Clearaudio Performance DC User manual

User manual
© clearaudio electronic GmbH, 2022-11 Made in Germany
Performance DC
Black with black chassis
Silver with wood chassis
Black with silver chassis
Silver with black chassisSilver with silver chassis
Black with wood chassis
Pic. similar

User manual
Page 2 © clearaudio electronic GmbH, 2022-11
Dear Clearaudio customer,
You have purchased a State-Of-The-Art turntable, the Performance DC , a world class product of
Clearaudio electronic GmbH. Congratulations on your purchase!
The main chassis consists of a complex sandwich of materials: aluminium and HDF material.
The powerful and smooth-running DC motor is integrated within and is eectively decoupled by the
main chassis.
The motor is hidden beneath the platter and drives the precision machined aluminium sub-platter
via a precision machined POM main platter are supported by Clearaudio‘s patented CMB Ceramic
Magnetic Bearing.
The drive system is operated by four blue illuminated buttons, ergonomically integrated into the
front left of the chassis. Almost any commercially available 9 inch tonearm can be tted by virtue of
the easily interchangeable armboards.
Please read this user manual carefully so that you can enjoy all the advantages of your Performance
DC turntable. All information given will help to generate the best performance and avoid any possible
damages.
We hope you will enjoy your new Clearaudio Performance DC turntable.
Clearaudio electronic GmbH
Please read the warnings before connecting your Performance DC turntable to the mains supply.

User manual
Made in Germany Page 3
Safety instructions
1. General information
Check the turntable for any damage before using it. Do not connect the turntable if damaged!
Never connect the turntable if it has been dropped or gotten wet, contact your dealer to have the turntable checked.
Never expose the turntable to rain or moisture.
Never touch the power cord of the device with wet hands.
Regular visual inspections for defective insulation on the connection cable are also recommended for your own safety.
A damaged cable should be replaced immediately by a specialist!
Never pull on the power cord to unplug the device. Always pull directly on the plug!
The inside of the turntable is maintenance free. Never open the case or attempt to repair the unit yourself, since this
can lead to loss of warranty!
We recommend disconnecting the power supply from the mains if you do not operate the device for a longer period of
time.
The turntable does not feature an automatic shut-o mechanism.
Therefore, as soon as the stylus has reached the run-out groove, engage the tonearm lift and switch the turntable o.
Not suitable for children! Scope of delivery may contain small parts that can be swallowed.
2. Intended use
The Performance DC is a turntable for playing records.
The intended use of the Performance DC in accordance with the information provided in the user manual only.
The power supply may only be operated with maximum permissible connection values according to the technical data.
Any other use or modication of this product is not intended.
3. Location of installation
Avoid locations with direct sunlight, temperature uctuations and high humidity.
Likewise, avoid placing electronic devices near heaters, heat lamps, or other devices that produce heat.
The device is designed for operation at room temperature.
No objects with an open ame may be placed on or near the device (burning candles or similar).
4. Overload
The product is designed to comply with all necessary safety regulations. However, you should not leave the device
unattended under extreme loads.
5. Maintenance
Never use agressive cleaning detergent.
Donotusedryclothsforcleaningasthisgeneratesstaticelectricity.Suitable cleaningandcareproductsfromClearaudio
are available from www.analogshop.de or from specialist retailers.
The bearing of the turntable platter can be lubricated every 2 years with the oil provided.
Put 1 or 2 drops of the oil into the bearing for lubrication.

