The Clearaudio Profiler is part of the biggest tonearm comparison that LowBeats has ever done. It exclusively uses Clearaudio tonearms; in addition to their eleven turntables, 17 cartridges, record cleaners and phono stages – all “Made in Erlangen”, by the way – the Erlangen-based company also has 12 (!) tonearms in its range. We tested the seven most important ones. These are
- Clearaudio Profiler, around 1,900 euros
- Clearaudio Tracer, around 2,500 euros
- Clearaudio Unify 14 inch, from 2,700 euros
- Clearaudio TT 5, from 2,800 euros
- Clearaudio TT 3, around 4,100 euros
- Clearaudio Universal, from 5,500 euros
- Clearaudio Unity, from 15,000 euros
In the big overview article you will find everything you need to know about tonearms, additives and the overview, in this test everything revolves around the
Clearaudio Profiler
At 1,900 euros, the Profiler is positioned between the Concept/Satisfy “entry-level” arms (around 1,000 euros), which are also available separately, and the Satisfy Kardan (from 1,500 euros) as well as the Tracer for 2,500 euros (also in the test). The gimbal-mounted Profiler combines under its bell: horizontally a sapphire tip bearing for the smooth tracking of even wavy records as well as the lifting and lowering of the mechanical tonearm lift, vertically a ball bearing allows the arm to follow its circular cut-out path. The resulting skating force (pulls the arm inwards) is countered by the 300 millimeter long, effectively 239.58 millimeter long, profiler with a magnetic anti-skating system using a rotary wheel. This means you are spared the dangling thread weight of some competitors.
Clearaudio damps the nine-inch aluminum tube at selected points. Clearaudio’s standard headshell (offset 24.5 degrees) allows for pickups weighing between 3.5 and 17 grams (factory specification). The adjustment of the counterweight to be balanced is a little rustic, and the height adjustment with a suboptimal clamping screw on the shaft is not for VTA fetishists. They should definitely buy the VTA lifter mentioned above.
In terms of sound, there is little to criticize about the Profiler, which is wired directly with Direct Wire Plus. It copes well with an astonishing number of cartridges, from MM workhorses to high-bred MC racehorses, it remains neutral in terms of sound and leaves little to be desired in terms of dynamics.
Quintessence Clearaudio Profiler
In terms of sound – at least with the MC Concept Signature at the tip of the tonearm – it is not satisfied with cozy analog velvet. This record player wants to pass on as much information as possible. It’s not for the softies, but for those who are looking for analysis, want to know everything, want to be carried away by the music. Its mix of coarse plus fine dynamics is world class.
For all those who want to know a little more: The Profiler features an introduction by Clearaudio boss Robert Suchy himself:
Pickup recommendation:
Clearaudio Concept MV, around 950 euros; unproblematic MC system, 8.0 grams
Hana SL MKII, around 750 euros; MC system with top price/performance ratio; 8.6 grams
Clearaudio Profiler | 2025/06 |
 | |
VERY GOOD | |
TotalSoundUsabilityWorkmanship |
| The rating always refers to the respective price category. |
| | Open sound, good dynamics |
| | Through-wiring |
| | Suitable for long-term use |
| | A high price for vinyl average users |
Distribution:
Clearaudio
Spardorferstraße 150
91054 Erlangen
www.clearaudio.de
Price (manufacturer’s recommendation)
Clearaudio Profiler: 1,900 Euro
Technical data
| Clearaudio Profiler | |
|---|---|
| Concept: | Radial tonearm Horizontal sapphire bearing and vertical ball bearing |
| Material: | Aluminum |
| adjustable pickups: | 3.5 g – 17.0 gram |
| Effective length: | 239.58 mm |
| Overhang: | 17.58 mm |
| Offset angle: | 24,5° |
| Signal cable: | 1.1 m Direct Wire PLUS assembled with cinch |
| Weight (phono/mains adapter): | 510 grams including counterweight |
| All technical data | |
Other tonearms in the test:
- Clearaudio Tracer, around 2,500 euros
- Clearaudio Unify 14 inch, from 2,700 euros
- Clearaudio TT 5, from 2,800 euros
- Clearaudio Universal, from 5,500 euros
- Clearaudio Unity, from 15,000 euros
- Clearaudio TT 3, around 4,100 euros
7 Clearaudio tonearms in comparison: the overview
More from Clearaudio:
Test Clearaudio Balance Reference Phono
Test Clearaudio Reference Jubilee: Super turntable with Boomerang chassis
Test turntable Clearaudio Concept Active + active speaker Elac Navis ARB-51
Test phono stage Clearaudio Basic V2
