clearaudio TT5 Innovation Basic User Manual

clearaudio TT5 Innovation Basic

Product Information

• Model: Clearaudio Innovation Basic
• Package Contents:
  • Clearaudio tonearm TT5 (Black Picturet) or Magnify (Wood Picture)
  • Clearaudio cartridge Charisma V2 MM (Black Picturet) or Essence mc (Wood Picture)
• Made in Germany

Product Usage Instructions

Setup and Installation:

1. Check the turntable for any damage before use. Do not connect if damaged.
2. Avoid direct sunlight, temperature fluctuations, and high humidity during installation.
3. Connect the power supply with the maximum permissible connection values.

Operation and Safety:

• Avoid exposing the turntable to rain or moisture.
• Do not touch the power cord with wet hands.
• Regularly inspect the connection cable for defective insulation.
• Engage the tonearm lift and switch off the turntable after the stylus reaches the run-out groove.
• Do not attempt to repair or open the turntable yourself to avoid loss of warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What should I do if my turntable gets wet?

A: Do not connect the turntable if it has gotten wet. Contact your dealer for assistance.

Q: Can I operate the turntable near heat sources?

A: Avoid placing the turntable near heaters, heat lamps, or other heat- producing devices to prevent damage.

Q: How should I store the turntable when not in use?

A: Disconnect the power supply if not operating the device for an extended period.

Innovation Basic Black

Picture:
Package with Clearaudio tonearm „TT5“ and Clearaudio cartridge „Charisma V2 MM“.

Innovation Basic Wood

Picture:
Package with Clearaudio tonearm „Magnify“ and Clearaudio cartridge „essence mc“.

Dear Clearaudio customer,
Congratulations and thank you for choosing the Clearaudio Innovation Basic turntable, a world-class turntable, handmade in Germany.

• Resonance-minimizing chassis sandwich construction in combination with the innovative motor unit (low noise level and high turning moments), guarantees total isolation of resonances from the turntable chassis, providing the best music reproduction and authentic High-End imaging. A high-precision, maintenance-free sinter bronze bearing completes the analogue pleasure.
• The Clearaudio patented technology, an inverted bearing with jewelled and polished ceramic bearing shaft and a bronzed liner provides frictionless analog enjoyment.
• Please read this instruction manual carefully, to avoid any damages or loss of warranty.
• This manual will help you with an easy setup and guarantees the highest pleasure for a long time.
• We wish you a lot of musical enjoyment with your new Clearaudio Innovation Basic turntable.
• Clearaudio electronic GmbH

Safety instructions

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 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.
• 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! The scope of delivery may contain small parts that can be swallowed.

Intended use

• The Innovation Basic is a turntable for playing records.
• The intended use of the Innovation Basic by 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.

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).

Overload
The product is designed to comply with all necessary safety regulations. However, you should not leave the device unattended under extreme loads.

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 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.

Health information
Permanently high volume can lead to various types of hearing damage. Use high volume responsibly!

Service

• The Innovation Basic 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 Innovation Basic turntable must be sent to Clearaudio through your dealer.

Transport

• Use the original packing material for further transportation of the Innovation Basic 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 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.

Disposal
Do not dispose of this product together with other waste. WEEE Reg. No.: DE26004446

CE Marking
This electronic product corresponds to the applicable guidelines for obtaining the CE mark.

Packing overview

List of components

Clearaudio has developed a special and secure packing for your Innovation Basic turntable that ensures safe transportation.

• Please keep this original packing, if you need to ship the turntable.
• Below you find the part list of the Clearaudio Innovation Basic turntable:

1.| Turntable body with mounted lower bearing part| 3.| Power supply
---|---|---|---
2.| Platter with integrated upper bearing part| 4.| 3x Flat Pads

(Art. No. AC038) to adjust the exact speed

8.| Level gauge for the turntable alignment| 14.| Optional in package:

Clearaudio MC cartridge

9.| 1 pcs. flat belt| 15.| Optional in package:

Turntable + tonearm + cartridge

No illustration: cartridge alignment gauge for tonearm (optional)

10.| 2x Hex wrench Size 3 / 7| 16.| Not shown:

Warranty card, Clearaudio Quality certificate card

11.| Screwdriver| 17.| Not shown: User Manual

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Please double-check the tightness of all bolts, hardware, and mounting pods, as temperature fluctuations during transit may have caused the hardware to become loose.

Installation and setup

The setup of the Innovation Basic turntable is easy as the turntable chassis is pre-assembled and has been tested at the factory.

• Please use the white gloves enclosed to avoid scratches or unwanted fingerprints (platter).
• The Innovation Basic turntable requires a space for setup of at least 18.90 inches x 19.29 inches.

To set the Innovation Basic turntable stick to the following steps:

1. In the accessory bag on the top level of the packaging (See Pic 4) Page 5) you will find 3 Flat Pads. Place them on the prospective location of the Innovation Basic turntable.

