Clearaudio’s new Reference Jubilee deck was designed to celebrate the German analogue brand’s anniversary and ‘40 years of excellence’. “The good news”, says reviewer Adam Smith is that it lives up to the hype. “The bad news is that production is limited to 250 units worldwide.”

“With its distinctive V-shaped plinth, this celebratory model doffs it cap to the company’s first Referecne turntable, released in 1993”. The orginal Reference was designed by Clearaudio’s founder, Peter Suchy, who introduced the concept of a V-shaped chassis to minimise resonances. In the new Jubilee model, the acrylic plinth is replaced with panzerholz ‘bulletproof’ wood sandwiched between layers of aluminium.

“The new model also features motor drive electronics that combine both analogue and digital technologies. A ring on the underside of the main platter works in conjunction with a sensor on the plinth to monitor the platter’s rotation.  A 12-bit DAC generates a motor reference voltage, which is fed into the analogue motor circuitry. This compares the feedback from the platter with the reference signal, which is then adjusted accordingly to keep the speed spot-on.”

“The Reference Jubilee has the sense of poise and refinement that marks out a thoroughly well-engineered product,” writes Smith. “Jack of all trades it certainly is, and it’s also a master of many… whatever you pass under the stylus comes out brilliantly.”

“It combines its sophistication with a joyous sense of dynamic alacrity and a willingness to let its hair down when required. Key to this side of its performance is the bass, which is nothing short of magnificent.”

“That exceptional bass doesn’t dominate proceedings, however. At the top end, the Reference Jubilee’s mastery of sonic magic continues.”

“The Reference Jubilee is a fitting milestone for this German brand – taking its first turntable and updating it with 30 years of experience. The deck can wear its ‘Reference’ tag with pride and with the hope that it sires a permanent version, as this stunning LP spinner begs to break free if its limited edition shackles!”

Read Adam Smith’s review in full in the October issue of Hi-Fi News

Find out more about the Reference Jubilee turntable at www.clearaudio.de/en and track down your nearest retailer via UK distributor www.soundfowndations.co.uk