Clearaudio Balance Reference Phono, Silver

The Clearaudio Balance Reference Phono is a phono preamplifier with two fully independent inputs for MM and MC cartridges, adjustable output level and remote control – here in the silver aluminium finish.

The principle is quickly told: two separate phono stages in one housing. Your main turntable and a second player both stay wired, switching takes one button press. RCA or XLR is your choice per input, not the unit's – and the volume control often makes the preamp behind it redundant.

Why the Balance Reference Phono?

A good phono stage adapts to the cartridge, not the other way round. That's exactly what the Balance Reference hands you the tools for: six graduated impedances for moving-coil cartridges from 50 ohms to 10 kilohms, three switchable capacitance steps up to 400 picofarads for moving magnet – and all of it twice, independently per input. Add a balanced design with an outboard power supply, RIAA response accurate to ± 0.1 dB, and total harmonic distortion low enough to make the decimal point count.

What you get

Freedom instead of compromise. Two cartridges permanently connected, the level conveniently adjusted from your armchair, and when it gets late, two headphone outputs take over – two, because good records rarely want to be heard alone. If you run a purely analogue chain, you connect the Balance Reference directly to the power amp and save yourself a unit plus a pair of cables in the rack.

Who is the Balance Reference Phono for?

For collectors with two turntables, with MM and MC in parallel, or with a consistently balanced system. Bottom line: with just one cartridge and no plans to switch, a lot of this unit's capability sits unused – the Balance V2 covers that case at a fraction of the cost. And a warning: line sources like a streamer or CD player have no place on the Balance Reference, it's phono through and through.

Our verdict

Two phono stages, level control, remote, two headphone outputs, and matching options that genuinely have something to adjust – in this combination, the Balance Reference has little company. Awarded the Golden Ear 2024 by stereoplay. How to dial your system in cleanly, and which connection works better in your room, is something we look at together at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil.

Technical data

• Type: phono preamplifier for MM and MC, balanced design
• Phono inputs: 2 completely separate inputs, each individually switchable between MM and MC
• Input connections: 2× RCA (unbalanced) and 2× XLR (balanced)
• Gain: +46 dB (MM) / +66 dB (MC), each at 1 kHz
• Input impedance/capacitance MM: 50 kΩ / 50 pF, switchable +150 pF, +270 pF, +400 pF
• Input impedance MC: selectable 50 Ω, 100 Ω, 500 Ω, 1000 Ω, 5 kΩ, 10 kΩ
• RIAA accuracy: ± 0.1 dB (20 Hz – 100 kHz)
• Total harmonic distortion: < 0.001 % (IEC A)
• Outputs: RCA (unbalanced) and XLR (balanced)
• Output level: adjustable (volume control at the unit and via remote), max. > 12 V
• Output impedance: 150 Ω (XLR) / 75 Ω (RCA)
• Headphone output: present – 2× 6.3 mm jack
• Controls: volume and input selection at the unit and via remote
• Power supply: external power supply, 2× ± 18 V DC (power supply 2× ± 21 V DC)
• Power consumption: approx. 12 W in operation, < 0.5 W standby
• Dimensions (W × H × D): approx. 240 × 78 × 145 mm (preamp)
• Weight: approx. 2.9 kg (preamp) + approx. 2.2 kg (power supply)
• Housing/finish: aluminium, silver
• Warranty: 3-year manufacturer's warranty from registration
• Scope of delivery: preamp, external power supply with connecting cable, remote control

Frequently asked questions

Can I leave two turntables permanently connected?

Yes, that's exactly what the Balance Reference Phono is built for. It has two completely separate phono stages that can be set independently. Switching between turntables happens via the input selector on the unit or the supplied remote. You never have to unplug cables again.

How do I match it to my MC cartridge?

Via the impedance selector. Six values are available: 50, 100, 500 and 1000 ohms, plus 5 and 10 kilohms. In MM mode, you adjust capacitance instead, with three additional steps up to 400 picofarads. Gain is 46 dB for MM and 66 dB for MC.

Does the Balance Reference replace my preamp?

In a purely vinyl-based chain, yes: the output level is adjustable, so you can connect a power amp or active speakers directly. Once a streamer, CD player or tuner joins the mix, you'll still need a line preamp, since the Balance Reference only processes signals from cartridges.

How good is the headphone performance?

Two 6.3 mm jack sockets are built in and controlled via the unit's volume control. That means a separate headphone amp becomes unnecessary for your turntable. Two sockets also mean two people can listen to the same side without anyone having to swap.

Is there a sonic difference between silver and black?

No. Silver and black differ only in the surface of the aluminium housing. Circuitry, connections, adjustment options and accessories are identical across both versions. The choice is purely a matter of taste and what looks coherent next to your other equipment.

Why buy the Balance Reference Phono from HD Zürisee?

Because a phono stage of this class deserves proper setup work. We work out impedance, capacitance and connection with you, set the unit up in your system, and take care of you afterwards as an authorised Clearaudio dealer. Reach us at +41 44 680 22 00, WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls), or shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Goes well with

Find cartridges for both inputs under Cartridges, matching Turntables and Tonearms. An overview of everything analogue is under All About Vinyl.