User manual
Page 4 © clearaudio electronic GmbH, 2022-11
6. Health information
Permanently high volume can lead to various types of hearing damage. Use high volume responsibly!
7. Service
The Performance DC turntable should be repaired during the guarantee period by the manufacturer only, otherwise the
warranty claim expires. All Clearaudio products should only be serviced by specialist retailers.
If, despite the high production standard, a service is necessary, the Performance DC turntable must be send to
Clearaudio through your dealer.
8. Transport
Use the original packing material for further transportation of the Performance DC turntable, otherwise serious damage
could occur.
Be sure to pack the device exactly as it was shipped.
Safe transport is only guaranteed in the original packaging.
Proceed in reverse as described for assembly when packing.
Always remove the turntable platter and replace the foam securing the sub-platter and cover the bearing with tape as
well. Otherwise serious damage can occur.
Remove also the pulley from the motor axle to avoid any damage during transport.
Clearaudio assumes no liability for any damage that may occur due to incorrect packing.
9. Disposal
Do not dispose this product together with other waste.
WEEE Reg. No.: DE26004446
10. CE Marking
This electronic product corresponds to the applicable guidelines for obtaining the CE mark.

User manual
Made in Germany Page 5
Contents
1. Packaging overview ............................................. 6
2. Setup and operation............................................. 7 - 13
3. Troubleshooting ................................................... 14 - 15
4. Technical data ...................................................... 16
Warranty information............................................... 17 - 18

User manual
Page 6 © clearaudio electronic GmbH, 2022-11
1. Packaging overview
The Clearaudio Performance DC turntable is delivered in specially designed custom packaging.
Please check the contents according to the following list before you set up your new Clearaudio
Performance DC turntable.
Pic. 1: Packaging overview
1. Layer (top):
Top of bearing, belt, ttings and
accessories (Quality and warranty
card,bearingoil,hexkeys,grounding
wire)
sub-platter, power supply
If ordered as set:
Tonearm and/or pickup
2. Layer (middle):
Turntable chassis
3. Layer (bottom):
Platter
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please double check the tightness of all bolts and armboard mounting
hardware, as temperature uctuations during transit may have caused the hardware to become
loose.

User manual
Made in Germany Page 7
2. Setup and operation
The Performance DC turntable consists of several components, as described in No 1
(Packaging overview).
The setup 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 ngerprints (e.g. on the platter).
Please follow the instructions step by step:
The Performance DC requires a space of at least 16.54 x 12.99 inches for positioning.
16.54 inch
/ 420 mm
12.99 inch / 330 mm
Pic. 2: Setting up space

User manual
Page 8 © clearaudio electronic GmbH, 2022-11
2.1
Place the pre-mounted chassis on your hi-rack or another suitable surface.
Pic. 3: Performance DC chassis
2.2
To avoid hum noises we recommend to ground the bearing. For that attach the supplied grounding
wire to the the existing screw on the bottom side of the chassis (#2.5).
Pic. 4: Grounding the bearing of the Performance DC
2.3
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
(also available through www.analogshop.de Art. No. AC068).
Pic. 5: Bearing oil

User manual
Made in Germany Page 9
2.4
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.
Pic. 6: Fitting the bearing upper part
2.5
Now you can set the sub-platter carefully onto the bearing (see Pic. 7).
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 (see Pic. 7.1).
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. 7: Setting the sub-platter Pic. 7.1: Placing the belt

User manual
Page 10 © clearaudio electronic GmbH, 2022-11
2.6
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. 8: Setting the platter onto the bearing
2.7
Please check with the bubble level gauge, if your
Performance
DC
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 you will get the
best results with your turntable.
Please note:
Throughturningthefeetsclockwiseyouwillraisethe turntable,
by turning counter clockwise the turntable will lower.
Pic. 9: Adjustment of the level position
Pic. 9.1: Adjustment of the height

User manual
Made in Germany Page 11
2.8
If the Performance DC turntable was purchased as a package together with the Clarify tonearm,
please follow the below described installation of the tonearm.
Position of the screw
to fasten the
tonearm with 2mm
allen key
Boring for the
tonearm
feet
1. Insert carefully rst the cable and then the tonearm feet through the hole of the tonearm base.
2. Now adjust the tonearm height.
3. At the end secure the tonearm with the screws with are already integrated at the front of the
mounting base.
4. For tonearm and cartridge mounting please refer to the user manual of the respective
manufacturer.
Pic. 10: Rear view Clarify tonearm

User manual
Page 12 © clearaudio electronic GmbH, 2022-11
If you purchased the Clearaudio Performance DC as package with tonearm and cartridge, you
received also a Smart Stlyus Gauge as accessories, which allows you to adjust the tracking force of
the cartridge.
Pic. 11: Use of the Smart Stylus Gauge
✓

tracking force too high!

tracking force too low!
This position of the diamond
correlates to a tracking force of
20mN (2.0g).

