Website author headshot
Cameron Oatley
ExtremeHiFi
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi

Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.

What reviewers think

Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.

What are hifi reviews useful for? (1) Identifying products you should demo in person at a dealer. (2) Learning which products reviewers unanimously praise as the best they've heard (this means they probably are legitimately great). (3) Identifying a product's attributes that satisfy your idiosyncratic needs and tastes. Beyond that, we often discount what reviewers say because they heap praise on most products—and are often apprehensive about publishing strong criticism or comparisons between products. Further, they seldom have more than a few products on-hand, often relying on their memories to compare past products. Always listen for yourself.

All

C-Note

reviews

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An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022

Manufacturer details

  • Effective tone arm mass (12"): 19.2 grams
  • Effective tone arm mass (10"): 16.5 grams
  • Effective tone arm mass (9"): 14.8 grams
  • Effective tone arm length (12"): 304.8 mm
  • Effective tone arm length (10"): 254 mm
  • Effective tone arm length (9"): 230 mm
  • Pivot to spindle distance (12"): 291.6 mm
  • Pivot to spindle distance (10"): 238 mm
  • Pivot to spindle distance (9"): 212 mm
  • Overhang (12"): 13.2 mm
  • Overhang (10"): 16 mm
  • Overhang (9"): 18 mm
  • Offset angle (12"): 18°
  • Offset angle (10"): 21.4°
  • Offset angle (9"): 24°
  • Max null point (12"): 125 mm
  • Max null point (10"): 126.8 mm
  • Max null point (9"): 130.6 mm
  • Min null point (12"): 251.7 mm
  • Min null point (10"): 248.2 mm
  • Min null point (9"): 243.7 mm
The C-Note tonearm is a completely new design which combines all advantages of an unipivot arm with a cardan design. The uni-pivot in the middle only helps bearing to be less loaded. The traditional Cardan bearing insures high stabilty and easiness of use with very low friction.
The C-Note tonearm is a completely new design which combines all advantages of an unipivot arm with a cardan design. The uni-pivot in the middle only helps bearing to be less loaded. The traditional Cardan bearing insures high stabilty and easiness of use with very low friction. Also inside the tonearm is a special silicon-based grease to damp the tonearm / cartridge resonances by more than 50%. The tube is again out of carbon , super stiff and rigid. We made the headshell out of special light and rigid aluminium to get the perfect combination of the advantages of carbon with better inner damping of the aluminium as well as the possibility of tighter mounting of Highend MC cartridges. C-Note tonearm is available in 12", 10" and 9" versions.
Manufacturer Site

Brand highlights

Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:

  • EAT offers a hybrid tonearm design that combines the stability of a Cardan bearing with the low friction of a uni-pivot, offering a balance of performance and ease of use.
  • They manufacture their own high-quality vacuum tubes, imbuing their tube-based audio components with a unique sonic signature and ensuring component synergy.
  • EAT emphasizes an aesthetic that is sleek, modern, and visually striking, using materials like carbon fiber, polished metals, and high-gloss finishes to create elegant designs.

E.A.T. Prelude Turntable

  • Positioning: The entry-level high-end turntable offering neutral sound at an affordable price.
  • Description: Features a rigid MDF chassis and a heavy aluminum platter, providing excellent speed stability and sound neutrality. Compared to the B-Sharp, it uses a carbon tonearm and a 2M Red cartridge, making it ideal for those starting their audiophile journey with a focus on value and simplicity.

E.A.T. C-Major Turntable

  • Positioning: Bridges the gap between budget and high-end turntables.
  • Description: Features a 9-inch C-Note tonearm and a compact chassis, providing a high-value option for vinyl enthusiasts. It offers a more sophisticated build than the B-Sharp, with a focus on reducing costs without sacrificing performance.

E.A.T. C-Sharp Turntable

  • Positioning: A high-end model known for its elegant design and advanced technology.
  • Description: Uses carbon fiber and thermoplastic elastomer materials for a superflat design, ensuring low noise and high rigidity. It surpasses the C-Major with its microprocessor-driven speed control and superior damping.

