Clearaudio’s Innovation range of turntables now has a new entry point, the Innovation Basic. Borrowing technology from the Innovation Compact and Master Innovation – the new Basic packs a raft of features at a more accessible starting price of £3,400.
The resonance-optimised chassis features Clearaudio’s three-point design with its ‘sandwich’ construction of Panzerholz (a solid, bullet-proof wood) and aluminum, a combination “known to deliver an enviable balance of transparency and natural tonality”. Like all models in the Innovation range, the Innovation Basic delivers “exceptional speed stability”, thanks to the combination of a decoupled, custom-built, high-torque DC motor with patented Ceramic Magnetic Bearing (CMB) and Optical Speed Control (OSC). CMB allows the dynamically balanced platter to magnetically levitate on an inverted and polished ceramic bearing shaft with polished sintered bronze insert. Meanwhile, an infrared sensor reads a microscopically-etched strobe ring and sends signals to the OSC mechanism which auto-corrects in real time.
Two tonearm mounting bases make the Innovation Basic dual tonearm capable, while fine height adjustment allows for precise levelling of the turntable on any surface. The Innovation Basic is available with a choice of finish options. The Panzerholz wood layer can be natural or black-lacquered, while its aluminium layer can be silver or black. The platter is available in either clear acrylic or black high-density POM (Delrin). The Innovation Wood retails for £3,400 while the Innovation Basic Black is £3,550.