ClearAudio N1 MM black

ClearAudio N1 MM – Moving Magnet Cartridge

At Clearaudio, the coils are hand-wound and the bodies are machined from solid stock just a few kilometres from the Erlangen headquarters. When the Bavarian manufacturer decides to offer an accessible cartridge, it applies the same methods as for its high-end models. The N1 inaugurates a new compact range that brings this manufacturing rigour into a more accessible format and price, without sacrificing the quality of materials or the assembly precision that are hallmarks of the brand.

An aluminium body where others use plastic

The N1’s housing is milled from a block of anodised aluminium, a construction usually found on much more expensive cartridges. This choice is not merely aesthetic: the rigidity of aluminium limits unwanted resonances and provides a stable base for the generator system. Despite this robust design, the body weighs only 8 grams, bringing the total weight to 12.5 grams with the stylus assembly in place.

This intermediate mass gives the N1 broad compatibility with different types of tonearms. Both light and heavier arms can accommodate it without requiring a specific counterweight, which simplifies integration on most turntables on the market. Clearaudio has in fact designed this cartridge in parallel with its Compass turntable, the two forming a coherent package straight out of the box.

Stylus replacement without removing the cartridge

The N1 introduces a first for Clearaudio: a plug-in stylus system that allows replacement without removing the cartridge from the headshell. The elliptical diamond mounted on an aluminium cantilever can be removed and repositioned with a simple gesture. This mechanism makes routine maintenance as easy as replacement after normal wear — expect between 500 and 1000 hours of listening depending on usage conditions.

Replacement styli, referenced N1 MM Quick-Swap, are available separately. This easy access extends the useful life of the cartridge and reduces long-term cost: instead of replacing the entire unit, only the consumable element is changed.

Electrical parameters and setup

The N1 delivers an output voltage of around 2.9 mV at 1 kHz for a groove velocity of 5 cm/s. This moderate level matches the majority of MM phono preamps on the market, which are calibrated for a load impedance of 47 kΩ and a capacitance of 100 pF. Coil inductance reaches 400 mH with an impedance of 660 Ω, classic values for a moving magnet cartridge that ensure good versatility in system matching.

The recommended tracking force is 2.2 grams, with a tolerance of ± 0.3 gram. In practice, some users find tracking is slightly more stable around 2.3 grams, but the optimal setting also depends on the arm and platter used. With a compliance of 15 µm/mN, the N1 falls into the moderately compliant category, suitable for tonearms with an effective mass of roughly 10 to 20 grams.

Sound reproduction and tracking behaviour

With a specified frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz and channel separation of 20 dB, the N1 offers solid, respectable figures for its class. The elliptical stylus provides a compromise between fine groove tracing and tolerance of worn or slightly warped records. It retrieves more detail than a spherical tip while remaining less demanding in terms of alignment than an advanced-profile stylus.

The 80 µm tracking capability indicates a good ability to follow groove modulations, including heavily cut passages. This characteristic helps to limit distortion on orchestral crescendos or sharp percussive attacks.

Two finishes to suit your setup

The N1 is available in black or silver, each version sporting a side engraving of the name. The black finish blends discreetly with dark tonearms, while silver echoes the metallic finishes of Clearaudio turntables or other brands that favour brushed aluminium. Both colours use the same anodising treatment, which protects the metal from oxidation.

Technical specifications

Electrical specifications

• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Output voltage: approx. 3.3 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/s)
• Channel separation: 20 dB (1 kHz)
• Channel balance: 2 dB (1 kHz)
• Coil impedance: 0.66 kΩ (1 kHz)
• Coil inductance: 400 mH
• Load resistance: 47 kΩ
• Load capacitance: 100 pF

Mechanical characteristics

• Cartridge type: moving magnet (MM)
• Total weight: 12.6 g (± 0.2 g)
• Body weight: 8 g
• Body material: anodized aluminum
• Cantilever: aluminum
• Stylus shape: elliptical
• Recommended tracking force: 2.2 g (± 0.3 g)
• Tracking ability: 80 µm
• Compliance: 15 µm/mN

Stylus system

• Quick-swap system
  • Stylus can be easily replaced, even when the cartridge is mounted on the tonearm
  • Simplified installation and maintenance
  • Fast replacement without removing the cartridge
• Compatible with Clearaudio N1 MM Quick-Swap replacement styli

Compatibility

• Tonearms: compatible with light and heavy tonearms
• Turntables: compatible with all turntables with standard tonearms
• Recommendation: ideal for the Clearaudio Compass turntable

Design and finish

• Anodized aluminum body providing optimal rigidity and lightness
• Elegant, timeless design
• Available finishes: black, silver
• Compact construction combining precision and musicality
• Ideal weight balance for maximum versatility

Accessories

• Clearaudio N1 MM Quick-Swap replacement styli available