Clearaudio
Clearaudio Basic V2 Phono Stage
Best phono preamp for audiophiles seeking refined, versatile analog sound.
Experience superior sound with the Clearaudio Basic V2 Phono Stage. Housed in a sleek, minimalist aluminum casing available in black or silver, it builds upon the success of its award-winning predecessor. This phono stage offers seamless switching between Moving Coil and Moving Magnet cartridges, ensuring broad compatibility with high-end phono cartridges. Fine-tune your audio with adjustable settings, an optional subsonic filter to reduce low-frequency noise, and highly accurate RIAA equalization. Its simple, single power switch operation makes the Basic V2 an ideal choice for audiophiles and music lovers seeking refined performance.
$1390.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.6
/ 5
Category Rank
303
/ 466
#303 in Phono Preamps
Price vs Category Average
-80%
Below average
Build Quality
Sleek aluminium casing (with silver or black anodized finish)
/ Sleek aluminium casing (with silver or black anodized finish)
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking transparent and highly detailed vinyl playback
- Vinyl enthusiasts switching between MM and MC cartridge types
- Listeners prioritizing long-term reliability and solid build quality
Who should skip it
- Users who frequently swap cartridges and demand quick adjustments
- Purists requiring maximum noise isolation from their power source
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for better value-to-feature ratios
Performance breakdown
RIAA Accuracy
Precision engineering ensures near-perfect frequency response for faithful vinyl reproduction.
Cartridge Versatility
Seamless switching between MM and MC modes accommodates diverse high-end setups.
Build Quality
Robust aluminum casing provides excellent resonance control and a premium aesthetic.
Noise Floor
Solid state circuitry maintains a clean, quiet background for delicate signals.
Ease of Use
Simple, intuitive operation makes high-fidelity audio accessible to every listener.
Signal Integrity
Internal power supply design minimizes interference for a pure, uncolored output.
Key Specs
Build Quality
Sleek aluminium casing (with silver or black anodized finish)
Cartridge Support
Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC)
Equalization Curve
RIAA
RIAA Equalization Accuracy
Within 0.1 dB
Subsonic Filter
Optional
Circuitry Type
Solid State
Power Supply Type
Internal
Features
- Switchable MM/MC cartridge compatibility
- Optional low-frequency noise filter
- High-accuracy RIAA equalization
- Adjustable performance settings
- Sleek aluminum build
- Minimalist design
- Solid State circuitry
- Internal power supply
What customers say
The Clearaudio Basic V2 Phono Stage earns overwhelming praise as a significant upgrade for vinyl enthusiasts. Customers consistently highlight its exceptional sound quality, noting remarkable improvements in clarity, detail, and soundstage depth over lesser units. Reviewers appreciate the natural tonality and dynamic range that revitalizes record collections, revealing previously unheard nuances. Despite its name, the performance feels sophisticated and refined, offering outstanding value in the high fidelity segment. Build quality and elegant design also receive commendation, contributing to a premium feel. For serious analog playback, the Basic V2 provides a clean, quiet, and reliably engaging foundation, representing a substantial sonic leap without excessive cost.
Know before you buy
Yes, the Basic V2 features a switchable input that allows you to toggle between Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) settings, making it compatible with a wide range of high-end cartridges.
The subsonic filter is designed to remove unwanted low-frequency noise, such as rumble from warped records or vibrations from your turntable, which can otherwise interfere with your speakers and sound clarity.
The Basic V2 maintains high-accuracy RIAA equalization within 0.1 dB, ensuring that your vinyl records are played back with the precise frequency response intended by the recording engineer.
No, the unit features an internal power supply, which helps keep your setup clean and reduces the amount of clutter behind your audio rack.
While the minimalist aluminum design is visually striking, it also serves a functional purpose by providing a robust, stable housing that helps shield the internal circuitry from external interference.
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