Clearaudio Artist V2 Replacement Stylus

The Clearaudio Artist V2 Replacement Stylus is the original stylus replacement for the Clearaudio Artist V2 moving magnet cartridge.

A cartridge is made of one part that ages and many that don't. Over the years the diamond wears round, while the ebony body and the hand-selected generator stay just as good as they were on day one. That's why, on the Artist V2, Clearaudio renews only the stylus unit – not half your analog budget.

Why the original stylus replacement?

The Artist V2 is selected for 24 dB channel separation and around 3.6 mV output voltage. These figures depend directly on the stylus unit fitted at the factory. A copy would shift that balance even if it fit mechanically – and there simply isn't a reputable one for the V2 range anyway. The original replacement restores the as-shipped condition, not some approximation of it.

What you get

A new, elliptically ground diamond on an aluminum cantilever, fitted at the factory and checked in the finished cartridge. Afterward your Artist V2 sits in the groove again with full tracking ability, plays linearly from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, and shows the spacious, colorful character you bought it for again.

Who is the Artist V2 Replacement Stylus for?

For owners of an Artist V2 whose tracking is fading – typically noticeable as distortion in the inner grooves and harsh sibilants. Plain talk: the swap runs through the factory, so you'll be without a cartridge for a while. If you want to keep listening right away instead, you'll need a second system or a second headshell. And this number doesn't fit other Clearaudio models – not even the visually similar Performer V2.

Our verdict

The obvious choice if you've enjoyed your Artist V2 for years: same sound, same adjustment values, no need to get used to anything new. At HD Zürisee we take a look at the stylus under magnification beforehand – in Wädenswil or from a sharp macro photo you send us. That way you'll know whether it's the stylus or just the setup that's at fault.

Technical data

• Fits: Clearaudio Artist V2 (Moving Magnet)
• Type: stylus replacement on the returned cartridge
• Part number: MM009/E
• Cantilever: aluminum
• Diamond profile: elliptical
• Cartridge housing: ebony
• Cartridge weight: 8.4 g
• Output voltage: approx. 3.6 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/s)
• Channel separation: 24 dB
• Recommended tracking force: 2.2 g ± 0.3 g
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Load resistance: 47 kΩ
• Recommended capacitance: 100 pF
• Included: stylus replacement on the returned Artist V2; you get your system back with a new stylus

Frequently asked questions

How does the stylus replacement work for the Artist V2?

The cartridge is sent in, Clearaudio fits a new stylus unit, and you get your system back. A user change at home isn't intended for the Artist V2. We handle the process and shipping so you don't have to worry about anything.

Does the tonearm adjustment survive the swap?

No, because the cartridge leaves the headshell. On reinstallation, overhang, offset angle, azimuth, tracking force and anti-skating are reset. If you have an alignment protractor and steady hands, you can do it yourself; otherwise our technician takes care of it, including a measurement check.

How long does a stylus actually last?

That depends on playing hours, tracking force, and above all on how clean your records are. Dust acts like sandpaper. Anyone who wet-cleans regularly and dusts off the stylus gets noticeably more out of it. Only a check under the microscope gives real certainty.

Why buy the Artist V2 Replacement Stylus from HD Zürisee?

Because we don't treat analog as a side business: we first check whether the stylus is actually worn, then organize the factory swap, and afterward adjust your system properly. As an authorized Clearaudio partner you get the original part. Contact: +41 44 680 22 00, WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls), shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Goes well with

To keep the new stylus in good shape, it's worth a look at care and cleaning under Everything Vinyl and at brushes, scales and templates under turntable accessories. If you're considering a system change instead, you'll find the selection under cartridges.