Clearaudio, with its 'Concept' series, has developed a top-of-the-line product that is affordable and ready to use.
Following the success of the Concept series, the German manufacturer has enhanced the range with 'WOOD' versions.
Clearaudio Concept MM Wood : Plinth and platter
At first sight, you could think that a veneer has been added to the side of the turntable for a more vintage look! ...There is actually more to it than meets the eye!
In fact, this 'WOOD' variant is not made of MDF like Clearaudio's Concept MM turntable, it features a multilayer birch veneer. The sonic benefits of this material are recognised by sound technicians and audiophiles. Many used multilayer wood to make high quality Hi-Fi cabinets. In the 70's, some British monitoring speakers (the best) were made out of multilayer birch wood for greater neutrality (Rogers LS5/9…).
The platter is made of a high-density neutral composite material: P.O.M.
Clearaudio Concept MM Wood : Motor and drive
The speed selector switch built into the turntable is one of the most complete in the range. Actually, without options, you can select between 33, 45 and 78 RPM!
In this version, the DC motor features a control card with 3 mini potentiometers to control the platter's rotation on all 3 playback speeds!
They are available on the side of the plinth at the back of the turntable. For accurate adjustments, you will need (Pro-Ject's Strobe It) stroboscopic disc.
Clearaudio Concept MM Wood : Tonearm and cartridge
It features the great 9-inch tonearm with its magnetic bearing.
It is paired with the great moving magnet cartridge, Clearaudio's Concept MM cartridge.
Clearaudio Concept MM Wood : Listening and test review
The sonic performance is superb, as you would expect from a manufacturer like Clearaudio.
The results are quite similar to the standard version, with dramatic improvement in terms of dynamics and articulation.
Some registers also seem to be sharper. It boasts great tonal balance and transparency.
Clearaudio's Concept MM Wood turntable, in addition to being beautiful, is amazingly efficient and musical. Its neutrality makes it one of the most versatile models in the range.
We highly recommended it!
AWARDS:
Hi-Fi Choice Recommended - 2010
What Hi-Fi - 2015 Best turntable £800+
What Hi-Fi - 2016
FranckTurntable specs:
Plinth: Birch multi-ply
Tonearm: 9 inch with magnetic bearing
Wiring: Directwire Plus
Cable length: 1.2 m
Phono cable characteristics: 156 pF/m. 0.52 µH/m. 0.46 Ω/m
Motor: High-precision DC
Spindle: Steel with bronze housing
Drive principle: Flat belt
Platter: Black POM, 30 mm thick
Speed: 33, 45, 78 rpm
Playback speed adjustment: Independent precision adjustment for all 3 playback speeds.
Stability: +/- 0.04%
Weight: 7.5 kg
Power supply: Outboard, 12 V/450 mA
Dimensions: 420x350x140 mm
Cartridge specifications:
Principle: Moving magnet (MM)
Winding: OFC copper -
Compliance: 9/9 U/nm
Tracking force: 2.2g
Output: 3.6 mV
Coil inductance: 0.66 kOhm
Coil impedance: 0.42 H
Load impedance: 11 Ohms
Load capacitance: 100 pF
Body: Aluminium/Magnesium
Frequency response: 20 Hz/20 kHz
Cantilever: aluminium
Weight: 8.4 g
Customer reviews
super concept !
c'est ma première platine. Je voulais quelque chose de simple qui marche du premier coup tout en ayant un bon son. J'ai beaucoup hésité avec une RP6 + Ortofon MC mais j'étais un peu rebuté par les chipotages du bras bien que le site le propose. J'ai aussi hésité avec une concept MC mais ma femme préférait le look de celle ci. Je ferai un upgrade de cellule plus tard avec une meilleure cellule que celle de Clearaudio pour le prix.
Bilan: le produit est mis en service en 10 minutes, le son est très bon déjà en MM, la platine est plus belle que sur les photos. Concernant le service de maplatine.com, je tiens à souligner qu'ils sont extraordinaires, le meilleur service que je n'ai jamais eu sur internet. Ils sont très réactifs à répondre pour les conseils, on est informé tout au long du processus d'envoi, le produit est préparé/réglé/contrôlé avant ( ils ont même monté la courroie alors que Clearaudio fait pratiquement déjà tout et règlé le préampli Smart Phono), paquet super protégé et envoi à l'étranger (DK) rapide et sans encombre. Bref, un client très satisfait !!