Clearaudio Nano Phono Headphone V2, Silver

The Clearaudio Nano Phono Headphone V2 is a compact phono preamp for MM and MC cartridges with a built-in headphone amplifier.

In silver, the little aluminium block looks the part next to most turntables — and functionally it suits anyone who wants to keep listening to records even when the big system is better left off. Headphones in, stylus down, done.

Why the Nano Phono Headphone V2?

Because it handles the entire chain between cartridge and ear in a single housing. The phono stage applies RIAA equalisation to ± 0.4 dB accuracy, the built-in headphone amplifier drives via a 3.5 mm jack, and the stepless level control determines how loud it gets. MM or MC, load impedance and the subsonic filter are all set via jumpers on the underside — set once correctly, and you'll never touch them again.

What you hear

A calm background and direct, dynamic access. Through headphones, what stands out most is how clean the Nano stays: voices are stable, cymbals don't disintegrate, low end stays dry. It doesn't push its own sound forward but shows you, pretty unforgivingly, what your cartridge can really do.

Who is the Nano Phono Headphone V2 for?

For vinyl listeners considerate of their neighbours, for second systems in the home office, and for anyone whose amplifier has no decent phono input. To be blunt: with very low-impedance or particularly quiet high-end headphones, the small amp reaches its limits — then a dedicated headphone amplifier belongs in the chain. And the headphone output is permanently tied to the phono input: you can't feed digital sources like a CD player or streamer in here.

Our verdict

The most elegant solution in the Nano family for anyone who mainly enjoys vinyl through headphones. Two functions in a palm-sized housing, neither implemented half-heartedly — and the RCA output still stays free for your system. So you don't have to choose, which is rare enough as it is.

Technical data

• Type: phono preamp for MM and MC cartridges with built-in headphone amplifier
• Gain: 34 dB (MM) / 54 dB (MC)
• Input impedance: 47 kΩ / 220 pF (MM), selectable via jumper (MC)
• Mode: MM/MC switchable via jumper on the underside
• RIAA accuracy: ± 0.4 dB (20 Hz – 50 kHz)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 81 dB (A) for MM / 70 dB (A) for MC
• Distortion: < 0.04%
• Channel separation: > 80 dB at 1 kHz
• Output level: continuously adjustable, max. 10 V RMS at 1 kHz (RCA)
• Output impedance: 75 Ω
• Headphone output: present, 3.5 mm jack
• Inputs and outputs: unbalanced RCA, ground terminal, headphone jack
• Subsonic filter: switchable via jumper
• Housing: anodised aluminium, silver
• Power supply: external power supply, ± 18 V DC / 300 mA
• Power consumption: max. 2.3 W, standby < 0.3 W
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 85 × 25 × 106 mm
• Weight: approx. 500 g (preamp with power supply)
• Included: phono preamp, external power supply

Frequently asked questions

What headphone jack does the Nano Phono Headphone V2 have?

A 3.5 mm jack, powered by its own headphone amplifier inside the aluminium housing. For headphones with a 6.3 mm plug, an adapter is all you need. You set the volume with the stepless level control — no separate headphone volume knob is needed.

Does the unit still work with the system, without headphones?

Yes, of course. Via the RCA output, the signal goes to a high-level input on your amplifier — AUX, CD, tuner or line, but never a phono input. You can leave both connected in parallel and decide depending on the time of day.

Can I connect other sources to the headphone amplifier?

No, there is no high-level input. The headphone output is fed exclusively from the phono input and is therefore reserved for the turntable. For digital sources, you'll need a separate headphone amplifier with a line input.

Does the Nano suit my moving coil cartridge?

In the vast majority of cases, yes: 54 dB of gain and the jumper-selectable load impedance cover common MC cartridges. For very low-output models, it's worth a quick chat with us before you order — that saves you any nasty surprises.

Why buy the Nano Phono Headphone V2 from HD Zürisee?

Because we tell you whether your cartridge and your headphones suit this unit — even when the honest answer is sometimes no. Plus setup help from our technician Mauri in Wädenswil. Get in touch via WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls).

Goes well with

You'll find headphones for this amp under headphones, bigger solutions under headphone amplifiers. On the analogue side, cartridges, turntables and All Vinyl are waiting.