Clearaudio
Clearaudio Smart Phono v2 Phono Stage (Silver)
Best versatile preamp for vinyl enthusiasts upgrading their cartridge setup.
Experience superior vinyl playback with the Clearaudio Smart Phono v2. This versatile phono preamplifier seamlessly handles both Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) cartridges, allowing precise tuning with adjustable sensitivity, impedance, and capacitance settings. Its resonance-free aluminum chassis and advanced noise-canceling circuitry ensure a remarkably clean and detailed audio signal. Delivering up to 54 dB of gain and a linear frequency response, the Smart Phono v2 offers exceptional sound quality and broad compatibility, making it an intelligent and stylish addition to any audio system.
$750.00
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Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
376
/ 466
#376 in Phono Preamps
Price vs Category Average
-89%
Below average
Chassis
CNC-machined, resonance-free aluminum
/ CNC-machined, resonance-free aluminum
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking transparent and highly detailed vinyl playback
- Vinyl collectors using diverse moving magnet or moving coil cartridges
- Minimalists needing a durable, space-saving component for their rack
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious listeners looking for entry-level pricing
- Tweak-heavy enthusiasts requiring precise loading for esoteric cartridges
- Purists demanding ultra-quiet power delivery for maximum performance
Performance breakdown
Cartridge Versatility
Seamlessly handles both MM and MC cartridges with extensive impedance adjustments.
Signal Clarity
Advanced noise-canceling circuitry ensures an exceptionally clean and detailed audio signal.
Build Integrity
CNC-machined aluminum chassis effectively eliminates unwanted resonance for stable playback.
Frequency Precision
Linear response across a wide range delivers faithful, high-fidelity sound reproduction.
Setup Flexibility
Adjustable gain settings allow for precise level-matching across diverse audio systems.
Rumble Suppression
Integrated sub-sonic filter effectively cleans up low-end interference from vinyl playback.
Key Specs
Chassis
CNC-machined, resonance-free aluminum
Input/Output Terminals
Gold-plated RCA
Dimensions
95x125x34 mm
Weight
620 g
Frequency Range
10 – 100000 Hz / ± 0.3 dB
MM Signal to Noise Ratio
85 dB
MC Signal to Noise Ratio
72 dB
MM Harmonic Distortion
0.004 %
Features
- Supports MM and MC cartridges
- Adjustable gain for precise level-matching
- Wide cartridge compatibility
- Sub-sonic filter reduces rumble
- Premium gold-plated RCA connections
- Advanced noise-canceling circuitry
- Resonance-free aluminum chassis
- Smart standby mode for convenience
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the Clearaudio Smart Phono v2 for its exceptional sonic performance. Reviewers consistently report a remarkably clean, detailed, and dynamic sound that significantly elevates the vinyl experience. The unit excels at reproducing soundstage depth and clarity, allowing subtle musical nuances to emerge. Its precision and neutrality ensure recordings sound true without artificial coloration. Beyond audio fidelity, the robust build quality and elegant design reflect high craftsmanship. While a premium purchase, many users feel it offers excellent value, rivaling more expensive alternatives. Its straightforward operation also appeals to those prioritizing pure sound quality, making it a highly recommended upgrade for serious listeners.
Know before you buy
Yes, the Smart Phono v2 is fully compatible with both MM and MC cartridges. You can easily adjust the settings to match the specific requirements of your cartridge type.
The unit features adjustable impedance and gain settings, allowing you to fine-tune the input to match your cartridge's specifications. This ensures optimal signal transfer and the best possible sound quality for your specific setup.
Yes, it includes a built-in subsonic filter designed to reduce unwanted low-frequency rumble, which helps keep your audio signal clean and protects your speakers from excessive woofer excursion.
The CNC-machined aluminum chassis is resonance-free, which helps isolate the sensitive internal circuitry from external vibrations. This design choice contributes to a lower noise floor and a more detailed, accurate sound.
Yes, it is equipped with a smart standby mode that automatically puts the unit into a low-power state when it is not in use, making it both convenient and energy-efficient.
Absolutely. The unit uses standard gold-plated RCA outputs, allowing you to connect it easily to any line-level input on your integrated amplifier or preamplifier.
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$750