Clearaudio Concept MC Moving Coil Cartridge, Silver

The Clearaudio Concept MC is a moving coil cartridge and the most affordable entry into Clearaudio's MC range – here in silver finish.

While an MM cartridge moves a magnet, a moving coil moves the coils themselves. That's usually noticeable as finer detail, but it requires an MC-capable phono input. At 0.4 mV, the Concept MC delivers a decent level for that – unusually forgiving for a moving coil.

Why the Concept MC?

The ingredient list reads a class too high: micro-line diamond, boron cantilever, a body made of aluminium-magnesium alloy with a ceramic coating. The line-contact profile digs deeper into the groove than a spherical one and pulls out details an entry-level cartridge would otherwise leave behind. The housing keeps resonance away from the generator.

What you'll hear

Noticeably more resolution and space than the MM models: finer treble, precise imaging, a quiet background. Yet the Concept MC never sounds cool or clinical. It shows you the music, not the measurement lab.

Who is the Concept MC for?

For anyone moving from MM to MC whose phono stage has an MC input, or is getting one. Plain talk: on a plain MM input it plays far too quietly – then it's worth upgrading the phono stage first. If you already have a good MC on your arm, the Concept MC won't be a big step up; it's the start of the journey, not the destination.

Our verdict

A lot of genuine MC technology at an entry-level price, pleasantly understated in its silver housing. Which phono stage does it justice is something we'll tell you at HD Zürisee on Lake Zurich without beating around the bush – even when the answer is “yours is already enough”.

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, silver
• Weight: 8.0 g
• Mount: ½ inch standard
• Warranty: 2 years (if registered within 14 days)

FAQ

Does the Concept MC fit any phono input?

No, it needs an MC input. At 0.4 mV and 11 Ω internal impedance, it's too quiet for an MM input. The output that's high for a moving coil makes it unfussy though: a good MC stage in the mid gain range is entirely sufficient.

Can the stylus on the Concept MC be replaced?

No. Unlike MM cartridges, a moving coil's cantilever is permanently attached to the generator – there's no removable replacement stylus. Once the diamond is worn out, an exchange cartridge or a retipping service is the way forward. We handle that for you rather than leaving you to deal with it alone.

How long does a diamond like this last?

Clearaudio states up to 8000 hours, provided alignment and care are right. At an hour of music a day, that's many years. Clean records, correct tracking force and a stylus brush always guided from back to front matter most.

Does the silver version sound different from the black one?

No. Silver and black share the generator, stylus and all measurements – only the housing finish differs. The choice is purely a matter of taste and usually follows the turntable and tonearm.

Why buy the Concept MC from HD Zürisee?

Because we mount, align and tune an MC properly to your arm – and because we check beforehand whether your phono stage is sufficient. As an authorised Clearaudio dealer, the warranty is handled correctly too. Reach us on +41 44 680 22 00, WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Goes well with

You'll find the right amplification under phono preamps, turntables and arms among our turntables and tonearms. Cleaning and alignment aids are under turntable accessories.