E.A.T. Forte Turntable

  • Positioning: A premium model that combines mass-loaded design with a separate sub-chassis for optimal performance.
  • Description: Features a massive 20 kg platter with magnetic suspension, providing exceptional kinetic energy and resonance control. It offers more advanced isolation and energy absorption than the C-Sharp.

E.A.T. Fortissimo Turntable

  • Positioning: The groundbreaking flagship model, offering the most advanced features and performance in the lineup.
  • Description: Includes a 22 kg platter with brass inserts and a new bearing design for unmatched speed stability and low friction. It outperforms the Forte with its optional F-Note tonearm and Fortissimo Base, delivering the highest level of sound isolation and customization.
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Avg. Product Price
$500
Used For Sale
4
 Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
164
 of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
23
Founding Year
1998

Our take on the brand

European Audio Team specializes in hifi turntables and vacuum tube components, delivering a pure analog experience that emphasizes precision and clarity for audio enthusiasts.

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Brand Page

Our interview with the brand

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What if you spend more?

Product image
AMG
9W2
2919
2919
/
5
Reviews

Further development of the 9W1, designed with a slightly shorter effective length allowing a wider range of turntables to work with an AMG tonearm. Excellent spatial presence and dynamic performance owed to a resonance-optimized design. All of AMG‘s precision adjustments of tonearm setup parameters are offered, with highest grade materials, individually assembled by hand and carefully measured and tested.

AMG (Analog Manufaktur Germany) is distinguished by their turntables' dual-pivot tonearm bearing system, derived from helicopter rotor technology, which eliminates bearing chatter in their flagship Viella model. Their products, including the Giro turntable known for its exceptionally low noise floor, combine precision German engineering with unique features like cherry wood sub-chassis for enhanced damping, making them a favorite among serious audiophiles.
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Our summary

Product Strengths

  • The 9W2 tonearm is beautifully made with superb execution, smooth bearings and no play in the two dimensions
  • Excellent fit and finish, with quality in the packaging and clear instructions
  • The AMG Giro provides a very low noise floor, allowing more details to be revealed in recordings
  • Musically satisfying, the Giro has a sense of lively confidence and direct musical communication, is quick, clean, and presents players with verve and vitality
  • Offers the ability to adjust each geometrical aspect of cartridge setup and alignment, including VTA/SRA, overhang and offset, azimuth and bias

Product Considerations

  • The Giro's controls do not always respond to one's first fingertip touch
  • Azimuth and bias adjustments may be exacting, as they are devoid of any sort of incremental scale or zero point
  • The bottom end definitely loses weight as it goes deeper, but it's not as great a loss as first impressions suggest
  • The Teatro moving-coil cartridge was found to be unusually sensitive to dust accumulation on the stylus' tip
  • The 9W2 arm only uses one grub screw to hold the arm in place, and some feel two screws are a more effective method of holding an arm in place

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Rega RP10: the AMG Giro is richer and warmer sounding, has a slightly quieter noise floor, a bit more weight and power at the bottom end, as well as a bit more dynamic oomph
  • Vs AMG Viella: The AMG Viella has a bit more weight and scale and better detail retrieval—advantage of a 12 inch arm over 9 inch?

Takeaway: The AMG Giro turntable and 9W2 tonearm are beautifully made with stunning levels of fit and finish, offering clear set up instructions and sound quality to match. It provides deep levels of musical pleasure to make you forget about the gear and immerse yourself in the beauty of the music.

Video review

Our take on the brand

AMG (Analog Manufaktur Germany) is distinguished by their turntables' dual-pivot tonearm bearing system, derived from helicopter rotor technology, which eliminates bearing chatter in their flagship Viella model. Their products, including the Giro turntable known for its exceptionally low noise floor, combine precision German engineering with unique features like cherry wood sub-chassis for enhanced damping, making them a favorite among serious audiophiles.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
AVIDHIFI
Nexus
4722
4722
/
4
Reviews

Designed to the same extreme precision engineering standards as our turntables, every tonearm is painstakingly hand assembled with the trademark craftsmanship that you would expect from AVID.

Supporting your cartridge rigidly whilst playing a record is vitally important and the reason we have harnessed our bespoke hyper strong titanium arm tube and simply pushed rigidity to another level.

superlative

Our rigid bearing architecture is paramount to delivering solid images etched in space, so each of its components are manufactured to unbelievably tight tolerances.

