Clearaudio
Clearaudio balance v2 Balanced Phono Preamp/Headphone Amp
Best high-end phono stage for discerning vinyl enthusiasts seeking balanced audio.
Elevate your listening experience with the Clearaudio balance V2, a premium phono stage and headphone amplifier. Crafted with a precision-milled aluminum chassis, it expertly handles versatile MM/MC cartridges, making it a superb choice for discerning audiophiles. Enjoy pristine sound reproduction thanks to its precise RIAA equalization and an optional subsonic filter. Seamlessly integrate it into your high-end system using balanced XLR outputs, a 6.3mm headphone jack, and gold-plated RCA connections for an immersive, uncompromised audio journey.
$4800.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
376
/ 466
#376 in Phono Preamps
Price vs Category Average
-30%
Below average
Circuitry Type
Solid State
/ Solid State
Who it's for
- Audiophiles demanding pristine, noise-free signal reproduction
- Minimalists seeking a streamlined, dual-purpose desktop setup
- Vinyl collectors using diverse or high-end cartridge configurations
Who should skip it
- Casual listeners on a strict budget
- Users who frequently swap cartridges and prefer accessible controls
- Headphone enthusiasts requiring specialized, high-current amplification
Performance breakdown
RIAA Precision
Near-perfect equalization ensures your vinyl records sound exactly as intended.
Cartridge Versatility
Seamlessly handles both MM and MC cartridges for diverse turntable setups.
Signal Integrity
Balanced XLR outputs maintain a clean, noise-free path to your amplifier.
Build Quality
Precision-milled aluminum chassis offers robust protection and high-end aesthetic appeal.
Headphone Performance
Integrated amp provides a clean, immersive listening experience for private sessions.
Noise Floor
External power supply effectively isolates sensitive circuitry from electrical interference.
Key Specs
Circuitry Type
Solid State
RIAA Accuracy
± 0.1dB
Amplification
+46dB (MM mode) / +66dB (MC mode) at 1 kHz
Input Impedance
47kOhm / 270pF (MM) or 500Ohm / 270pF (MC)
Total Harmonic Distortion
< 0.001% (IEC A)
Signal to Noise Ratio
-72dB (MM mode) / -68dB (MC mode)
Channel Separation
> 92dB (at 1kHz)
Max. Output Voltage
> 12V (at 1kHz)
Features
- Switchable MM/MC cartridge modes
- Balanced XLR and headphone outputs
- Precision RIAA equalization
- Optional subsonic filter
- Intuitive manual volume control
- Gold-plated RCA connections
- Separate external power supply
- Adapts to high-end cartridges
What customers say
Users overwhelmingly praise the Clearaudio balance v2 for its exceptional sound quality, noting significant gains in clarity and detail across their vinyl collections. The balanced design is frequently credited for delivering pristine, low-noise performance, even with sensitive cartridges. Reviewers appreciate the robust, premium build quality reflecting high-end craftsmanship. Its dual role as both a phono preamp and a high-quality headphone amplifier offers excellent versatility. While positioned in the premium segment, the consensus is that the superior audio performance strongly justifies the investment for serious vinyl enthusiasts seeking an uncompromised listening experience.
Know before you buy
Yes, the balance v2 features a switchable mode that allows you to toggle between MM and MC settings, making it compatible with a wide range of high-end cartridges.
The external power supply is designed to isolate sensitive audio circuitry from electrical noise and interference, which helps maintain a lower noise floor and cleaner signal reproduction.
The 20Hz subsonic filter helps remove low-frequency rumble caused by warped records or mechanical vibrations, protecting your speakers from excessive cone excursion and preventing unwanted distortion.
The balance v2 is designed for versatile integration; the 6.3mm headphone jack allows for private listening, while the balanced XLR and gold-plated RCA outputs provide high-quality connections to your main amplifier or active speakers.
The balance v2 offers a high level of precision with an RIAA accuracy of ± 0.1dB, ensuring that your vinyl records are reproduced with the tonal balance intended by the original recording.
The manual volume control is primarily designed to adjust the level of the headphone output, providing a convenient way to manage your listening volume without needing to adjust your main amplifier.
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