Clearaudio Reference Jubilee: Super turntable
Clearaudio wants to commemorate its fortieth company anniversary here, while the analog specialists from Erlangen wish to push the envelope once more. The Reference Jubilee is touted to be the "most profound bow to direct drive to date," according to the website.
This not only leads us down the wrong path. Because, of course, the RJ is a faultless belt drive. It's not about bowing; it's a contest to see who can get the turntable up to speed more steadily, quickly, and with greater sound.
From above, it appears to be a capital "V" or, better yet, a boomerang disguised. The "Boomerang" chassis is built of super-stable laminated armored wood with metal plates on the edges. This construction is extremely low-resonance because of the sandwich construction, form, and high specific weight.
The opening for the turntable's axle is in the center. The tonearm anchor is on the right in the height, followed by the belt drive motor on the left. That is exactly what it is all about. Clearaudio uses 18 tiny rubber O-rings to secure the motor.
This should provide the best possible decoupling from the frame. That is something we should be able to admire all of the time. However, Clearaudio conceals the stunning insight beneath a robust metal cover.
Prior to that, we must install a flat belt and knit it around the turntable. Most rivals reveal themselves here, as they use a basic power pack from the Far East. Clearaudio, on the other hand, allows itself a word of power here. The 24-volt DC motor has been totally rebuilt and has no iron core. A hefty power pack in the shape of a barrel is also included.
A 12-bit converter clocks the current, allowing its reference voltage to flow in 212 steps. It only operates in tandem - just next to the ceramic axis is an optical sensor that coordinates its data with the power conditioner to ensure constant speed. Clearaudio, of course, offers speeds of 33 and 45 rounds, but also 78 for fans of the old shellac record, which is unusual but a signature.
The tonearm must be mounted on the upper right side of the "V." Clearaudio recommends the "Universal," which is built entirely in-house and measures nine inches long. With our model, we had to plug in the five-pin DIN connector from below, which terminated in two XLR connectors.
However, only a few phono stages accept this, and they are all in the expensive premium class. So, if you "just" want to and can live with cinch, you should take it into account while ordering.
The tonearm's carbon structure is classic, but it holds a high level of intrigue. Clearaudio's scope of delivery comprises five distinct counterweights. There is no pickup that does not know how to work with this arm.
The responsive weight adjustment through a rotary screw on the back of the arm is also excellent. Of course, the customer can optionally specify an optional lifter to achieve the ideal elevation angle.
It is five centimeters thick and made of "technological polymers" - Clearaudio does not give the exact composition, citing a company secret, but we are confident that it is based on POM - i.e. "polyoxymethylene."
There is still the issue of selecting the proper pickup. Clearaudio recommends to the customer the MC "Jubilee." This not only fits the name but it was also constructed in accordance with the same guidelines as the frame. Even the word sounds intimidating: Panzerholz, which consists of many layers of ebony and copper beech.
The citizens of Erlangen purposefully tried to construct a connection to the knowledge of adjacent Bubenreuth violin manufacturers. In a nutshell, it looks great and has a lot of resonance. Nothing jingles or rattles. Clearaudio grinds the diamonds according to the in-house "Prime Line" standards, and the cantilever is made of boron. As if that weren't enough, the coils are 24k gold.
Sounds pricey. And yes, we have a total of 24,358 dollars. That can be difficult because it is half a year's wage for most average earners. However, it may turn out to be a worthwhile investment.
The first impulse takes only ten minutes: This is a machine with a high resolution. It's remarkable how many details we've never gotten from the groove. However, the silky vinyl pleasure sensation does not present here.
The sound ranges from clean to harsh. Those who like a gently colored euphony will be disappointed. This is a bank, a vault of ultimate truth, not a record player trying to be a heady harbinger of cannabis legalization.
This is a wonder worker for all high-end enthusiasts looking for the highest resolution. You will not just be supplied to a limited extent if you wish to bathe in velvet. Furthermore, the Reference Jubilee will not tolerate faulty pressings - if it crackles, there will be no compromise.
The Reference Jubilee, the way it's made, can be a good buddy for a lifetime. Minimum.
