Clearaudio Balance V2 Phono Preamp, Silver

The Clearaudio Balance V2 is a fully balanced phono preamp for MM and MC cartridges with balanced XLR connections at both input and output, a switchable subsonic filter and a headphone output – here in silver.

A cartridge delivers a few thousandths of a volt. Everything that happens after that decides how much of it stays music. The Balance V2 carries this signal mirrored through the entire circuit, so that interference cancels itself out at the output – the result is a listening experience against a very dark background.

Why the Balance V2?

Balance here isn't a label on the back panel, it's carried all the way through: XLR is available on both the input and the output, and the entire signal path is built accordingly. Add to that separately optimised stages for moving magnet and moving coil, RIAA equalisation accurate to ± 0.1 dB, a switchable subsonic filter, and a housing that isn't bent but machined from a solid block of aluminium. The power supply lives in its own chassis – the most elegant way to keep transformer hum out of the signal path.

What you'll hear

The first thing you notice is what's missing: hiss, hash, that faint murmur between the grooves. What's left has contour. Big orchestral arcs run through to the end without the dynamics buckling, voices stand tangibly in the centre. Over the balanced connection the soundstage becomes noticeably wider and deeper than over RCA – a difference you don't have to go looking for.

Who is the Balance V2 for?

For listeners with a good cartridge who want a phono stage you connect once and then forget about. The loading values are fixed – 47 kiloohms for MM, 500 ohms for MC – tuned to the great majority of high-quality cartridges. Plain talk: if you like experimenting with impedances, or own a cartridge with an unusual loading requirement, you need a freely configurable stage. And if you want to connect two turntables at once, that's only possible with the Balance Reference Phono.

Our verdict

The Balance V2 makes little fuss and gets a lot right: consistently balanced, very quiet, practical for everyday use with a subsonic filter and headphone output, cleanly separated with its outboard power supply. AUDIO awarded it the Golden Ear in 2020. Whether it suits your system and your chain is a five-minute question – ask us at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil.

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, silver
• 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

Does the Balance V2 also have balanced inputs?

Yes. Unlike many phono stages, the Balance V2 offers XLR not only on the output but on the input too. If your tonearm cable is wired balanced, the signal path stays fully balanced from the stylus right through to the amplifier. RCA is also available on both sides.

Do I need to set the loading impedance?

No, it's fixed at the factory: 47 kiloohms for moving magnet, 500 ohms for moving coil, each with 270 picofarads. Clearaudio has tuned these values to high-quality cartridges. You only choose between MM and MC operation, with gain jumping from 46 to 66 dB accordingly.

When should I switch on the subsonic filter?

When the woofers visibly pump with slightly warped records, or the turntable picks up footfall. The filter kicks in at 20 Hz and rolls off at 6 dB per octave, separately for each channel. On a stable, decoupled surface you can usually leave it switched off.

Can I connect headphones to the Balance V2?

Yes, via the 6.3 mm jack on the front, controlled by the volume knob next to it. For vinyl, that replaces a separate headphone amp. You can't feed in other sources though: the Balance V2 accepts only phono signals, streamers or CD players still need their own path.

Why buy the Balance V2 from HD Zürisee?

Because a phono stage and a cartridge need to form a pair. We match output voltage, stylus type and connection to your chain, mount and align it for you on request, and as an authorised Clearaudio dealer we're also there for service and warranty afterwards. Reach us on +41 44 680 22 00, WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Goes well with

Matching cartridges are found under cartridges, turntables under turntables and arms in tonearms. If you want to build the whole analogue side in one place, check All Vinyl.