Clearaudio Concept MC Signature Moving Coil Cartridge, Black

The Clearaudio Concept MC Signature is a moving coil cartridge and the more closely selected upgrade of the Concept MC – here in the black body of aluminium-magnesium alloy with a ceramic coating.

Technically it shares its generator, boron cantilever, micro-line diamond and 0.4 mV output voltage with the Concept MC. The difference lies in the selection: Clearaudio states better channel separation and a noticeably tighter channel balance for the Signature. Sounds like a minor detail, but it's exactly what makes for a stable centre.

Why the Concept MC Signature?

The aluminium-magnesium body with its ceramic layer damps excellently and keeps resonance away from the generator. The boron cantilever is significantly stiffer than aluminium and transfers the finest groove information to the coils with little loss. And a channel balance under 0.3 dB is otherwise something you'd need a magnifying glass to find at this price point.

What you'll hear

Fast, clean, with a surprisingly fluid midrange and fine resolution. The Concept MC Signature separates voices and instruments clearly without sounding analytical, and holds its ground confidently even when the groove tightens towards the end of a record.

Who is the Concept MC Signature for?

For anyone who doesn't want to buy the MC entry point twice, and who owns an MC-capable phono stage with around 60–66 dB of gain. Plain talk: on a plain MM input it plays too quietly, and if you can't decide between the Concept MC and the Signature – the extra cost buys selection, not a different design. Tell us what's in your rack and we'll sort that out beforehand.

Our verdict

The Concept MC, thought through to the end: more closely selected, quieter, more finely drawn. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil we mount and align it so that this selection actually reaches you.

Specifications

• Type: moving coil (MC)
• Output voltage: 0.4 mV (5 cm/s)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Channel separation: > 30 dB
• Channel balance: < 0.3 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

What's the difference between the Concept MC Signature and the Concept MC?

The selection. The generator, boron cantilever, micro-line diamond and 0.4 mV are identical. But Clearaudio states channel separation of more than 30 dB and channel balance under 0.3 dB for the Signature – for the Concept MC it's more than 28 dB and under 0.5 dB.

Which phono stage do I need?

An MC-capable phono stage with around 60 to 66 dB of gain. The internal impedance is 11 Ω, and the cartridge is uncritical about the loading resistance. Clearaudio's own stages such as the Nano Phono V2 or Smart Phono V2 suit it well, as do many other MC inputs.

Can the stylus on the Concept MC Signature be replaced?

No. On moving coil cartridges, the cantilever is permanently attached to the generator; there's no plug-in replacement stylus like on MM cartridges, as a matter of principle. Once the diamond's service life ends, an exchange cartridge or a retipping service helps – get in touch and we'll organise it.

Black or silver – are there sonic differences?

No, the colour is purely cosmetic. Both versions are built technically identically and selected the same way. Choose the finish that suits your turntable – this model is the black version.

Why buy the Concept MC Signature from HD Zürisee?

Because we don't just sell you the cartridge – we make it sing: a matching phono stage, clean alignment by our technician, and honest advice in Wädenswil. 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 foundation and electronics among our turntables, tonearms and phono preamps. More cartridges to compare are under cartridges.