User manual
Made in Germany Page 13
Now you can connect the Performance DC turntable with the main supply.
Pic. 12: Connection to the main supply
2.9 Speed ne adjustment
As the motor adjustment is already pre-set at the factory, you don’t have to check the speed before
using the turntable for the rst time.
If you want to check the speed of your turntable by yourself over the time, we recommend to use a
Stroboscope Testrecord. To adjust the speed so perfectly and precisely as possible, we recommend
the Clearaudio Stroboscope Testrecord (Art. No. AC038) and the Clearaudio “Speed Light”
(Art. No. AC039, both available at www.analogshop.de).
On the backside (close to the power supply input) of your turntable there are three setting trimmers:
Pic. 13: Speed ne adjustment
- Left trimmer = setting 78rpm
(near power supply jack)
- Middle trimmer = setting 45rpm
- Right trimmer = setting 33 1/3rpm
Urgent:
Don’t use a metal screw driver. Only use screw driver made out of synthetic or ceramic material, to
avoid circuit damage.
Now you are nally ready to play your vinyl records!
Attention:
If the turntable is not in use, disconnect the unit completely from the power supply by removing the
main plug from the socket.
We wish you a lot of pleasure with your new Performance DC turntable.

User manual
Page 14 © clearaudio electronic GmbH, 2022-11
3. Troubleshooting
If you have a problem with your Performance DC turntable, rst check the possible causes to rule
out incorrect operation.
If the error persists, please contact your dealer!
Never try to open the device and/or repair it yourself, this will void the warranty!
Error Cause Measure
Device does not
work Is the power cord plugged in? Check the connection.
No sound
The tonearm and phono stage
are not properly connected. Check the cable connection between the tonearm and the phono stage.
Is the amp turned on? Check the power supply to the amplier.
The volume on the amplier/
loudspeaker is set too low or on
„mute“.
Check the volume settings.
Is the cartridge protective cap
still attached? Remove the cartridge‘s protective cap.
Is the tonearm in the raised
position? Lower the tonearm into the lead-in groove.
Is the stylus damaged? Check the stylus and have the cartridge checked
by a specialist if necessary.
Bad sound /
noise
Is the record or the stylus dirty or
damaged? Clean the record / or the cartridge. Clearaudio oers many helpful accessories for care and
cleaning. In the event of damage, we recommend
an assessment by a specialist and, if necessary,
an exchange.
Is the cartridge properly mounted
into the tonearm? Check the installation using the relevant user manual and correct them if necessary.
Has the tracking force been set
too high? Adjust the tracking force.
Is the correct operating mode
(MM / MC) set on the amplier? Check the settings of your phono stage.
The pre/amp does not have
enough gain. Check the settings of your phono stage.
Pre/amp is mismatched. Swap the plugs of the turntable that are connected
to the left and right outputs.

