The new Tracer tonearm slots neatly between the existing Magnify and Clarify models, which positions it just three steps down from Clearaudio’s flagship Universal arm.
The Tracer is an elegantly minimalist design that places particular emphasis on the stable positioning of the phono cartridge above the record’s surface. Beneath the seeming simplicity of its sleek design lies a wealth of workmanship and a raft of smart details.
In creating the Tracer tonearm, Clearaudio’s design team drew on a number of engineering tricks typically associated with high-end watchmaking. Its design features a high-precision, low-friction jeweled bearing which is deftly crafted using a combination of tungsten and sapphire. The tonearm tube is carbon, hence is both extremely rigid and very lightweight, giving a just-right combination of stability and agility.
You might expect such high-precision engineering to come at the expense of usability, but in this case the reverse is true. The Tracer’s anti-skating force is effortlessly adjustable by way of a simple dial within perfect reach, while the aluminum headshell allows the azimuth to be easily fine-tuned. The counter-weight is under-slung to provide an optimal centre of gravity and to allow straightforward adjustment of the tracking force.
The Tracer tonearm is available with a choice of black carbon or silver carbon armtube, with matching aluminium parts.
Technical specifications
Construction Radial tonearm with horizontal sapphire bearing and vertical
ball bearing
Cartridge balance range 3.5 – 17g
Overhang 16.5 mm
Offset angle 25.54 °
Wiring Clearaudio Sixstream Super Wire (1.1m) terminated with RCA plug
Mounting style Clearaudio (diameter of bore 24.85 mm)
Weight 350g (including counter-weight)
Pricing and availability
The Clearaudio Tracer tonearm is available now, in a choice of black or silver carbon, priced at £1,810 (including VAT).
