Clearaudio TT2 Tangential Tonearm: Setup and Alignment FAQ
By Addicted To Audio - Home Audio Electronics & Accessories | Published: 2026-11-03
Category: How-to Guides
Practical answers to common questions about setting up and aligning the Clearaudio TT2 tangential tonearm, from mounting height and VTA to tracking force and maintenance.
Quick answer
Set up the Clearaudio TT2 by first establishing a level, correctly distanced mounting surface, then dial in vertical tracking angle and tracking force before fine-tuning alignment with a suitable gauge. Because the TT2 is a parallel tracking tonearm, it removes skating force by design, so conventional anti-skate adjustments do not apply.
Why the TT2's parallel tracking changes your alignment routine
A conventional pivoted tonearm traces an arc across the record, so alignment is a compromise between inner and outer grooves and anti-skate is needed to counter the inward pull. The TT2's tangential design keeps the stylus perpendicular to the groove from the first track to the last, which means you are not balancing alignment across the record. Instead, your setup time goes into mounting precision, carriage travel, and vertical tracking angle.
This also means some familiar tools and steps, like anti-skate scales and protractors designed for pivoted arms, do not apply in the same way. Check with Clearaudio or your dealer for the specific alignment gauge recommended for the TT2 before you begin.
Where the TT2 fits in a high-end vinyl setup, and where it does not
The TT2 suits listeners who want the precision of parallel tracking and are prepared to invest in careful installation and a stable, level turntable platform. Its 40-hour assembly time reflects a mechanical build that rewards patience and a dedicated setup session rather than a quick swap.
It is not the right choice if you frequently change cartridges, prefer a plug-and-play pivoted arm, or have a turntable whose mounting geometry cannot accommodate a tangential arm. In those cases, a high-quality pivoted tonearm may be more practical.
Clearaudio TT2 setup and alignment FAQ
- How do I mount the TT2 on my turntable?
- The TT2 requires a mounting surface that is level and at the correct distance from the platter spindle, as specified by Clearaudio for your turntable model. Use a machinist's level to check both the plinth and the arm mounting area before drilling or securing anything. Because the arm is heavy, confirm that your turntable or armboard can support its mass without flexing. Measure twice and verify support before committing to mounting holes.
- Do I need to set anti-skate on a tangential tonearm?
- No. A parallel tracking tonearm like the TT2 does not generate the same skating force as a pivoted arm because the stylus remains perpendicular to the groove. Anti-skate mechanisms are therefore not part of the setup. If you are moving from a pivoted arm, leave anti-skate accessories aside and focus on carriage alignment and VTA instead. Skip anti-skate adjustments entirely; they do not apply to the TT2.
- How do I set vertical tracking angle (VTA) on the TT2?
- Start with the tonearm tube parallel to the record surface when the stylus is resting in a mid-side groove. Use a small mirror or a VTA gauge designed for tangential arms to check that the headshell is level. Adjust the arm height in small increments, then recheck tracking force, since changing VTA can slightly alter it. Fine-tune by ear with a familiar record, but only after confirming the mechanical baseline. Always recheck tracking force after any VTA change.
- What tracking force should I use with the TT2?
- Set tracking force according to your cartridge manufacturer's recommended range, not the tonearm's limits. Use a high-quality digital stylus gauge placed at record height. Because the TT2's carriage may have its own adjustment mechanism, follow Clearaudio's instructions for applying force rather than assuming a conventional counterweight method. Confirm the method in the TT2 manual before adjusting force.
- How do I align the cartridge in the TT2's headshell?
- Use a cartridge alignment gauge that is compatible with the TT2's geometry, or the tool supplied by Clearaudio. With the arm locked, loosely mount the cartridge and adjust its position until the stylus sits precisely on the gauge's reference point. Tighten the mounting screws evenly and recheck alignment after tightening, as the cartridge can shift slightly. Recheck alignment after final tightening; small shifts are common.
- What maintenance does the TT2 need?
- The TT2 uses a purely mechanical precision drive based on two dry-running high-precision bearings, according to Clearaudio. Keep the bearing tracks and carriage free of dust and debris using a soft brush or blower. Do not lubricate dry-running bearings unless Clearaudio explicitly instructs otherwise. Periodically check that mounting screws remain snug and that the arm travels smoothly across the record. Never lubricate dry-running bearings without manufacturer approval.
Product facts
- Clearaudio TT2 Tangential Tonearm: The TT2 takes 40 hours to assemble and is described as a massive masterpiece of mechanical precision. Plan for a dedicated installation session and handle the arm carefully, as its performance depends on maintaining that factory precision.
Clearaudio TT2 Tangential Tonearm
