Clearaudio
Clearaudio Charisma V2 MM Cartridge
Best high-end moving-magnet cartridge for discerning vinyl enthusiasts seeking ultimate fidelity.
The Clearaudio Charisma V2 MM cartridge is a flagship moving-magnet phono cartridge designed to redefine sonic possibilities. It features a diamond-coated boron cantilever and a double-polished diamond stylus tip, housed within a handcrafted ebony wood body. This cartridge offers exceptional accuracy, fidelity, and sound quality, delivering a charismatic audio experience. It is meticulously made in Germany by select artisans, utilizing the highest-grade materials for unparalleled performance.
$1899.99
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
173
/ 1637
#173 in Turntable Accessories
Price vs Category Average
+51%
Above average
Frequency Response
2020
/ Hz – kHz
Who it's for
- Audiophiles seeking deep sonic transparency and nuanced musical textures
- Vinyl enthusiasts wanting easy integration with standard phono preamps
- Listeners prioritizing natural warmth and an engaging, fluid musical presentation
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious buyers looking for entry-level or mid-range pricing
- Owners wary of high long-term maintenance and replacement costs
- Novice users intimidated by delicate, high-precision cartridge alignment
Performance breakdown
Sonic Fidelity
Delivers an incredibly transparent and nuanced soundstage for moving-magnet enthusiasts.
Tracking Precision
The Gyger S stylus navigates complex grooves with remarkable stability.
Build Craftsmanship
Handcrafted ebony housing provides both aesthetic elegance and superior resonance control.
Channel Separation
Exceptional stereo imaging creates a wide and immersive listening experience.
Output Efficiency
High 3.6 mV output ensures seamless compatibility with most phono stages.
Material Quality
Diamond-coated boron cantilever minimizes distortion for pristine high-frequency reproduction.
Key Specs
Frequency Response
20Hz – 20 kHz
Output Voltage
3.6 mV
Channel Separation
> 32 dB
Channel Balance
< .2 dB
Tracking Ability
90 µm
Recommended Tracking Force
2.4 g ± .3 g
Weight
9 g ± 1 g
Warranty
2 years
Features
- Destined to be the finest MM cartridge in the world
- Excellent accuracy, fidelity and sound quality
- Diamond tip: Gyger S
- Diamond-coated boron cantilever
- Hand-selected ebony wood for cartridge body
- Made in Germany by select artisans
- Redefines the possibilities of MM cartridges
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Clearaudio Charisma V2 MM Cartridge for its exceptional sound quality, often highlighting its detailed, dynamic, and musical presentation. Many reviewers note a significant upgrade in clarity and imaging, bringing recordings to life with impressive realism. While a premium product, users frequently express that its performance justifies the investment, offering remarkable value for money within the high end moving magnet cartridge market. The overall consensus points to a highly satisfying listening experience.
Know before you buy
The Charisma V2 uses a premium diamond-coated boron cantilever and a Gyger S stylus tip, which are typically reserved for high-end moving-coil designs. These materials, combined with the resonance-damping properties of the handcrafted ebony body, allow it to extract significantly more detail and clarity than conventional MM cartridges.
Yes, as a moving-magnet (MM) cartridge with a standard output voltage of 3.6 mV, it is designed to work with any standard MM phono input. You do not need a specialized moving-coil step-up transformer or high-gain phono stage to achieve optimal performance.
The recommended tracking force is 2.4 grams, with a tolerance of ± 0.3 grams. It is important to stay within this range to ensure the stylus tracks accurately while protecting both your records and the cartridge suspension.
Ebony is a dense, naturally resonant-dampening material that helps minimize unwanted vibrations during playback. By reducing these micro-vibrations, the cartridge body allows the stylus to trace the record groove with greater precision and less coloration.
No, the stylus is not user-replaceable. Due to the precision alignment required for the diamond-coated cantilever and the Gyger S tip, any stylus maintenance or replacement must be handled by Clearaudio or an authorized service center.
At 9 grams, this cartridge is compatible with the vast majority of modern tonearms. However, you should ensure your tonearm's counterweight can accommodate a 9-gram cartridge to achieve the proper tracking force.
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