Turntables — Clearaudio EMOTION SE

The Emotion SE is a belt-drive turntable from Clearaudio, built with a precision CNC-machined acrylic platter and a pre-fitted Artist V2 cartridge. This model sits within Clearaudio's accessible-to-mid-tier turntable catalogue, offering a complete out-of-box package with cartridge already fitted and aligned.

Key specs that matter

Two speeds are supported- 33 and 45 rpm. Drive is by belt. The platter is GS-PMMA acrylic with a precision CNC-machined surface, a material choice Clearaudio favours across much of its turntable range for resonance control. The pre-fitted cartridge is Clearaudio's own Artist V2. At 400 x 330 x 100 mm and 7 kg it is a compact, self-contained deck, practical for a first serious turntable purchase.

Sound and use context

Expect a settled, dependable presentation with the pre-fitted Artist V2 cartridge giving a known starting point specifically matched by Clearaudio's own engineers to this platform - buying a complete package like this removes much of the setup uncertainty a component-based approach would introduce for a first-time turntable buyer.

Pairing

The pre-fitted Artist V2 cartridge's specific output level and impedance requirements should be checked against the intended phono stage, though as a Clearaudio design it should work comfortably with the brand's own BASIC V2 or Balance V2 phono preamplifiers.

Alternatives

Clearaudio's broader turntable range includes both more basic and more elaborate models, worth comparing directly with a dealer on platter material and cartridge pairing before choosing between these positioned Clearaudio decks, particularly if a different cartridge is already owned or preferred. Clearaudio extensive dealer network across Europe makes arranging a proper demonstration practical, worth doing to hear this specific pre-fitted cartridge and platform combination before committing to a purchase. A solid, vibration-isolated equipment stand remains a worthwhile complementary purchase given the sensitivity any turntable brings to external vibration. Overall this remains a well-regarded, complete package for a first serious turntable purchase. A qualified installer should still confirm alignment even with a factory pre-fitted cartridge. A dealer visit remains the simplest way to compare this model against Clearaudio broader turntable range. Cable and stand choices matter far less here than getting the basic phono stage pairing right from the outset.