Clearaudio Basic V2 Phono Preamp, Silver

The Clearaudio Basic V2 is a phono preamp for MM and MC cartridges with a switchable subsonic filter and RIAA equalisation accurate to ± 0.1 dB.

Not a device for menus, displays or decorative lighting: the Basic V2 amplifies the tiny stylus signal with low noise and neutrality – leaving your turntable and cartridge exactly the character you chose them for.

Why the Basic V2?

A housing machined from a solid block of aluminium, with no cavities, shields the sensitive circuit from interference, and the signal paths stay short and minimalist. The external power supply keeps the transformer away from the signal, and the per-channel switchable subsonic filter (20 Hz, -18 dB/oct.) takes the punch out of record warp and footfall before your woofers pointlessly shovel air. The MM/MC switch sits on the underside of the unit – set once for your cartridge, then never touched again.

What you'll hear

Fine, unfussy resolution, a dry, well-defined bass and a dynamic that doesn't sound like an effect, but like music. With 66 dB of gain in MC mode there's enough headroom left for quiet cartridges, and even delicate passages stand out cleanly from the noise floor. Compared with the built-in phono board in most integrated amplifiers, this isn't a small step, it's a change of category.

Who is the Basic V2 for?

For anyone running a good upper-mid-range turntable who finally wants to make the phono stage a proper component instead of an afterthought. Plain talk: the loading values are hard-wired – 47 kΩ / 270 pF for MM, 500 Ω / 270 pF for MC. If you own an exotic MC cartridge that explicitly demands a different load, or you like tinkering with resistors, you're in the wrong place here and better off with the larger Balance V2. And with MM cartridges the Basic V2 is a touch noisier than with MC – it's clearly built for moving coil.

Our verdict

A phono stage with no nerves: cleanly built, correctly sized, sonically mature. You put it in place, plug it in, set the switch correctly – and never think about it again afterwards. That's the biggest compliment you can pay a component at this point in the chain.

Specifications

• Type: phono preamp for MM and MC
• Gain: +46 dB (MM) / +66 dB (MC) at 1 kHz
• Input impedance: 47 kΩ / 270 pF (MM), 500 Ω / 270 pF (MC), fixed
• MM/MC switching: switch on the underside of the unit
• RIAA accuracy: ± 0.1 dB
• Distortion: < 0.002 % (IEC A)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 72 dB (MM) / 67 dB (MC)
• Subsonic filter: 20 Hz, -18 dB/oct., switchable per channel
• Max. output voltage: > 10 V at 1 kHz
• Connections: RCA inputs and outputs, gold-plated, plus ground terminal
• Power supply: external power supply, ± 18 V DC
• Power consumption: 3 W in operation, < 0.3 W standby
• Housing: aluminium machined from a solid block, silver anodised
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 118 × 42 × 145 mm
• Weight: approx. 1.2 kg (unit and power supply)
• What's included: phono preamp, external power supply

FAQ

What's the load resistance of the Basic V2 in MC mode?

Fixed at 500 ohms with 270 picofarads, not adjustable. This value works very well with the vast majority of common MC cartridges. If your cartridge's manufacturer explicitly calls for a different load, tell us in advance – then we'll look together at whether the Basic V2 is the right choice.

Where do I switch between MM and MC?

The switch sits on the underside of the housing. That sounds inconvenient, but it's deliberate: no extra switch in the signal path, no accidental mis-operation mid-use. You set it once for your cartridge and then leave it alone.

What does the subsonic filter do?

It attenuates everything below 20 hertz at 18 decibels per octave and can be switched on per channel. Warped records, footfall and turntable rumble generate energy right there that no one hears – but that visibly makes your woofers work. Get rid of it, and the playback becomes noticeably calmer.

Which input on my amplifier should the Basic V2 go into?

A free high-level input – so AUX, CD, tuner or line. Never the existing phono input, where the signal would be equalised and amplified a second time. Your turntable's ground wire goes to the Basic V2's ground terminal, not to the amplifier.

Why buy the Basic V2 from HD Zürisee?

Because a phono stage is only as good as its match to the cartridge. We tell you honestly whether your cartridge suits the fixed loading values, set up tracking force, azimuth and wiring at the same time, and remain reachable later if something does start humming. Call us on +41 44 680 22 00, message us on WhatsApp at 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or write to shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Goes well with

The Basic V2 is only as good as what's in front of it: cartridges and turntables set the basic character, tonearms the precision. Brush, scale and cleaning gear are under turntable accessories – and if you're not sure what suits your chain, just get in touch with HD Zürisee in Wädenswil.