Clearaudio N1 moving-magnet cartridge
Decades of turntable cartridge expertise has been distilled into a new product from Germany’s Clearaudio, the N1 moving-magnet design.
The brand has been involved in analogue audio since 1978 and Clearaudio electronic GmbH has prized expert staff, the highest quality materials, skilful workmanship, uncompromisingly accurate design and ingenious production technology – resulting in products created to bring the listener closer to the music.
The new €99 moving-magnet N1 was revealed to audio journalists this week. It will sit as the new entry-level in Clearaudio’s cartridge range, which scales up to the Diamond Jubilee MC at £22,000
N1, the ‘N’ standing for Needle, promises to set new quality and performance standards for entry-level MM cartridges. For example, its body is milled from aluminium, not plastic, yet is precision engineered so it only weighs 8g. There are finish options of silver or black models.
The cartridge is also designed so users can quickly and easily replace the stylus as needed; doubtless a very welcome move that extends the cartridge’s life and makes it even better value.
N1 will have a suggested retail price of €99 when it goes on sale in July, when global pricing will be announced. Replacement stylus will be available for €39.
This is the latest product from Clearaudio which holds numerous design and technology patents and is the recipient of numerous global awards. It remains a family-owned business, with its HQ based in the Meilwald nature reserve at Erlangen in Bavaria.