clearaudio AC168 Vinyl Player User Manual
- May 15, 2024
- clearaudio
Table of Contents
- clearaudio AC168 Vinyl Player
- Matching accessories from Clearaudio:
- Safety instructions
- 1. Packaging overview
- 2. List of components
- 3. Set-up
- 4. Initial operation and calibration of speed
- 5. Important notes
- 6. Troubleshooting
- 7. Technical data
- Specifications:
- FAQ
- References
- Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
- Download This Manual (PDF format)
clearaudio AC168 Vinyl Player
USER MANUAL
Dear Clearaudio customer, the concept already caused a sensation when it was
launched on the market in 2009.
As an entry-level package with a specially developed tonearm and cartridge, a
revolutionary sound package with an undisputed price, design and performance
range was created and enjoys worldwide fame with over 20.000 units sold.
After more than 10 years of consistency, the concept gets an update and becomes concept Signature. The new control technology with integrated self- calibration, new setting options and additional Tacho Speed Control (“TSC”) achieve even better measured values in synchronization, wow and flutter and impulse stability.
The new design of the surface – now with sensor switch – also combines variable setting options and functions, while at the same time the new encoder also serves as the basis for further generations and expansion stages. In addition, there is also the improved motor suspension using several O-rings (“ISM”), which completely decouple the motor from the chassis and were adopted in a simplified form from the Reference Jubilee.
The concept Signature is another milestone and the result of our consistent
research and constant development of our products.
Please read the instruction manual for easy setup and to discover how to care
for your concept Signature turntable to enjoy music for many years. Follow the
instructions carefully to avoid any potential damage. Not following our
instructions could void your warranty.
We wish you a great musical experience with your new Clearaudio concept Signature turntable.
Clearaudio electronic GmbH
Matching accessories from Clearaudio:
Dustcover for concept Signature turntable (Art. No AC168)
concept clamp (Art. No. AC122)
Replacement belt for concept series turntable (Art. No. AC123)
Professional Power 12V transformer power supply (Art. No. EL039/S)
Also available in black.
smart power 12V battery power supply (Art. No. EL035/B/S)
Also available in all black finish.
You can find these and many other accessories in the Clearaudio online shop (www.analogshop.de) or through your Clearaudio dealer.
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-off mechanism.
- Therefore, as soon as the stylus has reached the run-out groove, engage the tonearm lift and switch the turntable off.
- Not suitable for children! Scope of delivery may contain small parts that can be swallowed.
2. Intended use
- The concept Signature is a turntable for playing records.
- The intended use of the concept Signature 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 modification of this product is not intended.
3. Location of installation
- Avoid locations with direct sunlight, temperature fluctuations 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 flame 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 aggressive cleaning detergent.
- Do not use dry cloths for cleaning as this generates static electricity. Suitable cleaning and care products from Clearaudio are available from www.analogshop.de or from specialist retailers.
- The bearing of the turntable platter can be lubricated every 2 years with a suitable oil (for example Clearaudio “bearing oil” Art. No. AC068).
Put 1 or 2 drops of the oil into the bearing for lubrication.
6. Health information
Permanently high volume can lead to various types of hearing damage. Use high volume responsibly!
7. Service
The concept Signature turntable should be repaired during the guarantee period by the manufacturer or authorized dealer 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 concept Signature turntable must be send to Clearaudio through your dealer.
8. Transport
- Use the original packing material for further transportation of the concept Signature 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 as well as the tape securing the tonearm and the cartridge stylus protection. Otherwise serious damage can occur.
- Please also ensure that you fully retract the turntable feet.
- For any transportation of the concept Signature turntable, please ensure that the platter is packed with the upper surface facing downwards into the packaging.
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.
1. Packaging overview
The Clearaudio concept Signature turntable is delivered in a customized
packing to ensure its safe transport.
Please retain the original packaging for any future transportation and
shipping.
Please see the list below to check the contents of your Clearaudio concept
Signature turntable.
First layer:
Concept Signature turntable chassis including integrated motor unit and tonearm with cartridge.
Second layer:
- Turntable platter,
- accessories box,
- user manual,
- Clearaudio return delivery note, warranty card
2. List of components
- Turntable chassis with tonearm, cartridge and drive belt on sub-platter.
- Turntable platter.
- Accessories:
- Level gauge,
- smart stylus force gauge,
- hex wrench (size 2 / 2.5),
- power supply incl. adapter,
- user manual,
- Clearaudio return delivery note,
- warranty card.
3. Set-up
Setting up the concept Signature turntable is easy. The turntable chassis, tonearm and cartridge are already assembled and all key parameters have been pre-adjusted and tested at the Clearaudio factory.
