follow the instructions of the respective cartridge manufacturer.
If an exchange is necessary, you can loosen the screw on the underside of the counterweight using
an hex wrench (#1.5).
For the correct setting we recommend using the Clearaudio Weight Watcher touch digital cartridge
scale (Art. No. AC163, also available at www.analogshop.de).

User manual / Bedienungsanleitung
Made in Germany Page / Seite 15
Pic. 17: Screw for azimuth adjustment
Pic. 16: Azimuth adjustment
5.5 Adjustment of the azimuth
The azimuth is the angle of the cartridge stylus to the record surface.
Viewed from the front, the cartridge needle have to be vertical to the
record.
Please note:
The azimuth is already set at the factory.
If you still want to optimize the azimuth, place the supplied Mini
Level Gauge on the headshell and lower the cartridge onto the record
surface.
To change the azimuth, please proceed as following:
Loosen the screw (hex wrench #2) on the bottom side of the tonearm
tube near the headshell.
Now you can adjust the azimuth by turning the headshell in the
tonearm tube.
After you have found the correct position, carefully tighten the small
hex screw again without changing the previously selected position.

User manual / Bedienungsanleitung
Page / Seite 16 © clearaudio electronic GmbH, 2021-09
5.6 Adjustment of the antiskating
In order to proceed the next adjustment, the previously removed antiskating screw needs to be
re-inserted.
Now you can adjust the antiskating by adjusting the screw (red box Pic. 18).
This adjustment depends on the tracking force of your cartridge:
Adjustment of the antiskating: tracking force Position of the antiskating screw
Minimal antiskating> 1.0 - 1.5g > see picture 1
Middle antiskating > 1.5 - 2.0g > see picture 2
Maximum antiskating > 2.0g and higher > see picture 3
Picture 1 Picture 2 Picture 3
(minimal antiskating) (Middle antiskating) (maximum antiskating)
(Screw completly inserted)
Pic. 18: Antiskating adjustment
The tonearm adjustment is now complete.
Before connecting the tonearm to your phono pre-amplier, we recommend to re-check all settings
again and correct them if necessary.
We hope you enjoy your new Universal tonearm.
Your Clearaudio team

User manual / Bedienungsanleitung
Made in Germany Page / Seite 17
6. Special instructions
6.1 Maintenance
If you don`t use your
Universal tonearm for a while (eg. two weeks or more), we recommend to
raise and lower the arm‘s cueing lever/arm lifter a few times over that time period to avoid it sticking
in the raised position.
Before using it for the rst time or after a long period of inactivity, the lift should be operated
approximately 4-5 times so that the grease in the tonarm lift can be loosened and the lift bar is able
to evenly lower again.
6.2 Transportation
Should further transportation of the
Universal tonearm be necessary, please always use the original
packing material. Otherwise serious damage could occur.
When repackaging the tonearm, please follow in reverse the steps indicated in this
manual for installation and setup.
6.3 Service
If any servicing or repair of a Clearaudio product is necessary, please rst contact your dealer or
distributor. Alternatively contact Clearaudio directly and we will inform you about your nearest
service location.
PLEASE RETAIN ALL ORIGINAL PACKAGING.
You will need it if this product has to be transported and/or shipped.
Any further questions you may have about this product should be directed to your local dealer.

User manual / Bedienungsanleitung
Page / Seite 18 © clearaudio electronic GmbH, 2021-09
5. Technical data
Construction details: Radial tonearm
Using ultra low friction bearings.
Available in 9 and 12 inches
Material: Aluminium (black/silver), stainless steel,
Carbon tonearm tube (black/silver)
Cartridge balance range: 9 inch: 2.9g - 24.8g
12 inch: 2.9g - 21.0g
Overhang: 9 inch: 17.00mm
12 inch: 13.01mm
Total length: 9 inch: 345mm
12 inch: 420mm
Eective length: 9 inch: 239.00mm
12 inch: 308.01mm
Mounting distance
(tonearm pivot to spindle): 9 inch: 222mm 12 inch: 295mm
Oset angle: 9 inch: 24.89°
12 inch: 18.85°
Wiring: 1.1m Clearaudio Sixtream Super Wire terminated with RCA
Weight: 9 inch: 745g (incl. counter weight)
12 inch: 760g (incl. counter weight)
Warranty: 5 years*
* Provided that the warranty card is correctly completed and returned to Clearaudio, or your product is registered
online at https://clearaudio.de/en/service/registration.php, within 14 days of purchase.

User manual / Bedienungsanleitung
Made in Germany Page / Seite 19
Sehr verehrte clearaudio-Kundin, sehr verehrter clearaudio-Kunde,
vielen Dank, dass Sie sich für ein hochwertiges Produkt aus dem Hause
clearaudio electronic GmbH entschieden haben.
Sie haben mit dem Universal Tonarm einen der besten Drehtonarme der High-End Welt erworben.
Um den vollen Klang-Genuss des Universal Tonarmes nutzen zu können, lesen Sie bitte die
Bedienungsanleitung aufmerksam durch.
Alle Hinweise dienen dazu, Ihnen viele Jahre ungetrübten Musik-Genuss zu bereiten sowie
Fehlbedienung und Garantie-Verlust zu vermeiden.
Wir bedanken uns bei Ihnen für Ihr Vertrauen und wünschen Ihnen viel Freude mit Ihrem neuen
clearaudio Universal Tonarm.
clearaudio electronic GmbH
Warnungen
Das Gerät nicht Regen oder Feuchtigkeit aussetzen.
Es dürfen keine Gegenstände mit oener Flamme, wie etwa brennende Kerzen, auf dem Gerät
aufgestellt werden.
Zur ausschließlichen Verwendung auf Plattenspielern.

User manual / Bedienungsanleitung
Page / Seite 20 © clearaudio electronic GmbH, 2021-09
Inhaltsverzeichnis
1. Lieferumfang ..............................................................................................21 - 22
2. Befestigung der Tonarmbasis ....................................................................23 - 26
2.1 Befestigung der Tonarmbasis auf einem clearaudio Performance DC /Ovation Laufwerk
2.2 Befestigung der Tonarmabsis auf einem clearaudio Innovation series Laufwerk
2.3 Befestigung des Klemmrings auf einem Laufwerk eines Fremdherstellers
2.4 Montage des VTA-Lifters auf einem Laufwerk eines Fremdherstellers
3. Montage des Universal Tonarmes (ohne VTA-Lifter) .................................27
4. Einstellung des Achsabstands von Tellerspindel zu Tonarmdrehpunkt .....27
5. Einstellung des Tonarms ............................................................................28 - 33
5.1 Einstellung des VTA
5.2 Ausrichtung des Tonarms
5.3 Korrekte Ausrichtung und Einstellung des Tonabnehmers
5.4 Einstellen des Auagegewichts
5.5 Einstellung des Azimuth
5.6 Einstellung des Antiskating
6. Besondere Hinweise ...................................................................................34
6.1 Wartung
6.2 Transport
6.3 Pege
7. Technische Daten .......................................................................................35
Garantiehinweise............................................................................................36 - 37