Nexus will astonish you with its ability to uncover previously camouflaged musical nuances with crisp clean clarity, outstanding solidity and precise superlative sound.

FIELD OF FORCE

Natural forces pull a tonearm, ever increasingly towards the centre of the record, which left uncorrected can result in a distorted sound.

Bias compensation is the mechanism that counteracts this, and our design, gradually increases the field of force as it gets closer to the centre, so your musical enjoyment remains constant from start to finish.

Our purpose designed low capacitance external phono cable reassuringly anchors into place using an superior right angled DIN connector and terminated with high quality gold plated RCA plugs. For purists wishing to embrace the naturally balanced output of a phono cartridge, the cable is also available fully balanced with XLR connectors.

AVID Hifi is a brand known for its turntables featuring unique engineering like sapphire bearings and dual-stage clamping systems that improve bass grip and soundstage projection. The brand's design philosophy involves developing technology in their high-end models and then adapting it for more affordable products, with their components made from solid aluminum and speakers weighing 100kg for exceptional build quality.
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Our summary

Product Strengths

  • Expertly produced to be one of the most versatile hi-end arms on the market for real-world use
  • The build translates into musical delivery, achieving high levels of low frequency grip and dynamics
  • Made of an ultra-rigid Grade-9 titanium designed to resist torsion and bending
  • Fitted with high-specification ball bearings and incorporates high-precision bearing shafts to ensure minimal friction and precise movement

Product Considerations

  • The headshell is a one piece design, being permanently fixed to the main wand for rigidity, meaning there's no easy way to adjust azimuth
  • Setting anti-skate is a bit more manual than most
  • The review sample had a quirk where flicking the cueing lever would cause the arm to stop halfway down—requiring assistance

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The Nexus at £4,500 is still around a grand cheaper than what SME was charging for its Series V before it went off sale

Takeaway: The Nexus tonearm is a superbly engineered and simple to use piece of equipment designed to work with a wide-range of pick-ups and it can hold its own on any turntable that's up to its standards. It's a worthwhile option for those seeking a versatile hi-end tonearm.

Video review

Our take on the brand

AVID Hifi is a brand known for its turntables featuring unique engineering like sapphire bearings and dual-stage clamping systems that improve bass grip and soundstage projection. The brand's design philosophy involves developing technology in their high-end models and then adapting it for more affordable products, with their components made from solid aluminum and speakers weighing 100kg for exceptional build quality.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
Ortofon
AS-309R
3252
3252
/
1
Reviews

Since 1953, Ortofon has been designing tonearms with the philosophy of combining craftsmanship and technology.All parts and every component of the tonearms have been upgraded with material meticulously chosen to minimize unwanted vibration and distortion, ensuring crisp clear, and accurate sound. Careful attention to precision and durability of every part and assembly in both models ensures lasting durability for years to come.The AS-309R is a 12 inch tonearm.

Ortofon pioneered the moving coil cartridge and continues to use Selective Laser Melting technology to create exceptionally precise cartridge bodies. Their SPU series, introduced in 1958 and largely unchanged since then, remains a classic in the audiophile community, while their newer cartridges feature advanced materials like titanium, boron, and diamond to achieve superior sound quality.
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Our summary

Product Strengths

  • Jewel-like quality and non-fiddly competence
  • Precision machining, ease of setup, and an attractive price for such a well-designed and manufactured arm, make for an attractive combination of enticements
  • Provides removable head shell convenience and versatility without paying a sonic price for it

Product Considerations

  • The AS-309R has an unusually long 323.5 mm effective length and pivot to spindle distance of 311 mm, so be sure the turntable can handle it

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Pro-Ject EVO 12 Premium HG—in terms of build quality and feel, the Pro-Ject is 1080p, while the Ortofon is definitely 4K or 8K, the Ortofon is in a different precision league

