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What You Need to Know
A Turntable Like No Other
A turntable is usually a box with a spinning platter. This one is not a box. The Clearaudio Celebrity Al Di Meola Edition is shaped like an electric guitar — specifically, a Gibson Les Paul — and it looks exactly as extraordinary as that sounds. The guitar silhouette, the warm wood-grain finish, the control knob positioned right where a guitar’s volume dial would be: every visual detail tells a story. This collaboration between Clearaudio, the revered German turntable maker, and legendary jazz guitarist Al Di Meola didn’t start with a marketing brief. It started at the High End Munich audio show in 2023, where Di Meola was serving as brand ambassador. The two parties struck up a conversation, and the idea grew organically from there. The result is the first model in Clearaudio’s new Celebrity Series — a line honoring great musicians with instruments worthy of their legacy.
The wood-finish version carries the natural grain of real rosewood veneer across the guitar-contoured body, trimmed in bright white binding that echoes the look of a fine instrument. It’s a genuine statement piece, equally at home in a dedicated listening room or a curated living space. But make no mistake: this is not a novelty. Inside the sculpted body is a serious, fully configured hi-fi turntable built to Clearaudio’s exacting German standards.
Serious Engineering Hidden in Plain Sight
The turntable’s body is made from high-density fiberboard (HDF) — the same dense, resonance-resistant material used in quality speaker cabinets and instrument bodies. It’s shaped under CNC machinery, finished with real rosewood veneer, and built to damp the vibrations that can blur the music you’re trying to hear.
At the heart of it is a 30mm high-density engineering plastic platter riding on a precision CNC-machined aluminum sub-platter. The platter spins on a polished and hardened steel axle running in a bronze bushing, with a Teflon thrust pad at the base — a bearing design that minimizes friction and noise. A flat drive belt connects the motor to the platter through Clearaudio’s Tacho Speed Control (TSC) system. TSC is what sets this turntable apart from most in its price range.
Here’s why TSC matters: a belt-drive turntable’s speed is affected by small changes in belt tension, room temperature, even how hard the stylus presses into a groove. Most turntables simply run the motor at a fixed rate and hope for the best. TSC continuously monitors the platter’s actual speed in real time and makes immediate corrections. It also performs an automatic speed calibration every single time you power the table on. The result, according to Clearaudio, is wow and flutter of less than ±0.05% — a figure that places it among the most speed-stable turntables available. More stable speed means more stable pitch, which translates directly to music that feels more solid, present, and real.
The DC motor itself is isolated from the chassis using Clearaudio’s Innovative Motor Suspension (IMS) — a system of multiple O-rings that absorb motor vibrations before they can travel into the plinth and reach your cartridge. This technology was borrowed directly from the Clearaudio Reference Jubilee, a turntable that retails for many times the price of this one.
Everything You Need to Play Records, Right Out of the Box
One of the most common frustrations in turntable shopping is discovering that your new purchase is only half the equation. You still need to find and install a compatible tonearm, then source and align a cartridge, then calibrate everything. The Clearaudio Celebrity Al Di Meola comes fully assembled, with tonearm mounted, cartridge installed, and critical adjustments pre-set and tested at the factory. Unbox it, level it, loop the belt, connect it to your phono preamp, and you’re playing records.
The tonearm is a special version of Clearaudio’s Profiler — a proven design with good tracking geometry and stable bearing tolerances. The included Celebrity MM (moving magnet) cartridge was developed specifically for this edition and draws from the design of Clearaudio’s Performer V2. Moving magnet means the cartridge is compatible with the standard phono input found on most integrated amplifiers and receivers, and replacement styli are user-installable without tools. The cartridge features an elliptical diamond stylus on an aluminum cantilever, which provides accurate groove tracing, and its output voltage of approximately 3.6 mV pairs well with most phono stages. Channel separation measures 24 dB at 1 kHz and tracking force is set to 2 grams — all factory-adjusted before the table leaves Erlangen, Germany.
The control knob, styled after a guitar’s volume dial and signed with Al Di Meola’s name, handles everything: one press starts the platter at 33⅓ RPM, a second press shifts to 45 RPM, and holding it puts the table in standby. Turn the knob in calibration mode to fine-tune speed by hand. Two small LED indicators confirm which speed is active.