User manual
Made in Germany Page 15
Needle bounces
or slides across
record
Is the record or the stylus dirty
or damaged? Clean the record / or the cartridge. Clearaudio oers many helpful accessories for care and
cleaning. In the event of damage, we recommend
an assessment by a specialist and, if necessary,
an exchange.
Has the tracking force been set
too high? Adjust the tracking force.
Is the record deformed or
scratched? Use a record clamp or replace the record.
Is the turntable level? Check the alignment of the turntable and adjust
if necessary.
Platter does not
turn
Is the drive belt properly
attached? Check the position of the drive belt.
Is the power cord connected
properly? Check the connection.
No speed was selected / speed
selection in position „0“/“OFF“. Select a speed and start the turntable.
Noisy sound Is the drive belt properly
attached? Check the position of the drive belt. Is it too loose and needs to be changed?
Humming noises
Contact problems with the signal
connections (e.g. cinch plugs,
adapters for extensions)
Check all connections; reduce the level on the
(pre-)amplier to a low volume for acoustic
checking of gross errors.
Metal housing acts as an
antenna and catches hum. It can be helpful for conductivity to connect the metal parts of the turntable to the ground of
the (phono) preamplier. The turntable provides
a grounding terminal for this purpose. Use a
suciently thick wire to establish the ground
connection.
Thepickup pinsaremixedup,not
connected correctly or defective. Check the pin assignment of the pickup.
The music doesn‘t
sound like
usual
Wrong speed selected. Check the record for recommended speed.
There are also records in LP format (30 cm) that
have to be played at 45 rpm (“maxi singles”) and
small records in single format (17 cm) that have to
be played at 33 rpm (so-called “ EP‘s“).
The turntable is spinning too
fast/too slow. Adjust the speed according to the operating instructions.

User manual
Page 16 © clearaudio electronic GmbH, 2022-11
4. Technical Data
Construction details: Resonance-optimised body, highly compressed wood
chassis in sandwich construction embedded between two
aluminium plates.
Speed options: 33 ⅓, 45, 78rpm
Drive unit: Decoupled and resonance damped 12V DC motor, at belt-
drive and plug-in power supply unit designed for worldwide
use with all networks and power frequencies.
Bearing: Cut and polished ceramic shaft in a sintered bronze bushing,
Clearaudio ceramic magnetic bearing (CMB)
Platter: Synthetic material, surface CNC-precision milled, Surface
CNC-precision milled, 1.1 inches / 40mm thickness
Speed accuracy (measured): ± 0.05%
Power consumption: Max. consumption: 3.3 watts
Consumption in operation: 1.6 watts
Standby mode: < 0.5 watts
O mode: 0.0 watts
Total weight: Approx. 11.0kg
Dimensions (W/D/H): Approx. 16.54 x 12.99 x 4.92 inches
(without tonearm)
Dimensions (W/D/H): Approx. 420 x 330 x 125mm
(without tonearm)
Manufacturer’s 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
Made in Germany Page 17
The full, extended warranty period for the Performance DC turntable is 5 years. To receive this full
Clearaudio warranty, you must either complete and return the relevant section of the warranty
registration card to Clearaudio, or register your product online at https://clearaudio.de/en/service/
registration.php, within 14 days of purchase. Otherwise only the legal warranty of 2 years can be
considered. The full 5 year warranty can only be honoured if the product is returned in its original
packing.
ENGLISH
WARRANTY
For warranty information, contact your local Clearaudio distributor.
RETAIN YOUR PURCHASE RECEIPT
Your purchase receipt is your permanent record of a valuable purchase. It should be kept in a safe place to be referred
to as necessary for insurance purposes or when corresponding with Clearaudio.
IMPORTANT
When seeking warranty service, it is the responsibility of the consumer to establish proof and date of purchase.
Your purchase receipt or invoice is adequate for such proof.
FOR U.K. ONLY
This undertaking is in addition to a consumer‘s statutory rights and does not aect those rights in any way.
FRANÇAIS
GARANTIE
Pour des informations sur la garantie, contacter le distributeur local Clearaudio.
CONSERVER L‘ATTESTATION D‘ACHAT
L‘attestation d‘achat est la preuve permanente d‘un achat de valeur. La conserver en lieu sur pour s‘y reporter aux ns
d‘obtention d‘une couverture d‘assurance ou dansle cadre de correspondances avec Clearaudio.
IMPORTANT
Pour l‘obtention d‘un service couvert par la garantie, il incombe au client d‘établir la preuve de l‘achat et d‘en corroborer
la date. Le reçu ou la facture constituent des preuves susantes.
DEUTSCH
GARANTIE
Bei Garantiefragen wenden Sie sich bitte zunächst an Ihren Clearaudio Händler. Heben Sie Ihren Kaufbeleg gut auf.
WICHTIG!
Die Angaben auf Ihrer Quittung erlauben uns die Identizierung Ihres Gerätes und belegen mit dem Kaufdatum die
Dauer Ihrer Garantie-Ansprüche. Für Serviceleistungen benötigen wir stets die Gerätenummer. Diese nden Sie auf dem
Typenschild auf der Rückseite des Gerätes oder auch in der beigefügten Garantie-Registrierkarte.
NEDERLANDS
GARANTIE
Voor inlichtingen omtrent garantie dient u zich tot uw plaatselijke Clearaudio.
UW KWITANTIE, KASSABON E.D. BEWAREN
Uw kwitantie, kassabon e.d. vormen uw bewijs van aankoop van een waardevol artikel en dienen op een veilige plaats
bewaard te worden voor evt, verwijzing bijv, in verbend met verzekering of bij correspondentie met Clearaudio.
BELANGRIJK
Bij een evt, beroep op de garantie is het de verantwoordelijkheid van de consument een gedateerd bewijs van aankoop
te tonen. Uw kassabon of factuurzijn voldoende bewijs.