Takeaway: The AS-309R is a well-designed and manufactured 12' tonearm with easy setup and precision. It would make an excellent choice if head shell swappability is a priority.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Ortofon pioneered the moving coil cartridge and continues to use Selective Laser Melting technology to create exceptionally precise cartridge bodies. Their SPU series, introduced in 1958 and largely unchanged since then, remains a classic in the audiophile community, while their newer cartridges feature advanced materials like titanium, boron, and diamond to achieve superior sound quality.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Product image
VPI
Fatboy Gimbal 12-3D
4500
4500
/
1
Reviews
VPI is known for its high-end, American-made turntables. They stand out for their use of 3D printing in tonearm design, creating one-piece structures that enhance sound quality, and their unique unipivot tonearm design that balances on a single point for precise sound reproduction.
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Our summary

Product Strengths

  • The Fatboy brings each cartridge's strengths to the fore as well as revealing the sonic differences among the cartridges
  • The tonearm's preciseness and linearity parallels and complements the sound of the Vanquish table
  • The tonearm's strongest suit is its dynamics and that special ability to rapidly move and shift between dynamic levels
  • The Fatboy's ability to recreate a ginormous soundstage
  • The Fatboy's slightly heavier mass also allows for the use of lower compliance and heavier massive cartridges

Product Considerations

  • The Fatboy falls slightly short of ultimate in the areas of finesse, refinement, and total sense of ease
  • There's also some decrease in bass texture
  • The tonearm can also at times sacrifice harmonic integrity for detail
  • Setting up the dual pivot version of the Fatboy tonearm, in particular azimuth, can be a little tricky and trying
  • The character of the new VPI 3D printed Fatboy tonearm lies ever so slightly to the yang side of neutral, no part of the frequency spectrum is emphasized to the detriment of another

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to VPI's earlier all JMW Aluminum-based tonearm, the Fatboy is superior when it comes to resolution, speed, and dynamics—and eliminates much of the sonic signature from the previous 3D printed tonearm
  • Compared to earlier 3D generation VPI arms, the new Fatboy tonearm is a sizable step up from VPI's earlier 3D printed arms

Takeaway: The VPI Fatboy tonearm is a stunning product and could easily be many audiophiles' final tonearm. The Fatboy's slightly heavier mass allows for the use of lower compliance and heavier massive cartridges.

Video review

Our take on the brand

VPI is known for its high-end, American-made turntables. They stand out for their use of 3D printing in tonearm design, creating one-piece structures that enhance sound quality, and their unique unipivot tonearm design that balances on a single point for precise sound reproduction.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

What competes at this price?

Thorens
TP 160
1993
/
Released
2023
The TP 160 is a nine-inch radial arm in the medium weight class. Its favorable mass distribution and high strength make it the ideal support for the finest cartridges. These fit into the standard original headshell, which has been newly designed along with the arm.
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Thorens is renowned for pioneering the suspended subchassis turntable design in 1966 with their TD 150 model, which provides superior vibration isolation and has become a standard in turntable engineering. Their latest innovation is seen in the New Reference turntable, which features an active vibration isolation system developed with Seismion that uses piezoelectric sensors and electronic control, along with a German-made 3-phase synchronous motor driven by three linear power amplifiers.
Expand Details

Our Summary

No items found.

Product Strengths

  • The TP 160 tonearm combined with the TD 1600 offers quality that is hard to beat
  • The TP 160 is stable, rigid, extremely smooth-running, and comprehensively adjustable
  • The TP 160's low-friction design allows the TAS 1600 cartridge to operate more precisely
  • It is a modern-day version of the legendary EMT Tontechnik professional arm 929
  • Exceptional build quality

Product Considerations

  • Manual lift operation requires a gentle touch to avoid stylus impact and sub-chassis wobble
  • The removable headshell design introduces a slight compromise in stiffness

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • The TP 160 is better and more balanced than the TP 92
  • The TP 160 is comparable to the Linn Ekos, but at a much friendlier price, and is superior to the Akito

