Clearaudio Balance V2 Phono Preamp, Black

The Clearaudio Balance V2 is a fully balanced phono preamp for MM and MC cartridges with XLR inputs and outputs, a switchable subsonic filter and a headphone output – here in the black anodised aluminium housing.

It raises your cartridge's tiny signal to line level without adding anything of its own. The balanced design carries the signal mirrored through the entire circuit; whatever interference creeps in along the way cancels itself out at the end. What's left is music against a very quiet background.

Why the Balance V2?

Because two things come together here that rarely do: consistent balance and ease of use. The Balance V2 is balanced on both sides – XLR goes in as well as out, not just out. That pays off especially with quiet MC cartridges and longer cable runs. Add to that separately optimised MM and MC stages, a switchable subsonic filter against rumble and warped records, mute and automatic operation via a front-panel button, and a housing machined from a solid block of aluminium. The power supply lives in its own chassis, where it bothers no one.

What you'll hear

Calm, and dynamics without compression on top of it. An orchestral crescendo comes through unrestrained, instead of clipping its horns inside the phono stage. The tonal balance is neutral and mature, details stand free without anyone having touched a treble control. Over XLR the soundstage opens up noticeably further than over RCA – if you have the option, use it.

Who is the Balance V2 for?

For discerning listeners who want a high-level phono stage and don't want to keep re-adjusting it: the loading is fixed at 47 kiloohms for MM and 500 ohms for MC, matching the vast majority of good cartridges. Plain talk: if you run exotic cartridges with an unusual loading requirement, or you like to experiment, you're better served by a freely adjustable stage. And if you want to run two turntables in parallel, look at the larger Balance Reference Phono – the Balance V2 has one system input, not two.

Our verdict

A mature, consistently balanced phono stage that proves its quality not through a list of switches but through calm and composure. A subsonic filter, headphone output and outboard power supply make it practical for everyday use, and AUDIO's Golden Ear award in 2020 confirms the direction. Whether your cartridge suits the fixed loading values is something we can tell you at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil in two minutes.

Specifications

• Type: fully balanced phono preamp for MM and MC
• Operating mode: MM/MC switchable
• Gain: +46 dB (MM) / +66 dB (MC), each at 1 kHz
• Input impedance/capacitance: 47 kΩ / 270 pF (MM), 500 Ω / 270 pF (MC), fixed
• Inputs: RCA (unbalanced) and XLR (balanced)
• Outputs: RCA (unbalanced) and XLR (balanced)
• Output level: fixed level and variable level via the volume control, max. > 12 V (1 kHz)
• Output impedance: 150 Ω (XLR) / 75 Ω (RCA)
• Headphone output: yes – 6.3 mm jack
• RIAA accuracy: ± 0.1 dB
• Distortion: < 0.001 % (IEC A)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: − 78 dB (MM) / − 79 dB (MC)
• Channel separation: > 92 dB at 1 kHz
• Headroom: +23 dB
• Subsonic filter: switchable, 20 Hz (− 6 dB/octave, per channel)
• Operation: volume control, mute and automatic operation via front-panel button
• Power supply: external power supply, ± 18 V DC (power supply + 21 V DC), 1.4 m connecting cable
• Power consumption: max. 6.6 W, standby < 0.3 W
• Dimensions (W × H × D): approx. 240 × 62 × 145 mm (158 mm incl. RCA sockets)
• Weight: approx. 2.3 kg (preamp) + approx. 1.4 kg (power supply)
• Housing/finish: machined aluminium, black
• Model no.: EL033
• Warranty: 3-year manufacturer's warranty from registration
• What's included: preamp, external power supply with connecting cable (1.4 m)

FAQ

What does the balanced XLR connection give me?

Cleaner, less interference-prone transmission. The Balance V2 is balanced on both sides, so XLR is available on both the input and the output. If your amplifier has balanced inputs, the route pays off especially over longer cable runs. You'll need an XLR cable pair for this, which isn't included.

How do I set the loading for my MC cartridge?

You don't – it's set at the factory. Clearaudio loads MM at 47 kiloohms and MC at 500 ohms, each at 270 picofarads. These values suit the vast majority of high-quality cartridges. All you switch is between MM and MC operation yourself – no fiddly switches on the underside required.

What's the subsonic filter for?

Everything below the music. The switchable filter kicks in at 20 Hz with 6 dB per octave, separately for each channel. It tames rumble, footfall and woofer pumping caused by slightly warped records, without touching the audible bass. With a clean setup, you can just leave it switched off.

Can I also use the Balance V2 as a headphone amp?

Yes, for the turntable. The built-in headphone output with a 6.3 mm jack is controlled via the volume control on the front. You don't need an extra device for that. Other sources such as streamers or CD players can't be connected though – the Balance V2 only handles phono signals.

Why buy the Balance V2 from HD Zürisee?

Because a phono stage of this class needs to match the cartridge, otherwise you're wasting the potential of both. We check the combination with you, set up the turntable and connections, and remain available afterwards too, as an authorised Clearaudio dealer. Reach us on +41 44 680 22 00, via WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or at shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Goes well with

You'll find the right cartridge under cartridges, plus turntables and tonearms. Small parts for the turntable are in turntable accessories.