User manual
Page 18 © clearaudio electronic GmbH, 2022-11
ITALIANO
GARANZIA
L’apparecchio è coperto da una garanzia di buon funzionamento della durata di un anno, o del periodo
previsto dalla legge, a partire dalla data di acquisto comprovata da un documento attestante il nominativo del Rivendi-
tore e la data di vendita. La garanzia sarà prestata con la sostituzione o la riparazione gratuita delle parti difettose.Non
sono coperti da garanzia difetti derivanti da uso improprio, errata installazione, manutenzione eettuata da personale
non autorizzato o, comunque, da circostanze che non possano riferirsi a difetti di funzionamento dell’apparecchio. Sono
inoltre esclusi dalla garanzia gli interventi inerenti l’installazione e l’allacciamento agli impianti di alimentazione.
Gli apparecchi verranno riparati presso i nostri Centri di Assistenza Autorizzati. Le spese ed i rischi di trasporto sono a
carico del cliente. La casa costruttrice declina ogni responsabilità per danni diretti o indiretti provocati dalla inosservan-
za delle prescrizio-ni di installazione, uso e manutenzione dettagliate nel presente manuale o per guasti dovuti ad uso
continuato a ni professionali.
ESPAÑOL
GARANTIA
Para obtener información acerca de la garantia póngase en contacto con su distribuidor Clearaudio.
GUARDE SU RECIBO DE COMPRA
Su recibo de compra es su prueba permanente de haber adquirido un aparato de valor, Este recibo deberá guardarlo
en un lugar seguro y utilizarlo como referencia cuando tenga que hacer uso del seguro o se ponga en contacto con
Clearaudio.
IMPORTANTE
Cuando solicite el servicio otorgado por la garantia el usuario tiene la responsabilidad de demonstrar cuándo efectuó la
compra. En este caso, su recibo de compra será la prueba apropiada.

User manual
Made in Germany Page 19

clearaudio electronic GmbH
Spardorfer Straße 150
91054 Erlangen
Germany
Phone /Tel.: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.clearaudio.de
www.analogshop.de
[e-mail]
Handmade in Germany
Clearaudio Electronic accepts no liability for any misprints.
Technical specications are subject to change or improvement without prior notice.
Product availability is as long as astock lasts.
Copies and reprints of this document, including extracts, require written consent from
Clearaudio Electronic GmbH, Germany.
2022
© clearaudio electronic GmbH, 2022-11 Made in Germany