Clearaudio Compass Review: Wide, Spacious Sound with Stunning Detail

Explore the Clearaudio Compass, a turntable delivering wide, spacious sound and remarkable detail at an accessible price point.

A Fresh Spin on Affordable High-End Audio

Every audiophile knows that terms like “entry-level,” “affordable,” or even “cheap” are relative when it comes to high-fidelity gear. After all, the most “affordable” Ferrari—the Roma—starts at a whopping £200,000, which feels like pocket change compared to the jaw-dropping £400,000+ SF90 Stradale. Similarly, Clearaudio’s Compass turntable, priced at around $1,500, stands out as a genuine bargain in the German brand’s lineup known for its luxurious, high-end models that often spark envy with their advanced tech and astronomical price tags.

Want a Clearaudio Statement? That’ll set you back about £145,000. So, the Compass is a refreshing entry point from a company that usually plays in the stratosphere of audiophile exclusivity. But can this compact contender live up to the high standards set by its pricier siblings? Let’s dive in and find out if the Compass can truly chart a course through the competitive mid-tier market.

Technical Specifications at a Glance

• Drive Type: Belt drive
• Speeds: 33 ⅓, 45 rpm
• Speed Switching: Electronic
• Cartridge: Clearaudio N1 (Moving Magnet)
• Phono Preamp: None
• Bluetooth/USB: None
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 12 x 43.5 x 34 cm
• Weight: 8.4 kg
• Finish Options: Silver, Black

Design & Build: Robust Elegance with a Hint of Minimalism

The Clearaudio Compass impresses with a design that balances between robust functionality and minimalist aesthetics—think “chunky minimalism.” Its substantial wooden plinth lends it a solid foundation, while the steel base plate adds extra heft. At 8.4 kg, it feels substantial compared to a competitor like the Rega Planar 3 RS Edition turntable, which tips the scales at around 6 kg.

True to Clearaudio’s Hi-Fi heritage, every component exudes quality. The polished steel spindle, paired with the elegant aluminum T1 tonearm borrowed from the pricier Clearaudio Satisfy model, speaks volumes about the craftsmanship here. The T1 tonearm holds the Clearaudio N1 Moving Magnet cartridge on a removable headshell. Setting it up requires calibrating the tonearm with the recommended 2.2 g tracking force for the N1 cartridge, a task that’s straightforward and not intimidating even for newcomers.

However, not everything was perfect. We noticed some disappointing paint quality around the rear input recesses and hinges on both the silver and black test units. While this flaw won’t bother most users who keep their turntable facing forward, it’s a bit of a letdown on a machine that’s otherwise beautifully crafted.

Engineering Details: Precision in Motion

At the heart of the Compass is a main bearing featuring a hardened steel spindle with a brass bushing resting on a Teflon thrust pad, topped with aluminum auxiliary and acrylic main thrust plates. A 12-volt DC motor drives the platter via a flat belt, ensuring smooth, quiet operation.

Despite being Clearaudio’s entry-level model, the Compass is user-friendly. Though the counterweight lacks digital markings, Clearaudio provides a scale for setup. Installing the platter, mat, and acrylic dust cover is straightforward, making the turntable approachable for those new to vinyl or those who want a hassle-free rig.

The speed selector switch is cleverly recessed on the right side, electronically toggling between 33 ⅓ and 45 rpm. Its hidden placement keeps the design sleek and modern, though it may take a bit of reaching to use.

Sound Quality: Spacious, Controlled, and Richly Detailed

Clearaudio promises “affordable quality without compromise,” and the Compass delivers this promise when hooked up to a reference stereo system—our setup featured a Naim Nait XS 3 stereo amplifier and Epos ES-7N standmount speakers.

The Compass presents a mature, controlled sound that brings cohesion and balance to your vinyl collection. There’s no overemphasis on piercing highs or bloated lows. Instead, the overall sonic image is open and spacious, painting a cinematic canvas where instruments and textures are carefully placed.

Tracks like Fleetwood Mac’s Dreams and Lukas Graham’s Happy Home come alive with a sense of grandeur and atmosphere, thanks to the Compass’s ability to create a wide and well-organized sound field.

Delving into a variety of records, the Compass shows a knack for detail without struggle. The delicate shimmer of a piano in Bach's Siciliano in G minor, the gritty vocals of Kurt Cobain in Nirvana’s About A Girl, or the resonant guitar plucks in The Vestbo Trio’s Mudslide all emerge with defined clarity and punch.

The real star, though, is the Compass’s bass response. It offers a solid, weighty foundation without tipping into sluggishness or losing finesse. Whether it’s the deep, resonant beats of Nas’s NY State Of Mind or the haunting textures of Portishead’s Sour Times, the Compass reproduces these low frequencies with remarkable liveliness and precision.

However, when playing Michael Jackson’s Bad, the Compass shows a slight tendency to hold back. The album’s energetic rhythms and dynamic punch don’t fully erupt with the drive they deserve. The competitor Rega Planar 3 RS Edition turntable notably outperforms the Compass here, delivering a sparkle and grace to the basslines that the Compass somewhat lacks.

The Rega Planar 3 RS Edition also has the edge on dynamics. While the Compass performs admirably on more subtle pieces, the Planar 3’s ability to capture the heart and soul of a recording—especially in pieces like Bach’s Siciliano—feels more alive and engaging. The Compass’s sound can come across a tad mechanical by comparison, smoothing over delicate crescendos and diminuendos.

Still, the Compass stakes its claim with its expansive soundstage and firm, well-controlled bass. If you’re someone who values those qualities, this turntable could be the perfect match.

Final Verdict: A Trustworthy Turntable with Unique Strengths

The Clearaudio Compass is a genuinely dependable turntable that brings notable sonic strengths to the table—most notably its bass reproduction. Its clean, contemporary design will surely attract audiophiles who appreciate both form and function.

While the mid-tier market is fiercely competitive, and some rivals may deliver more sheer entertainment value, the Compass refuses to be lost in the crowd thanks to its rich sound potential and solid build quality.

Scores

• Sound: 4/5
• Build Quality: 4/5
• Features: 4/5

“Clearaudio promises ‘affordable quality without compromise,’ and in the Compass, that promise rings true.”

FAQ

• What type of drive does the Clearaudio Compass use?
  The Compass uses a belt drive mechanism for quieter and more precise platter rotation.
• Does the Compass include a built-in phono preamp?
  No, the Clearaudio Compass does not have a built-in phono preamp, so you’ll need an external one or an amplifier with a phono input.
• Can the Compass play both 33 ⅓ and 45 rpm records?
  Yes, it features electronic speed switching between 33 ⅓ and 45 revolutions per minute.
• Is the Clearaudio N1 cartridge included?
  Yes, the turntable comes pre-fitted with the Clearaudio N1 Moving Magnet cartridge.
• How heavy is the Clearaudio Compass?
  The turntable weighs approximately 8.4 kilograms, making it a solid and stable platform.

If you’re as passionate about vinyl as we are, why not bring that enthusiasm off the turntable and onto your walls? Shop your favorite album cover posters at our store to celebrate the art and music you love: Architeg Prints. It’s a tasteful way to keep the vibe going beyond the grooves.