What Reviewers Are Saying
7Review (October 2024 and January 2025) tested the Celebrity Al Di Meola extensively and found the performance genuinely matched the design ambition. Reviewers praised its “very good speed stability” and “low rumble values,” noting that tonal balance was “spot-on.” They described the cartridge’s sound character as having a more sonorous tone and added sense of physicality while preserving transparency and soundstage detail. Their overall verdict: a “fully developed, mature turntable” that proved to be a serious piece of audio equipment rather than just a design object. They noted the system was particularly good at capturing acoustic instruments and voices, preserving what they called the music’s “aura and soul.”
Robb Report (February 2026) placed the Celebrity Al Di Meola in context alongside the broader analog revival, highlighting that it comes ready to play with a bespoke tonearm and cartridge. The publication noted the engineering pedigree — TSC and IMS drawn from the Reference Jubilee model — and described the package, including the numbered Impex Records Elegant Gypsy reissue, as a genuine collector’s item with audiophile credentials to match.
Al Di Meola himself, in an interview with It’s Psychedelic Baby Magazine (October 2024), said he aimed for “a sound that is warm, rich, and true to the original recording, emphasizing clear mids and tight lows.” T3 (February 2026) called it “arguably the best-looking turntable ever made,” while confirming the engineering is substantive enough to satisfy on the audio side, not just the visual.
Who Is This Turntable For?
You love vinyl and want a serious turntable that’s also something to behold — not a plain black box on a shelf.
You want a complete, plug-and-play setup from a brand with decades of precision manufacturing behind it.
You’re a fan of Al Di Meola or jazz fusion, and the idea of owning a numbered piece of music history genuinely excites you.
You want a collectible that will hold its place in a room — one of only 1,000 made worldwide, with a matching-numbered limited LP to go with it.
You’re a serious vinyl listener upgrading from a budget or mid-fi table who wants Reference Jubilee–derived technology at a more attainable price.
How Does It Connect to Your System?
The Celebrity Al Di Meola outputs a standard phono-level signal through gold-plated RCA connectors on a permanently attached tonearm cable. To connect it, you’ll need one of the following:
A phono input on your integrated amplifier or receiver (labeled “PHONO” — this is specifically designed for turntable signals and includes the RIAA equalization your records require), or a separate phono preamplifier that sits between the turntable and your amplifier’s standard line-level inputs.
The included Celebrity MM cartridge outputs approximately 3.6 mV, which works well with virtually any MM-compatible phono stage. Standard load resistance is 47kΩ and capacitive load is 100 pF — the same values found on virtually every phono preamp on the market. If your amp doesn’t have a phono input, or you’d like to optimize performance, we carry a wide range of phono preamps and would be happy to help you find the right match. Give us a call at 800-942-0220.
Note: this turntable does not have an automatic tonearm return. When your record ends, lift the tonearm manually using the cue lever.
What’s in the Box
- Clearaudio Celebrity Al Di Meola Edition turntable (Profiler tonearm and Celebrity MM cartridge pre-mounted and factory-adjusted)
- Flat drive belt
- Bubble level (for leveling the chassis)
- Balance scale (for verifying cartridge tracking force)
- Height-adjustable rubber feet (3)
- Gold-plated RCA tonearm output cable (permanently attached)
- External power supply
- Numbered, limited-edition 180g flamenco-red vinyl reissue of Al Di Meola’s Elegant Gypsy (Impex Records) — serial number matches your turntable
- Numbered Al Di Meola guitar pick
- Owner’s manual
Note: A dust cover is not included. Contact Clearaudio or us at 800-942-0220 if you have questions about dust cover options.
Building Your System? Here Are Some Great Companions.
- Phono Preamps — The Celebrity includes a moving-magnet cartridge; you’ll need a phono stage if your amplifier doesn’t have one built in. Browse our phono preamplifiers →
- Integrated Amplifiers — Looking for a great amp to pair with your new turntable? See our integrated amplifiers →
- Bookshelf & Floorstanding Speakers — Complete your two-channel system. Browse speakers →
- Interconnect Cables — Quality RCA cables to connect your turntable to your phono stage or amplifier. See interconnects →
- Record Cleaning — Keep your vinyl in top condition and protect your new stylus. Browse record care accessories →
Features & Specifications
Design & Construction
Guitar-Shaped Plinth — The body is shaped like a Gibson Les Paul electric guitar, developed in close collaboration with Al Di Meola and modeled after his own 1971 Les Paul. No other turntable on the market looks anything like it.