2. Now you can remove the entire top level of the carton. Take the Innovation Basic body (with included lower bearing part) from the lower packaging level and put them with the preassembled feet (spikes) on the already placed flat pads.

3. It may be possible that you have to ground the turntable to avoid hum problems. Plug the supplied grounding cable into the lateral hole of the fixing bolt of the bearing and connect the other end to your amplifier.

4. Remove the cap from the ceramic shaft of the bearing and pt 1-2 drops of the supplied synthetic bearing oil on the ceramic shaft (Art. No. AC068, also available through www.analogshop.de).

5. In the next step remove the lamination of the sensor, mounted on the turntable chassis (picture 7: red frame). Please remove the lamination extremely carefully and avoid any soiling and scratches.

6. Take the platter with both hands (with white gloves) carefully out of the packing.
   Please pay attention that the integrated bearing does not fall out of the platter!
   The flat side of the platter should face the chassis and the side with the cut-out (for the record) should face up.

7. In the next step remove the lamination of the sensor on the bottom side of the platter.

8. Please remove the lamination extremely carefully and avoid any soiling and scratches.

9. To avoid any damage to your bearing, the platter should have room temperature before the setup begins (approx. 20 ° Celsius).

10. With both hands, you can place the platter carefully onto the bearing.

11. Through a lightly (!!) up and down movement the platter will slip onto the bearing upper part (picture 8).

  * Avoid major side forces to prevent any damage to the ceramic bearing!
  * Make sure with gentle pressure that the platter is applied on the complete surface of the bearing.

7. To install the tonearm and/or to mount and adjust a cartridge, please follow the user manual of the manufacturer.

8. The following final adjustment is very important:

   • Please ensure that your turntable rack is in a levelled position.
   • Please check with the delivered level gauge, if your Innovation Basic turntable is in a levelled position. You can adjust each of the turntable feet to get the turntable levelled (Pic. 9).
   • To adjust the height, first turn the middle part of the feet (Pic. 10 a; green arrow), then you can twist the end part (Pic. 10 b, red frame) to the desired height.
   • After the adjustment, please make sure, to turn the middle part again to fix the selected position.
     Only if the turntable is in a levelled position you will get the best results with your Innovation Basic turntable.

9. Please connect the plug of the power supply with the linkage of the turntable. After that connect the power supply with the electric power supply.

10. Place the flat belt around the platter and the motor pulley.

    • By pushing the sensor switch, marked with “33 1/3” on the motor, the turntable starts to spin until 33 1/3 rpm is reached.
    • After the initial setup, we recommend to let the turntable spin for at least 15 to 30 minutes. This ensures a smoother break-in.

Fine adjustment of the Innovation Basic motor

• The motor adjustment is already pre-set at the factory. Through the transport, some small speed deviations can occur. Please check the speed before using the turntable for the first time.
• For the correct adjustment of the speed please put the recommended Clearaudio Stroboscope Testrecord on the platter. Follow hereby the instructions of the Stroboscope Testrecord user manual.
• To check the speed with the highest accuracy please use the Clearaudio Speed Light (Art. No. AC039) (www.analogshop.de).
• On the front side of your turntable, there are three setting trimmers (see pic. 11).
  • Left trimmer = setting 33 1/3 rpm (near turntable motor)
  • Middle trimmer = setting 45 rpm
  • Right trimmer = setting 78 rpm (near turntable bearing)

If you like to adjust the speed to 33 1/3 rpm, take the screwdriver (see accessories) and turn the left trimmer until you have reached the right speed according to the Stroboscope Testrecord (see user manual Stroboscope Testrecord ).

• Turning the trimmer counter clockwise = reduces the turntable speed
• Turning the trimmer clockwise = raises the turntable speed

Please proceed with the speed adjustment for 45 rpm and 78 rpm in the same way!

Please note:

• If the turntable does not reach the correct speed, the sensor or the scale ring could be dirty or dusty. To clean the sensor, please take off the platter very carefully!
• Clean the sensor and the scale ring with a little isopropyl alcohol and a cotton bud.
• Be careful and avoid any scratches on the sensor or the scale ring!
• If the motor has further speed variations please contact your nearest authorized Clearaudio dealer or directly the Clearaudio factory (address on page 13).
• If the turntable is not in use, disconnect the unit completely from the power supply by removing the main plug from the socket.
• Now you are finally ready to play your vinyl records.
• We wish you a lot of pleasure with your Innovation Basic turntable.

Troubleshooting

• If you have a problem with your Innovation 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

---|---|---
The device does not work| Is the power cord plugged in?| Check the connection.
No sound| The tonearm and phono stages 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?| 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.
The pre/amp is mismatched.| Swap the plugs of the turntable that are connected to the left and right outputs.
Needle bounces or slides across the 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?| 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-)amplifier 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) preamplifier. The turntable provides a grounding terminal for this purpose. Use a sufficiently thick wire to establish the ground connection.
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| The wrong speed was selected.| Check the record for the 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 a 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.

