Clearaudio Compass Turntable - N1 MM Cartridge - Black

A Clear Direction into High-End Vinyl

The Clearaudio Compass Turntable brings the German company’s precision analog engineering to a complete, approachable record-playing system. Its resonance-controlled chassis, precision bearing, 20mm acrylic platter and aluminum T1 tonearm are carefully matched with Clearaudio’s N1 moving-magnet cartridge.

Available in Black or Silver, the Compass arrives with its tonearm and cartridge installed and factory-adjusted. Complete initial setup, connect it to a moving-magnet phono input and it is ready to guide you deeper into your record collection.

Substantial, Resonance-Controlled Construction

The Compass begins with a rigid medium-density wood-fiber chassis reinforced by a steel bottom plate. The combination adds substantial mass while helping control the resonances that can interfere with the cartridge’s delicate signal. Decoupling elements underneath the chassis provide additional isolation from the supporting surface.

At approximately 18.5 pounds, the Compass feels reassuringly substantial without becoming difficult to place. Its minimalist design is offered in Black or Silver, with the tonearm and cartridge visually matched to the selected finish.

Acrylic Platter and Precision Bearing

The 20mm acrylic main platter provides excellent dimensional stability and a naturally low-resonance playing surface. It rests on a precision-machined aluminum sub-platter, which is driven by a flat belt connected to a decoupled 12V DC motor.

The main bearing uses a polished and tempered steel spindle running inside a sintered-bronze bushing with a Teflon thrust pad. This carefully engineered assembly promotes smooth, quiet rotation while supporting measured speed accuracy of ±0.05%.

The Clearaudio T1 Tonearm

Developed from Clearaudio’s respected Satisfy tonearm, the T1 uses an aluminum arm tube and precision radial bearing arrangement. String-based anti-skating helps maintain stable tracking across the record, while Clearaudio Direct Wire PLUS runs continuously through the tonearm and terminates in RCA connectors.

The T1 and N1 cartridge are installed and aligned at the factory. During initial setup, you only need to install the counterweight and anti-skating assembly, then verify the recommended 2.2-gram tracking force with the included Smart stylus-force gauge.

The Clearaudio N1 Moving-Magnet Cartridge

The N1 is designed as the natural partner for the Compass and its T1 tonearm. Its aluminum body provides a rigid foundation for the generator, while an aluminum cantilever and elliptical stylus deliver a balanced combination of detail retrieval, forgiving tracking and everyday usability.

With approximately 2.9mV of output, the N1 connects to a conventional moving-magnet phono input with a standard 47k-ohm load. The stylus is replaceable, making routine maintenance more convenient than with cartridges that require complete replacement or factory rebuilding.

Choose Your Finish

• Black: A clean, understated finish with a matching black tonearm and N1 cartridge body.
• Silver: A contemporary finish that highlights the Compass’s precisely machined aluminum components.

Both versions include the Clearaudio T1 tonearm, N1 moving-magnet cartridge and removable acrylic dust cover.

Is the Clearaudio Compass Right for You?

• Choose it if: You want a complete turntable, tonearm and cartridge package engineered to work together.
• Choose it if: You value substantial construction, an acrylic platter and a precision-machined bearing.
• Choose it if: You want electronic selection of 33⅓ and 45 rpm without manually repositioning the drive belt.
• Choose it if: You prefer a replaceable-stylus moving-magnet cartridge that works with a standard MM phono input.
• Choose it if: You want an elegant turntable in Black or Silver with a matching tonearm and cartridge.
• Keep in mind: The Compass does not include a built-in phono preamplifier.
• Keep in mind: The cartridge is factory-installed, but tracking force must be checked and adjusted before first use.

Setup and System Matching

The Compass arrives substantially preassembled. Initial setup includes installing the flat belt, acrylic platter, counterweight, anti-skating assembly and dust cover. The included Smart gauge helps you set the N1 cartridge’s tracking force to the recommended 2.2 grams.

Place the turntable on a rigid, level surface measuring at least 17.2 inches wide by 13.4 inches deep. Allow additional vertical clearance if you plan to use the dust cover in its raised position. For the best playback performance, Clearaudio recommends removing the dust cover while listening.

Connect the attached RCA cables and ground lead to a moving-magnet phono input or an external MM phono preamplifier. The Compass does not connect directly to a standard line-level input unless a phono preamp is added.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Compass include a cartridge?

Yes. It includes a Clearaudio N1 moving-magnet cartridge installed and aligned at the factory.

Which finishes are available?

The Clearaudio Compass is available in Black or Silver.

Does it have a built-in phono preamp?

No. Connect it to a moving-magnet phono input or a separate MM phono preamplifier.

How do I change between 33⅓ and 45 rpm?

A recessed electronic selector provides off, 33⅓ rpm and 45 rpm settings. The drive belt does not need to be moved.

Is a dust cover included?

Yes. The Compass includes a removable acrylic dust cover and pre-installed hinges.

Is the N1 stylus replaceable?

Yes. The N1 uses a user-replaceable stylus, making future maintenance straightforward.

Is the turntable completely set up at the factory?

The tonearm and cartridge are installed and aligned at the factory. You must still install several components and verify the cartridge’s tracking force before playing a record.

The Clearaudio Compass offers a thoughtfully engineered route into serious analog playback, combining high-quality materials, straightforward setup and a carefully matched cartridge in one elegant package.

Why Audio Advisor?

Audio Advisor is one of the longest-running specialty audio retailers in the United States. Our knowledgeable audio experts can help you choose the right phono preamp, cables and accessories for your Clearaudio Compass. Enjoy expert support, fast fulfillment and free shipping on qualifying orders.