Real Wood Veneer — The chassis is covered in genuine rosewood veneer over high-density fiberboard (HDF), with white binding trim that echoes the look of a classic archtop instrument.
Guitar-Style Control Knob — Where a real guitar has its volume control, the Celebrity has a multifunction rotary knob. Press it to start or stop the platter. Turn it to switch between 33⅓ and 45 RPM. It bears Al Di Meola’s signature.
Factory Pre-Set — Tonearm, cartridge, azimuth, and anti-skating are all adjusted and tested at the Clearaudio factory in Erlangen, Germany, before shipping. Very little additional setup is required at home.
Limited to 1,000 Units Worldwide — Each turntable carries a numbered plaque. The accompanying Elegant Gypsy LP carries the matching serial number, making each package a uniquely paired collectible.
Drive System & Speed Stability
Tacho Speed Control (TSC) — A real-time speed monitoring and correction system derived from the Clearaudio Reference Jubilee. TSC watches actual platter speed and adjusts motor output instantly to compensate for belt tension changes, temperature shifts, and stylus drag. It auto-calibrates every time you power on. Wow and flutter: less than ±0.05% per Clearaudio specifications.
Innovative Motor Suspension (IMS) — The DC motor floats on multiple O-rings, isolating its vibration from the plinth before it can reach the cartridge. Also derived from the Reference Jubilee. This means the motor works in silence rather than coloring what you hear.
Flat Belt Drive — A precision flat belt runs the platter, keeping drive forces smooth and consistent.
30mm High-Density Plastic Platter — Dimensionally stable engineering plastic, paired with a CNC-machined aluminum sub-platter for quiet, accurate rotation.
Speeds — 33⅓ and 45 RPM, switchable via the control knob.
Tonearm & Cartridge
Clearaudio Profiler Tonearm (Celebrity Edition) — A specially configured version of Clearaudio’s proven Profiler tonearm. Pre-installed and pre-aligned at the factory in Germany.
Celebrity MM Cartridge — Developed exclusively for this edition, drawing from the Clearaudio Performer V2 design. Moving magnet (MM) type means it’s universally compatible with standard phono inputs. Elliptical diamond stylus on an aluminum cantilever. Output voltage: approximately 3.6 mV. Tracking force: 2g. Frequency response: 20 Hz–20 kHz. Channel separation: 24 dB at 1 kHz. Load resistance: 47kΩ. Capacitive load: 100 pF.
Quick-Reference Specifications
| Drive System | Belt drive (flat belt) with DC AiR motor |
| Speeds | 33⅓ and 45 RPM |
| Wow & Flutter | < ±0.05% (Clearaudio specification) |
| Platter | 30mm high-density engineering plastic; CNC-machined aluminum sub-platter |
| Platter Bearing | Polished and hardened steel axle; bronze bushing; Teflon thrust pad |
| Speed Control | Tacho Speed Control (TSC) — real-time monitoring + auto-calibration on startup |
| Motor Isolation | Innovative Motor Suspension (IMS) — multi-O-ring decoupling |
| Tonearm | Clearaudio Profiler (Celebrity Edition) |
| Cartridge | Clearaudio Celebrity MM (moving magnet); elliptical stylus; aluminum cantilever |
| Cartridge Output Voltage | ~3.6 mV at 1 kHz / 5 cm/s |
| Cartridge Tracking Force | 2g (factory pre-set) |
| Cartridge Frequency Response | 20 Hz – 20 kHz |
| Channel Separation | 24 dB at 1 kHz |
| Channel Balance | 0.8 dB |
| Load Resistance | 47kΩ |
| Capacitive Load | 100 pF |
| Coil Impedance | 0.66 kΩ |
| Coil Inductance | 400 mH |
| Tracking Ability | 80 µm |
| System Mass (cartridge) | 14.3g (±0.2g) |
| Output | Gold-plated RCA (phono level); permanently attached tonearm cable |
| Chassis Material | High-density fiberboard (HDF) with real rosewood veneer; white binding trim |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | ~18.1″ × 14.2″ × 5.5″ (approx. 460 × 360 × 140 mm) |
| Weight | ~10 kg (~22 lbs) |
| Finish Options | Real rosewood veneer (wood) or high-gloss black |
| Edition Limit | 1,000 units worldwide (individually numbered) |
| Country of Manufacture | Germany (Erlangen) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a phono preamp, or can I plug this directly into my amp?