Takeaway: The TP 160 tonearm improves the turntable's performance with its quality build and adjustability. It is designed for those who appreciate a smooth and detailed listening experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Thorens is renowned for pioneering the suspended subchassis turntable design in 1966 with their TD 150 model, which provides superior vibration isolation and has become a standard in turntable engineering. Their latest innovation is seen in the New Reference turntable, which features an active vibration isolation system developed with Seismion that uses piezoelectric sensors and electronic control, along with a German-made 3-phase synchronous motor driven by three linear power amplifiers.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
AVIDHIFI
Altus
1574
/
Released
2023
Discover the best that your vinyl records have to offer with precise sound, crisp clean clarity and outstanding solidity with every faint nuance you never thought was there, revealed in all its glory. Cascading features from the Nexus such as the micron tolerance bearings and the adjustable progressive Bias, the Altus will impress with a performance which has focus and immediacy whilst retaining a delicacy that is absolutely captivating.
Check Amazon
AVID Hifi is a brand known for its turntables featuring unique engineering like sapphire bearings and dual-stage clamping systems that improve bass grip and soundstage projection. The brand's design philosophy involves developing technology in their high-end models and then adapting it for more affordable products, with their components made from solid aluminum and speakers weighing 100kg for exceptional build quality.
Expand Details

Our Summary

No items found.

Product Strengths

  • Designed with a focus on achieving the lowest possible resonance and optimal tracking accuracy
  • Constructed from high-quality materials, including lightweight yet rigid aluminum
  • Features a unique tapered design that minimizes unwanted vibrations
  • Adjustable azimuth and vertical tracking angle (VTA), allowing users to tailor the setup to their specific cartridge and listening preferences
  • Employs thick-walled aluminum arm tube to ensure the cartridge is held securely above the record and aid the transmission of vibration away from the cartridge
  • Offers cascading features from the top-model NEXUS—such as the micron tolerance bearings and the adjustable progressive Bias

Product Considerations

  • The Altus uses thick-walled aluminum tubing for the main tube, whereas the higher-end Nexus model uses more exotic materials for its tonearm tube

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Vs Nexus: The Nexus model uses exotic materials for its tonearm tube, whereas the Altus uses thick-walled aluminum tubing for the main tube
  • Vs Nexus: The Altus headshell is produced through a precise laser cutting process on solid aluminum, whereas the Nexus headshell is precision-engineered from solid aluminum and undergoes rigorous machining to ensure compatibility with the arm tube
  • Vs Nexus: The Altus also uses the same DIN connector, RCA connectors, and high-quality external and internal cable loom as the NEXUS, the only difference is that the ALTUS is through-wired whereas the NEXUS allows the user to change the headshell wires

Takeaway: The Altus is a well-engineered tonearm designed for optimal tracking accuracy and minimal resonance, made with quality materials. It is a good option for those seeking a balance of performance and value, offering features trickled down from higher-end models

Video review

Our take on the brand

AVID Hifi is a brand known for its turntables featuring unique engineering like sapphire bearings and dual-stage clamping systems that improve bass grip and soundstage projection. The brand's design philosophy involves developing technology in their high-end models and then adapting it for more affordable products, with their components made from solid aluminum and speakers weighing 100kg for exceptional build quality.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Gold Note
B-5.1
1199
/
Released
The B-5.1 is an elegant high-performance tonearm completely designed and handmade in Italy with the greatest attention to details to achieve maximum precision and deliver a superior audio performance with all cartridges (up to 15g).
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Gold Note is an Italian hifi brand that manufactures all components in-house, with their DS-10 DAC offering 192 setup options to adapt to different music genres and listener preferences. Their products, including the IS-10 and IS-1000 integrated amplifiers, combine multiple functions like streaming, DAC, and phono stages in single units, delivering a rich, tube-like sound signature.
Expand Details

Our Summary

No items found.

Product Strengths

  • Exceptional build quality, featuring Italian craftsmanship
  • High-precision German-made bearings ensure fluid movement and tracking stability
  • Offers comprehensive adjustment capabilities, including adjustable VTA, anti-skating, and azimuth
  • Premium internal wiring with AWG36 Hyper Litz shielded 99.9999% OFC cables
  • Elegant aesthetic design

Product Considerations

  • Installation requires careful setup
  • May be over-engineered for casual listeners

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Compared to a Transrotor rig, the B-5.1 combo offers a more lively and engaging sound, with deeper, more propulsive bass

