Clearaudio Ovation User manual

Ovation
Hi-Fi Components clearaudio electronicGmbH
Spardorfer Str. 150 D-91054 Erlangen Tel. [phone] FAX [phone]
www.clearaudio.de www.analogshop.de [e-mail] /clearaudio copyright 2013
User manual
Made in Germany
Version-1.3_18-03-13_E

Ovation
User manual
Page 2 clearaudio electronic GmbH 2013
Dear clearaudio-customer,
You have purchased a state-of-the-art turntable, the Ovation , a world class product of clearaudio
electronic GmbH.
Congratulations on your purchase!
With the Ovation turntable, clearaudio made use of the OSC (Optical-Speed-Control) technology
found in the Innovation turntables series by implanting it into a precision milled Panzerholz (bullet
proof wood) chassis. This chassis is combined with an anti –resonance mat that is capable of
absorbing a huge amount of energy. This is due to the use of more than 100,000 small stainless
steel balls which absorb unwanted resonance.
Thus, the turntable combines the latest technology and innovation in a classic design, at a perfect
price/performance ratio.
Please read this user manual carefully so that you can enjoy all the advantages of your
Ovation -turntable. All information given will help to generate the best performance and avoid any
possible damages.
We hope you will enjoy your new clearaudio Ovation -turntable.
clearaudio electronic GmbH
Please read the warnings before connecting your Ovation -turntable to the mains supply.
CE-MARKING
The clearaudio Ovation meets the regulations concerning electromagnetic disturbance
(EMC) and low-voltage appliances.
COPYRIGHT
Recording und reproduction of any sound-material may require the consent of the creator.
Please acknowledge the information given in the
-Copyright Act 1956,
-Dramatic and Musical Performers Act 1958,
-Performers Protection Acts 1963 and 1072,
-any more recent legal regulations.
WARNINGS
Don’t expose your turntable to rain or humidity.
Don’t handle the mains leads with wet hands.
Don’t place or insert anything into the equipment or through ventilation holes.
No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the equipment.

Ovation
User manual
Page 3 clearaudio electronic GmbH 2013
User manual 1 –14
Contents
1. Packaging overview 4
2. Set-up and operation 5
3. Service 11
4. Special directions 12
5. Technical data 13
Warranty information 14

Ovation
User manual
Page 4 clearaudio electronic GmbH 2013
1. Packaging overview
The clearaudio Ovation -turntable is delivered in specially designed custom packaging.
Please check the contents according to the following list before you set up your new
clearaudio Ovation -turntable.
1. Layer (top):
Top of bearing, belt,
fittings and accessories
(Quality and warranty card,
bearing oil)
If ordered as set:
tonearm and/or pickup
2. Layer (middle):
Turntable - chassis
3. Layer (bottom):
Platter, aluminium sub-platter

Ovation
User manual
Page 5 clearaudio electronic GmbH 2013
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please double check the tightness of all bolts and armboard mounting
hardware, as temperature fluctuations during transit may have caused the hardware to become
loose.
2. Set-up and operation
The Ovation -turntable consists of several components, as described in No 1 (Packing overview).
The set up is easy, as some of the components are pre-assembled at the factory.
Please make use of the white gloves enclosed in order to avoid scratches or unwanted fingerprints
(e.g on the platter).
Please follow the instructions step by step:
The Ovation requires a space of at least 16.54 inch x 13.78 inch for positioning.
13,78 inch / 350 mm
16,54 inch
/ 420 mm
Pic. 1: Setting up space

Ovation
User manual
Page 6 clearaudio electronic GmbH 2013
2.1
Place the pre-mounted chassis on your hifi-rack or another suitable surface.
2.2
Please remove the protective seal from the bearing shaft and place two drops of the synthetic
bearing oil on the ceramic bearing shaft. Slip the bearing top onto the bearing shaft of the
turntable.
Pic. 2: Ovation chassis
Pic. 3: Bearing oil

Ovation
User manual
Page 7 clearaudio electronic GmbH 2013
2.3
Now you can set the bearing upper part carefully onto the bearing.
To avoid damages make sure you slide the bearing upper part slowly and carefully on the polished
ceramic shaft.
2.4
Now you can set the sub-platter carefully onto the bearing.
First remove the security mat on the backside of the sub-platter
(security tape for OSC - graduated collar (Optical Speed Control)).
To avoid any damage, make sure you slide the sub-platter slowly and carefully onto the bearing.
After that, take the included belt and place it around the motor and the sub-platter. At this point the
sub-platter will be higher than the pulley. This is normal, as the CMB requires the weight of the
platter to fully engage it.
Pic. 4: Fitting the bearing upper part
Pic. 5: Setting the sub-platter
Pic. 5.1: Moving the belt

Ovation
User manual
Page 8 clearaudio electronic GmbH 2013
Please note:
The marks (dots) on the sub-platter and the top of the bearing have been carefully measured.
Please make sure they align exactly as shown in picture below:
2.5
Now you can set the platter carefully onto the bearing. To avoid damage, make sure you slide the
platter slowly and cautiously on the sub-platter/ bearing assembly. Hold the platter securely, so the
platter does not slip or fall on your turntable.
Pic. 6: Congruence of sub-platter and bearing markings
Pic. 7: Setting the platter onto the bearing

Ovation
User manual
Page 9 clearaudio electronic GmbH 2013
2.6
Please check with the bubble level gauge, if your Ovation turntable is in a level
position.
You can adjust each of the turntable’s feet to get the turntable level.
Only if the turntable is in a level position will you get the best results with your
turntable.
Adjust the height be turning the threaded spike feet. When the table is
properly level, lock the feet in place with the nut (see below).
2.7
For tonearm and cartridge mounting please refer to the user manual of the respective
manufacturer.
Now you can connect the Ovation turntable with the main supply.
Pic. 8.1: Adjustment of the height
Pic. 8: Adjustment of the height
Pic. 9: Connection to the main supply

Ovation
User manual
Page 10 clearaudio electronic GmbH 2013
2.8
Speed fine adjustment
The motor adjustment is already pre set at the factory. Because of handling or because of soiling of
the sensor or the sensor ring, some small speed deviations can occur.
Please check the speed before using the turntable for the first time.
For the correct adjustment of the speed, please put the recommended clearaudio Stroboscope
Testrecord on the platter. Follow the instructions of the Stroboscope Testrecord user manual. To
check the speed with highest accuracy please use the clearaudio Speed Light (AC039)
On the backside (close to the power supply input) of your turntable there are three setting
trimmers:
- right trimmer = setting 33 1/3 rpm
(near power supply jack)
- middle trimmer = setting 45 rpm
- left trimmer = setting 78 rpm
If you would like to adjust the 33 1/3 speed, take the aluminium screw driver (see accessories) and
turn the right trimmer until you have reached the right speed according to the Stroboscope
Testrecord (see user manual “Stroboscope Testrecord”).
-Turning the trimmer counter clockwise = reduces the turntable speed
-Turning the trimmer clockwise = increases the turntable speed
Please proceed with the speed adjustment for 45 rpm and 78 rpm in the same way!
Pic. 10: Speed fine adjustment