The concept Signature turntable needs a set-up space of at least 17 x 14 inches.
3.1 First take the concept Signature turntable chassis out of the package and place it on a suitable surface.
Then remove the drive belt from the plastic bag.
Pic. 2: Placing the turntable
3.2 Place the drive belt around the sub-platter and around the motor pulley and the tacho meter.
3.3 Take the platter out of the package and carefully place it with both hands
onto the shaft.
Make sure that the hollowed side faces down towards the sub-platter.
3.4 Carefully remove the adhesive security tape and other security materials from the tonearm and the cartridge.
3.5 Please level the turntable using the level gauge provided.
All key parameters have been adjusted at the Clearaudio factory.
Pic. 6: Levelling the turntable
3.6 If the bubble of the level gauge is not centered within the black circle,
please turn the turntables feet clockwise or anti-clockwise until you reach
the perfectly leveled position.
You will only get the best sound from your concept Signature turntable if it
is perfectly leveled.
3.7 Connect one end of the external power supply provided to the socket on the
rear of the concept Signature turntable and the other end to a live AC outlet.
Then connect the tonearm cable to your phonostage (red plug = right channel,
black plug = left channel).
Finally, connect the grounding and switch on the device on the back using the
“On/Off” switch.
Your concept Signature turntable is now completely assembled and ready to
play.
Pic. 8: Power supply of the turntable
Clearaudio is wishing you a lot of pleasure with your new concept Signature turntable.
4. Initial operation and calibration of speed
4.1 Initial operation
If the concept Signature is in standby, press the button once to put the drive
into operation at the basic speed of 33 1/3 rpm.
Press again to change the speed to 45 rpm. Another press puts the drive back
into standby mode. We recommend to let the turntable run in for around 15-30
minutes when using it for the first time.
Pic. 9: Control unit of the concept Signature
4.2 Calibration of speeds
Thanks to the newly developed motor control, the concept Signature calibrates
itself to always maintain the perfect speed.
However, manual calibration is possible. This is particularly recommended if
the turntable has not been in use for a long time, wearing parts (e.g. belts)
have been replaced or the drive is being repositioned after moving, for
example.
If you would like to start the calibration manually, please proceed as follows to recalibrate both speeds. This process can take up to 10 minutes.
Pic. 10: Calibration of the concept Signature
The turntable have to be in standby mode to start the calibration. On the back
of the turntable you will find the calibration button next to the “On/Off”
switch.
Since this is recessed in the chassis, you need a narrow screwdriver or
alternatively a ballpoint pen or something similar to press the button.
Hold this down for approx. 5 seconds. As the turntable calibrates itself, the
platter rotates and the display quickly changes between 33 (=33 1/3) and 45.
After calibration is complete, the turntable stops and switches to standby mode by itself.
5. Important notes
5.1 Adjustment of the tracking force
The tracking force is already preset at the factory.
Please always remove the record from the turntable if you want to check or
adjust the tracking force. To check the values, we recommend using the
delivered smart stylus force gauge or the Clearaudio Weight Watcher touch
(Art. No. AC 163).
The recommended tracking force for the Clearaudio concept MM cartridge is 2.2g (± 0.3g) and for the Clearaudio concept mc cartridge is 2.2g (± 0.2g).
To adjust the tracking force, the counterweight at the end of the tonearm must
be turned.
Attention: Please hold the tonearm firmly on the tonearm tube while turning
the counterweight to avoid damage!
Red arrow (shift towards tonearm end)
= less tracking force -> turn counterweight counterclockwise (left)
Green arrow (shift towards the start of the tonearm)
= more tracking force -> turn counterweight clockwise (right)
Set the correct tracking force of your pickup according to the manufacturer‘s
instructions.
5.2 Adjustment of the tonearm height
Since everything on the turntable is pre-assembled and tested, including
tonearm and cartridge, there is usually no need to change any parameters on
the concept Signature turntable. If you wish to change the height of your
tonearm, please refer to your nearest qualified dealer or service personnel.
Your dealer can make the height adjustment by loosening the locking screw on
the side of the tonearm base of your turntable.
Please note that the basic setting is made without an additional mat on the
plate.
Clearaudio assumes no liability for incorrect handling or any damage caused if non-qualified persons attempt the above adjustments.
5.3 Adjustment of the anti-skating force Again, since everything on the turntable is pre-assembled and tested, including tonearm and cartridge, there is usually no need to change any of the concept Signature turntable parameters.
If you still want to change the anti-skating, please contact your dealer, who
has the necessary accessories, e.g. test record, measuring tool.
