Clearaudio
Clearaudio Performer V2 Phono Cartridge
Best moving magnet upgrade for discerning vinyl enthusiasts seeking refined sound.
Elevate your vinyl experience with the Clearaudio Performer V2 Ebony Phono Cartridge. This exquisite moving magnet cartridge features a hand-polished ebony housing, contributing to its precise weight and delivering an exceptional audiophile soundstage. Immerse yourself in spatially detailed and vividly textured audio, characterized by a well-defined bass and smooth treble. Designed for seamless compatibility with all current tonearms, it offers superlative sound quality for discerning music lovers seeking an elevated listening experience.
$425.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
957
/ 1637
#957 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
-66%
Below average
Cartridge Type
Moving Magnet (MM)
/ Moving Magnet (MM)
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking precise musical detail and accurate groove tracking
- Listeners prioritizing a clean, resonance-free soundstage
- Vinyl enthusiasts using standard phono preamplifiers
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious buyers comparing against entry-level Moving Coil options
- Owners wanting convenient, low-cost stylus maintenance
- Beginners intimidated by complex alignment and calibration tasks
Performance breakdown
Build Quality
Hand-polished ebony housing provides exceptional resonance control and aesthetic appeal.
Soundstage Depth
Delivers a spatially detailed performance that brings recordings to life.
Tonearm Compatibility
Engineered for seamless integration with virtually all modern tonearm systems.
Bass Definition
Provides a tight, well-defined low end that anchors the musical mix.
Treble Smoothness
High frequencies remain clear and detailed without ever sounding harsh.
Installation Ease
Standard mounting design makes setup straightforward for most vinyl enthusiasts.
Key Specs
Cartridge Type
Moving Magnet (MM)
Housing Material
Hand-polished Ebony
Compatibility
All current tonearms
Accessory Type
Cartridge
Phono Stage Type
MM
Features
- Hand-polished ebony housing for superior build
- Spatially detailed and textured sound
- Superlative audiophile sound quality
- Well-defined bass response
- Non-harsh treble performance
- Works with all current tonearms
- Moving Magnet (MM) cartridge type
- Display model quality
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the Clearaudio Performer V2 Ebony for its exceptional sonic performance and meticulous craftsmanship. The cartridge excels at revealing intricate musical details, creating an expansive and well-defined soundstage for an immersive experience. Users appreciate the balanced tonal presentation, noting rich mid-range warmth, articulate highs, and deep, controlled bass. The overall sound is described as highly musical and engaging, conveying the emotional depth of the recording. While positioned in the high end, audiophiles agree the performance justifies the investment for serious analog upgrades. The ebony body construction is also commended for its aesthetic appeal and resonance control. This cartridge consistently meets the high expectations of discerning vinyl listeners.
Know before you buy
This is a Moving Magnet (MM) cartridge, so it is designed to work with any standard MM phono stage or the MM input on your integrated amplifier or receiver.
Yes, the Performer V2 is engineered for universal compatibility and will mount easily to all current tonearms on the market.
The hand-polished ebony wood housing provides excellent resonance control, which helps the cartridge deliver a more natural, textured sound compared to standard plastic or metal housings.
You can expect a refined, audiophile-grade performance characterized by a tight, well-defined bass and a smooth, non-fatiguing treble that avoids the harshness found in some entry-level cartridges.
Absolutely. It offers a significant step up in detail and spatial imaging for those moving beyond stock cartridges, while remaining straightforward to install and compatible with most turntable setups.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.