Takeaway: The Gold Note B-5.1 tonearm is a beautiful piece of Italian engineering offering exceptional performance and adjustability. It is well-suited for serious vinyl enthusiasts seeking to extract the finest details from their records with a lively and engaging sound.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Gold Note is an Italian hifi brand that manufactures all components in-house, with their DS-10 DAC offering 192 setup options to adapt to different music genres and listener preferences. Their products, including the IS-10 and IS-1000 integrated amplifiers, combine multiple functions like streaming, DAC, and phono stages in single units, delivering a rich, tube-like sound signature.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
Gold Note
B-7
2399
/
Released
Our best tonearm, designed to perform at its best with all cartridges (up to 15g) and at the same time easy to install and incredibly simple to use. Carefully handmade in Italy and engineered to allow your phono cartridge to dive deep into the vinyl, bringing to life all the details and information engraved in your records.
Check Amazon
Gold Note is an Italian hifi brand that manufactures all components in-house, with their DS-10 DAC offering 192 setup options to adapt to different music genres and listener preferences. Their products, including the IS-10 and IS-1000 integrated amplifiers, combine multiple functions like streaming, DAC, and phono stages in single units, delivering a rich, tube-like sound signature.
Expand Details

Our Summary

No items found.

Product Strengths

  • Ultra-precise ceramic bearings provide superior and silent tracking
  • Premium material construction ensures both visual appeal and acoustic superiority
  • Comprehensive adjustment capabilities allow for precise fine-tuning
  • Excellent resonance control thanks to the sectional design of the titanium arm wand
  • High-quality internal wiring ensures signal integrity

Product Considerations

  • Installation requires careful setup and may benefit from expert guidance
  • 23mm mounting diameter may require modification for some turntables
  • Premium pricing tier

Takeaway: The Gold Note B-7 Ceramic Tonearm is a high-end product that uses great materials and careful design to bring out the best sound from vinyl records. It is made for serious vinyl fans who want top performance.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Gold Note is an Italian hifi brand that manufactures all components in-house, with their DS-10 DAC offering 192 setup options to adapt to different music genres and listener preferences. Their products, including the IS-10 and IS-1000 integrated amplifiers, combine multiple functions like streaming, DAC, and phono stages in single units, delivering a rich, tube-like sound signature.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page
clearaudio
Satisfy Kardan
2000
/
Released
Designed for use with a wide range of turntables and cartridges, the award-winning Satisfy Kardan incorporates a range of features normally associated with some of the very best tonearms.
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Clearaudio stands out for its magnetic levitation technology in turntables and tonearms, which reduces friction and wear while enhancing tonal accuracy. The brand caters to both novices and audiophiles with features like their Optical Speed Control system that uses infrared sensors to maintain precise speed, and pre-adjusted parameters for easy setup.
Expand Details

Our Summary

No items found.

Product Strengths

  • Simple and elegant design
  • Exceptional structural rigidity combined with ultra-low friction
  • Simple adjustments for vertical tracking force, azimuth, anti-skating, and vertical tracking angle
  • Easy setup due to a mounting bar that connects to the tonearm with one allen screw
  • When paired together, the Satisfy tonearm and the Benz Micro cartridges offer value

Product Considerations

  • Clearaudio offers limited aftersales service
  • Does not get the best out of cartridges like Ikeda or Ortofon SPU
  • Vertical tracking angle cannot be changed while playing

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

  • Only the Tri-Planar matched the Satisfy Carbon Fiber in musical realism
  • Each of these arms, with the exception of the SME 3009, do some things better than the Satisfy Carbon Fiber
  • The Satinwood arm was the warmest of the three versions, sacrificing a slight amount of transparency and micro dynamics
  • The Ebony arm tube sounded bolder and more substantial compared to the Carbon Fiber and Satinwood versions

Takeaway: The Clearaudio Satisfy tonearms offer a simple yet effective design with good rigidity and easy setup, especially when paired with the right cartridge. It is a solid option for those seeking a musically realistic experience.

Video review

Our take on the brand

Clearaudio stands out for its magnetic levitation technology in turntables and tonearms, which reduces friction and wear while enhancing tonal accuracy. The brand caters to both novices and audiophiles with features like their Optical Speed Control system that uses infrared sensors to maintain precise speed, and pre-adjusted parameters for easy setup.
Website author headshot
Julian Shapiro
ExtremeHiFi Writer
Product Page
Product Page

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