It depends on your amplifier. If your amp or receiver has a dedicated “PHONO” input, you can connect the Celebrity directly — that input already includes the equalization that vinyl playback requires. If your amp only has line-level inputs (AUX, CD, TAPE, and so on), you’ll need a separate phono preamplifier between the turntable and the amp. We carry a wide range of phono preamps at every price point and would be glad to help you find the right one. Call us at 800-942-0220.
Is the cartridge already installed and aligned?
Yes. Clearaudio installs, aligns, and tests the Celebrity MM cartridge at their factory before the turntable ships. Tracking force, azimuth, and anti-skating are all pre-set. You’ll attach the counterweight, verify tracking force using the included balance scale, and loop the drive belt — but there’s no need to align the cartridge yourself. The owner’s manual walks through the entire setup process clearly.
What’s Tacho Speed Control (TSC), and why does it matter?
TSC is Clearaudio’s real-time speed monitoring system. Most belt-drive turntables run their motor at a fixed speed and assume the platter will follow precisely. TSC actually watches the platter’s rotation continuously and corrects the motor if anything drifts — temperature changes, belt aging, stylus drag. It also recalibrates automatically every time you turn the table on. The practical result is more stable pitch and a more solid, grounded sound over long listening sessions.
What else do I need to start playing records?
You’ll need a phono preamp (or an amp with a phono input), an amplifier, and speakers — or a pair of powered speakers that include a built-in phono input. The turntable, tonearm, and cartridge are all included and ready to go. A set of RCA interconnect cables to connect to your phono stage is the one thing not included. We’re happy to help you put together a complete system; call us at 800-942-0220.
Is this a manual or automatic turntable?
The Celebrity is a manual turntable. It does not have an auto-return function. When your record reaches the end, you’ll lift the tonearm yourself using the cueing lever. This is standard practice for most hi-fi turntables, and many vinyl listeners prefer it — it keeps the mechanism simpler and the signal path cleaner.
Can I replace the stylus myself?
Yes. The Celebrity MM cartridge uses a user-replaceable stylus, which means you can swap it at home without removing or realigning the cartridge body. Replacement styli should be available through Clearaudio or authorized dealers. Keeping a fresh stylus is one of the best things you can do for both sound quality and the long-term condition of your records.
How limited is “limited” really?
Clearaudio has confirmed this edition is capped at exactly 1,000 units worldwide, each numbered. The included Impex Records Elegant Gypsy LP is also limited to 1,000 copies, with serial numbers individually matched to each turntable. We can’t make investment predictions, but the combination of Clearaudio’s track record, Di Meola’s legacy, and the hard unit cap gives this package genuine collectible weight. Once they’re gone, they’re gone.
Is this the same as Clearaudio’s Concept turntable, just shaped differently?
Not quite. The Celebrity Al Di Meola uses Clearaudio technology derived from both the Concept Signature and, more notably, the Reference Jubilee — including the TSC speed control and IMS motor suspension systems. Those two features in particular go above what you’d find in a standard Concept. The chassis, the purpose-built Celebrity MM cartridge, and the complete package are all unique to this edition.
Does it come with a dust cover?
The guitar-shaped body doesn’t accommodate a traditional rectangular hinged dust cover, and none is included in the package. We’d recommend checking with Clearaudio’s US distributor, Musical Surroundings, about any available protective options. Give us a call and we’ll help you find a solution.
See It in Action
Clearaudio debuted the Celebrity Al Di Meola Edition at High End Munich 2024. We’ll update this section with verified manufacturer and review videos as they become available. In the meantime, coverage from the High End Munich show can be found on the Clearaudio YouTube channel at youtube.com/@clearaudio.
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