clearaudio compass: High-end sound from Erlangen - compact, ready to play, uncompromising
Vinyl has been experiencing an impressive renaissance for years - and more and more music lovers are asking themselves: How can I get real audiophile sound without investing five-figure sums? clearaudio, the Franconian analog manufacturer from Erlangen, has developed a clear answer to this question. After more than two years of development work, the clearaudio compass is the result of consistent quality standards: a ready-to-play turntable that makes high-end technology accessible to a much broader target group - at a price of 1,290 euros.
When the Erlangen-based company presented its Concept model around 15 years ago, it set two milestones: it was the most affordable ready-to-play clearaudio turntable at the time and the first that even laymen could set up in just a few minutes. The new compass takes this to the extreme. Fairaudio
What's behind the concept?
"We deliberately wanted to develop a turntable that embodies all the fascination of high-end audio, but is affordable for more people," explains clearaudio Managing Director Robert Suchy. AREA DVD This promise is not marketing prose - it is the result of a carefully considered balance between manufacture and intelligent series production. All components that are crucial to the sound are still made by hand in Erlangen: Tonearm, cartridge, bearings and sub-platter. Only the MDF chassis comes from a partner company in the Czech Republic, where the final assembly also takes place.
The result is a turntable that, according to several independent specialist editors, seriously challenges the competition in its price class - including such established names as Rega. In terms of sound, it is not a dwarf, but an excellently crafted audiophile hi-fi component that even takes on Rega's price class champion, which has matured over decades, in a completely disrespectful manner and does not come off badly at all HIFI.DE, judges hifi.de after an extensive listening test.
The heart of the matter: bearings, platter and drive
If you want to judge a turntable, the first thing you look at is the bearing - because this determines how smoothly and precisely the platter turns. In the compass, clearaudio relies on a polished, hardened steel axle in a bronze bushing that runs on a Teflon mirror. The 20 mm thick platter made of high-density acrylic is complemented by a CNC precision-machined aluminum sub-platter. A decoupled 12-volt DC motor transmits its power via a ground flat belt - vibration-free and quiet.
The result of this design speaks for itself: the synchronization value is less than ±0.05 %, which is exceptional in this price range. The platter bearing proved to be low rumble in the listening test STEREO, confirms the specialist editors of stereo.de - a statement that is of central importance for vinyl listeners, as mechanical rumble is one of the most common sound killers in cheaper turntables.
T1 tonearm and N1 cartridge: a coordinated system
The new T1 tonearm is not a development from scratch - it is based on the tried and tested clearaudio Satisfy, one of the most respected radial arms in the mid-price segment. With an effective length of 239.12 mm, an offset angle of 24.02° and an anti-skating system via a cable pull, it is precisely designed for optimum tracking. The prefabricated "clearaudio Direct Wire PLUS" signal cable runs continuously from the pickup to the MPC RCA plug - without any annoying transitions that could impair the sound.
In addition to mounting the tonearm counterweight, this covering of the anti-skating weight is one of the few steps that you still have to carry out yourself on the turntable, which is supplied "plug and play" - the N1 cartridge comes perfectly mounted and well protected free of charge. LowBeats
The MM cartridge N1 was specially developed for the compass and is equipped with an elliptically cut diamond, a solid aluminum housing and a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. The output voltage is around 2.9 mV - sufficient for any standard phono preamplifier. The N1 surprises with a solid aluminum housing and fine and spatial reproduction for a very low entry-level price - a real price tip for beginners and intermediates. STEREO In a direct comparison with the Ortofon 2M Red, the N1 showed the finer manners: more spatiality, more nuances, more grace.
Processing and design: "reduce to the max" from the manufactory
Visually, the compass follows the purism that is a tradition in Erlangen. It appears like the essence of clearaudio's design language - consistently simple in design, which despite its reduced outfit does not look anything like a "piggy bank". Fairaudio The MDF housing in black or silver sits on three height-adjustable, decoupled aluminum pucks. A solid steel plate on the underside of the cabinet provides additional weight and ensures low-resonance performance. The acrylic cover with stainless steel joints protects the drive in style - complete removal is recommended during operation for optimum sound.
A toggle switch on the underside of the device switches between 33⅓ and 45 rpm, the tonearm is gently lowered using a twisted aluminum lever. There are no more controls - and that's exactly right.
How does the clearaudio compass really sound?
The independent tests speak the same language. This clear and unadorned turntable, which has an almost sober appearance, sounds substantial, refined and mature - there is something behind it in the truest sense of the word. STEREO In the stereo test, the compass impressed with its dry, concise bass, clear reproduction of voices and instruments as well as a stable sound stage.
The AV magazine confirms: With the ready-to-play compass turntable, clearaudio wants to raise audiophile demands in the entry-level segment AV-Magazin - and actually succeeds in the balancing act. hifi.de sums it up as follows: 1,290 euros can be invested significantly worse in the hi-fi world - but hardly better than in the Clearaudio Compass. HIFI.DE
Key technical data at a glance
The compass weighs around 8.4 kg (including tonearm, cartridge and hood) and measures 435 × 340 × 120 mm. The maximum power consumption during operation is 5.56 watts; when switched off, it consumes no power. The power supply unit can be used worldwide and allows flexible international operation. clearaudio grants a 24-month manufacturer's warranty on all components.
Reverberation: The entry-level device that no longer wants to be one
The clearaudio compass is no ordinary entry-level turntable. It is a device with manufacturing DNA that sets sound standards far beyond its price range - and is so easy to use that it is suitable for every record lover, whether vinyl newcomer or returning after a long break. The compass is the ideal companion for anyone looking to enter or upgrade to the world of analog sound.
