The Unify is one of Clearaudio's oldest tonearms and is gradually being phased out of the range. We tested the 14-inch version (price: €2,700); (Photo: Clearaudio).

Test Clearaudio Unify 14 inch: Tonearm with extra length

Lothar Brandt 8. June 2025

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, but in this test everything revolves around the

Clearaudio Unify 14 inch

Wow, it’s so long! This exclamation probably escapes every vinyl fan who sees the Unify 14-inch for the first time. In fact, the overall length of no less than 420 mm is as exotic as the single-point suspension in today’s analog world, where 9- and 10-inch long, gimbal-mounted arms largely set the tone (although there are still a few suppliers of extra-long arms). Incidentally, the Unify was also available in standard lengths. Clearaudio seems to have discontinued production of the series, as they no longer appear in the current price list, although they do appear in the company’s own product description. And there are still quite a few of these interesting 14-inch speakers on the market, which is why they are not out of competition here. Especially as it has been running flawlessly in the author’s large system for more than two decades.

TA-Unify bearing — The Unify cannot hide its somewhat advanced age: much of it looks like old-fashioned custom… (Photo: Clearaudio)

This is not at all self-evident given the exquisite mounting of the entire construction on an ultra-pointed stainless steel needle that pierces a sapphire mirror. Admittedly, the author has not changed the pickup, a mono pickup, for many years and has therefore left everything a little “at rest”. Opponents of single-point bearings (unipivot) always cited the wobbly guidance, while supporters cited the minimal friction. The effective length of the 14-inch is 338.63 mm, which leaves the offset at 16.7 degrees. Although this leads to more surface area for unwanted reflections on and in the carbon tonearm tube, it reduces the horizontal tracking error angle.

Quintessence Clearaudio Unify 14 inch

Because most records were still made very flat in the good old days of monophony and the author values clean mid-range imaging, he uses the arm for mono treasures from his collection. Previously, however, he had also had excellent stereophonic experiences with top cartridges.

Pickup recommendation:

Clearaudio Virtuoso V2, around 980 euros; great MM system with full sound, 8.4 grams
Ortofon Quintet Black, around 1000 Euro; MC system with top PL ratio; 9.0 grams

Clearaudio Unify 14 inch	2025/06

VERY GOOD

Total

Sound

Usability

Workmanship

The rating always refers to the respective price category.

	Open sound, well-defined sound, high dynamics
	Through-wiring
	Suitable for long-term use
	Difficulties with very wavy slabs

Distribution:
Clearaudio
Spardorferstraße 150
91054 Erlangen
www.clearaudio.de

Price (manufacturer’s recommendation)
Clearaudio Unify 14 inch: 2,700 Euro

Technical data

Clearaudio Unify 14 inch
Concept:	Radial tonearm Horizontal sapphire bearing and vertical ball bearing
Material:	Aluminum
adjustable pickups:	2.5 g – 17.0 gram
Effective length:	338.63 mm
Overhang:	11.63 mm
Offset angle:	16,7°
Signal cable:	1.1 m Clearaudio Super Sixstream assembled with RCA
Weight (phono/mains adapter):	770 grams including counterweight
All technical data