Clearaudio Basic V2 Phono Stage

ABOUT:
The output level of a phono cartridge is the most delicate of musical signals but the information conveyed can be as big as a symphony orchestra or rock concert. This is true of a moving magnet cartridge and especially true with a lower output moving coil cartridge. The job of a high-quality phono stage is to boost that delicate phono signal to realistic sound levels. The Basic V2 is a very high gain phono stage and one key to its excellent sound is eliminating all the potential sources of noise, typically caused by too many switches, knobs, and controls.

There is nothing basic about the Basic V2 phono stage. Its predecessor, the Basic Plus, was a multi-award winner and with the v2 we’ve taken all of that coveted ‘Plus’ technology up a notch. Don’t be fooled by its cool, minimalist design. Within that sleek aluminum casing (with silver or black anodized finish) lies an inner world of highly refined circuitry.

On the outside, we’ve kept it very simple. There’s just one visible control, a single power switch on the top and on the bottom, you can switch between moving coil or moving magnet mode and engage an optional subsonic filter that attenuates any unwanted low frequency noise. Cartridge loading is pre-set for our top MM and MC cartridges and the RIAA equalization accuracy is within 0.1dB.

SPECIFICATIONS:
Mode MM/MC (Subsonic filter switchable)
Amplification @ 1khz +46 dB (MM mode) +66 dB (MC mode)
Input impedance 47 kOhm / 270 pF / MM mode - 500 Ohm / 270 pF / MC mode
MM/MC input switchable (at bottom)
RIAA 75 μs / 318 μs / 3180 μs, 2 passive filter
RIAA accuracy ± 0.10 dB
THD < 0.002% (IEC A)
Signal to noise ratio -72 db (MM mode) -67 dB (MC mode)
Channel separation > 90 dB (@ 1 kHz)
Max output voltage >10 V (@ 1 kHz)
Subsonic filter 20 Hz (–18 dB / Oct.; switchable on bottom panel, on each channel)
Power consumption Max. consumption in operation: 3 watts - Standby mode: Power supply ± 18 V DC (external power supply, 1.4m cable length)
Output connections Unbalanced (RCA)
Total weight Approx. 1.2 kg (Preamp and power supply)
Dimensions Preamp: 4.64 x 5.71 (6.22 with RCA) x 1.65 Power Supply: 3.94 x 2.17 x 3.46
Warranty 3 years

DOWNLOADS:
Basic V2 Phono Manual