Clearaudio Concept MC Moving Coil Cartridge, Black

The Clearaudio Concept MC is a moving coil cartridge that marks the entry point into Clearaudio's MC range – here in the black housing.

A moving coil generates its voltage through moving coils rather than a moving magnet. That usually brings finer resolution, but calls for an MC-capable phono stage. At 0.4 mV, the Concept MC puts out considerably more level than many of its peers – so your phono stage doesn't need to go into overdrive.

Why the Concept MC?

Micro-line diamond on a boron cantilever: two components you rarely find together at this level. The line-contact profile reads the groove more finely than a spherical one, and the stiff boron cantilever passes the motion on to the coils with little loss. Add to that a body made of aluminium-magnesium alloy with a ceramic coating, which keeps resonance away from the generator.

What you'll hear

More light and air than the MM cartridges in the Concept family: finer treble detail, more stable imaging, a tidier space between instruments. The Concept MC still stays musical rather than over-analytical though – an honest first moving coil, not a keener that throws every poorly pressed record in your face.

Who is the Concept MC for?

For anyone moving from MM to moving coil who has an MC-capable phono stage, or is planning one in. Plain talk: nothing works here without an MC input – with only an MM input you're better off with a Concept MM, or upgrading the phono stage first. And if you like changing the stylus yourself, you should know: on an MC that's not possible in principle, more on that below.

Our verdict

The gateway into Clearaudio's moving coil world, with a spec sheet that's rare at this level. Whether your phono stage plays along is something we can clarify at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil in a two-minute phone call – better beforehand than after.

Specifications

• Type: moving coil (MC)
• Output voltage: 0.4 mV (5 cm/s)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Channel separation: > 28 dB
• Channel balance: < 0.5 dB
• Stylus profile: Micro Line
• Cantilever: boron
• Tracking ability: 80 µm
• Recommended tracking force: 2.2 g (± 0.2 g)
• Internal impedance: 11 Ω
• Stylus compliance: 9 µm/mN
• Coil material: copper
• Body: aluminium-magnesium alloy with ceramic coating, black
• Weight: 8.0 g
• Mount: ½ inch standard
• Warranty: 2 years (if registered within 14 days)

FAQ

Does the Concept MC need an MC phono stage?

Yes. With 0.4 mV output voltage and 11 Ω internal impedance, it belongs on an MC input – a plain MM input is too insensitive. The good news: 0.4 mV is a lot of level for a moving coil, so a solid MC stage is enough, no special device with maximum gain required.

Can I change the stylus on the Concept MC myself?

No. On a moving coil cartridge, the cantilever is fixed to the generator, so there's no plug-in replacement stylus like on MM cartridges, as a matter of principle. Once the diamond wears out after some years, that's handled through an exchange cartridge or retipping – you hand in the old cartridge, we arrange the replacement.

How long does the diamond last?

Clearaudio states up to 8000 hours for its diamonds, with careful handling and correct alignment. If you listen to records for an hour a day, that's many years' use. Cleaning the stylus regularly from back to front and playing clean records extends its life noticeably.

What's the difference between the black and silver versions?

Only the finish. Black and silver are technically and sonically identical: same generator, same stylus, same measurements. You choose based on taste and what visually suits your turntable and tonearm – you're not giving anything up sonically.

Why buy the Concept MC from HD Zürisee?

Because mounting and aligning an MC is a craft, and we'll tell you honestly whether your phono stage is up to it. As an authorised Clearaudio dealer, we handle the warranty properly. 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

You'll find the right electronics among our phono preamps, and the right foundation among our turntables and tonearms. To compare, take a look at all our cartridges.