Clearaudio Concept MC Signature Moving Coil Cartridge, Silver

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

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 higher channel separation and a tighter channel balance for the Signature. Two numbers you'd overlook on the data sheet and rediscover in your listening chair.

Why the Concept MC Signature?

The boron cantilever is stiffer than aluminium and passes the groove motion on to the coils without detours. The micro-line diamond sits in the groove with a narrow line contact and reads cleanly even at the end of the record. The damped aluminium-magnesium body with its ceramic layer ensures none of that gets blurred by resonance.

What you'll hear

Calm. The background turns black, voices stand firmly centred, instruments get clear outlines. The Concept MC Signature draws finely without becoming thin or clinical – it takes music seriously, but not itself.

Who is the Concept MC Signature for?

For vinyl listeners with an MC-capable phono stage (around 60–66 dB) who want to get their entry into the moving coil world right from the start. Plain talk: a plain MM input isn't enough, and if you're already running a reference-class cartridge, you won't hear an improvement here. For everyone in between, it's exactly right.

Our verdict

More closely selected, quieter, more finely drawn – and in silver, the more understated of the two variants. Which phono stage does it justice is something we're happy to tell you in advance at HD Zürisee on Lake Zurich, so the selection doesn't fizzle out in a tangle of cables.

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

FAQ

Is the extra cost over the Concept MC worth it?

That depends on your chain. Both cartridges are technically identical in construction; the Signature is more closely selected and reaches over 30 dB channel separation and under 0.3 dB channel balance. On a good arm with clean alignment, you'll hear that as a more stable image.

Which phono stage suits the Concept MC Signature?

An MC-capable stage with around 60 to 66 dB of gain. The internal impedance is 11 Ω, and the loading resistance is uncritical. Clearaudio's Nano Phono V2 or Smart Phono V2 pair well, as do most other decent MC inputs.

Is there a replacement stylus for the Concept MC Signature?

No. On a moving coil, the cantilever is permanently attached to the generator, which is why we don't offer replacement styli for MC cartridges the way we do for MM ones. Once the diamond is worn out, an exchange cartridge or a retipping service is the answer – get in touch and we'll take care of it.

Silver or black – are there sonic differences?

No, the colour is purely cosmetic. Construction, selection and measurements are the same for both finishes. Choose the version that suits your turntable – this model is the silver version.

Why buy the Concept MC Signature from HD Zürisee?

Because a selected cartridge only plays as well as its alignment – and we do that by hand in Wädenswil, including an honest assessment of your phono stage. Reach us on +41 44 680 22 00, via WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Goes well with

You'll find the right foundation and electronics among our turntables, tonearms and phono preamps. For care and alignment, turntable accessories will help.