Your specialist dealer will find the anti-skating screw on the underside of
the concept Signature turntable.
Clearaudio assumes no liability for incorrect handling or any damage caused if non-qualified persons attempt these adjustments.
6. Troubleshooting
If you have a problem with your concept Signature turntable, first 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. |
Is the power switch in the correct position? | Check the switch on the back of |
the device.
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 amplifier.
The volume on the amplifier/
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 offers 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 or too low?| Adjust the tracking
force.
Is the correct operating mode
(MM / MC) set on the amplifier?| 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.
Needle bounces or slides across record| Is the record or the stylus dirty or
damaged?| Clean the record / or the cartridge. Clearaudio offers 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 or too low?| Adjust the tracking
force.
Is the record deformed or scratched?| Use a record clamp or replace the
record.
Is the turntable leveled?| Check the alignment of the turntable and adjust if
necessary.
Is the antiskating set too high/ low?| Contact your dealer to have the setting
checked and corrected 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.
Is the power switch in the correct position?| Check the switch on the back of
the device.
The turntable is still in standby mode.| Activate the drive by pressing the
button.
Noisy sound| Is the drive belt properly attached?| Check the position of the
drive belt.
Is it too loose and needs to be changed? Please note: After changing the
belt, we recommend recalibrating the turntable.
Humming noises| Contact problems with the signal connections (e.g. cinch
plugs, adapters for extensions)| Check all connections; reduce the level
on the (pre-)amplifier to a low volume for acoustic checking of gross
errors.
The pickup pins are mixed up, 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.| Start the self-calibration
using the operating instructions.
7. Technical data
Construction details:| • Resonance-optimised turntable.
• Upper layer incorporates high-tech satined plastic compound.
• Chassis comprises medium-density wood fibre (silver / black) or
pressure-formed solid wood (wood / dark wood).
• Bottom plate medium-density wood fibre
• Height-adjustable turntable feets.
---|---
Speed options:| 33 ⅓, 45rpm
Drive unit:| • Decoupled and resonance damped 12V DC motor.
• Flat belt-drive
• Plug-in power supply unit, designed for worldwide use with all networks
and power frequencies.
• „IMS light – Innovative Motor Suspension“ (Suspension design of the motor
using O-rings)
• „TSC“ Tacho speed control (speed monitoring)
Automatic compensation of friction and temperature changes on platter bearings
and belts
Bearing:| Polished and tempered steel spindle in a sintered bronze bushing,
running on a teflon thrust-pad.
Platter:| 30mm / 1.18 inch main platter, made out of
synthe- tic material with high-density and excellent
dimension / precision CNC machined aluminium sub-platter.
Speed accuracy (measured):| ± 0,05%
Power consumption:| Max. consumption: 3.6 watts Consumption in operation: 1.92
watts Standby: 0.74 watts
Off mode: 0.0 watts (switched off at the rear)
Total weight:| Approx. 7.5kg (incl. tonearm and cartridge)
Dimensions (W/D/H):| ca. 420 x 350 x 125 mm (mit Tonarm)
Dimensions (W/D/H):| Approx. 16.54 x 13.78 x 4.92 inches (with tonearm)
Manufacturer’s warranty:| 2 years*
Specifications:
- Model: Clearaudio Concept Signature
- Origin: Made in Germany
- Features: Integrated self-calibration, Tacho Speed Control
(TSC), sensor switch, motor suspension using O-rings (ISM)
FAQ
Q: What should I do if my turntable gets wet or damaged?
A: Do not connect the turntable if it has been dropped or wet. Contact your dealer for inspection.
Q: Can I open the turntable case for maintenance?
A: No, never open the case or attempt to repair the unit yourself to avoid warranty loss. Seek professional help if needed.
clearaudio electronic GmbH
Spardorfer Straße 150
91054 Erlangen
Germany
Phone /Tel.: +49 9131 40300 100
Fax: +49 9131 40300 119
www.clearaudio.de
www.analogshop.de
info@clearaudio.de
Handmade in Germany
Clearaudio Electronic accepts no liability for any misprints.
Technical specifications are subject to change or improvement without prior
notice.
Product availability is as long as stock lasts.
Copies and reprints of this document, including extracts, require written
consent from Clearaudio Electronic GmbH, Germany.
Änderungen bleiben vorbehalten. Lieferbar solange Vorrat reicht. Für
Druckfehler keine Haftung. Irrtümer vorbehalten- Kopien und Abdrucke – auch
nur auszugsweise – bedürfen der schriftlichen Genehmigung durch die clearaudio
electronic GmbH.
2024