Technical Data

Construction details:| •      Resonance-optimised chassis shape

•      Made of bulletproof wood and aluminium with precision CNC machined surface

•      All turntable feet are finely adjustable

•      Playback with two tonearms possible

---|---
Speed options:| 33 ⅓, 45, 78rpm
Drive unit:| •      High torque 24V DC motor exclusively made for Clearaudio ; Optical Speed Control (OSC) in real-time through an infrared sensor

•      Decoupled DC motor in chassis; resonance damping device; belt-drive

Bearing:| Clearaudio CMB ceramic magnetic bearing in main platter/upper drive platter assembly. Inverted bearing in lower drive platter.
Platter:| 40mm / 1.57-inch main platter, made out of synthetic material with high-density and excellent dimension stability, precision CNC machined surface, solid stainless steel sub-platter, dynamically balanced
Speed accuracy (measured):| < ± 0.08%
Power consumption:| Max. consumption: 9.3 watts Consumption in operation: 2.5 watts Standby mode: 2.5 watts

Off mode: 0.0 watts

Total weight:| Approx. 8kg (without tonearm and power supply)
Dimensions (W/D/H):| Approx. 18.11 x 19.09 x 4.92 inches (with tonearm base, without tonearm)
Dimensions (W/D/H):| Approx. 460 x 485 x 125mm

(with tonearm base, 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.

The full, extended warranty period for the Innovation Basic 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 can be considered. The full 5-year warranty can only be honoured if the product is returned in its original packing.

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 affect those rights in any way.

Stroboscope Testrecord

The Clearaudio Stroboscope Testrecord satisfies the highest demands for an exact speed adjustment for turntables. Dramatic sound improvements can be reached only with exact calibrated speeds.

Optimal adjustment for turntables
To adjust the exact speed, please choose the side for 50 / 60 Hz, or the other side for use with the speed light first. If you choose the side without the speed light source, you can use the regular light source for the installation, either 50 Hz (outer scales) or 60 Hz. The scales are graduated in three different reading options:

• 33.3 Hz, 45 Hz and 78 Hz (starting from the outer diameter).

Please place the Stroboscope Testrecord on your turntable platter and start the engine of your turntable. The big advantage of the Clearaudio Stroboscope Testrecord is, that you can place your cartridge onto the Stroboscope Testrecord while measuring the speed, as there are grooves provided on the disc. This means, for the first time a real-time speed analysis is possible under realistic circumstances.

If you have the impression that the horizontal lines move on the scale, you should set or readjust the speed of the motor again.

• If the lines move clockwise, the speed is too fast.
• If the lines move counterclockwise, the motor speed is too slow.

Please correct the speed on your motor or turntable until you have the impression that the lines stopped moving. After that, you have reached the exact speed and you can enjoy the full potential of your vinyl collection again.

If you use the Speed Light (Art. No. AC039) you can reach an even higher or more accurate adjustment, completely independent of the power line or frequency of your country. As well, the 300 Hz calibrated light, used as an external light source is completely independent of possible power line fluctuations, which could influence the result by regular light. The 300 Hz of the Speed Light is generated by a stabilized quartz oscillator and permits a very exact adjustment. Please put the Stroboscope Testrecord with the fine lines upward on your turntable. Here you also can choose between two different speeds.

With the outside scale, you can detect a speed of 33 Hz and with the inside scale, you can detect a speed of 45 Hz. Again, the big advantage of the Clearaudio Stroboscope Testrecord is, that you can place your cartridge onto the stroberecord while measuring the speed, as there are grooves provided on the disc. This means, for the first time a real-time speed analysis is possible under realistic circumstances.
Press the button of the speed light source place it parallel over to the scale and adjust the motor or turntable speed until the horizontal lines do not move anymore.

Tip

• As more accurately your turntable speed is adjusted, as better the overall sonic appearance of the record playback will be!
• It is mandatory to check the speed several times through out the year, to ensure that other influences are not minimizing the sound quality.

Technical Data:

Speed Light

• Light source: Blue LED/300 Hz precision light source (calibrated)
• Battery: V23GA – 12 V – Alkaline (Art. No.: AC039/B)

(Technical changes are subject to notification) Date: 2024-01

Clearaudio electronic GmbH

• Spardorfer Str. 150 91054 Erlangen Germany
• Phone: +49 9131 40300 100
• Fax: +49 9131 40300 119
• www.clearaudio.de
• www.analogshop.de
• [email protected].

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.

© clearaudio electronic GmbH, 2024-01.

References

• clearaudio analogshop
• clearaudio electronic GmbH | High End - made in Germany

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