Clearaudio Concept V2 Moving Magnet Cartridge

The Clearaudio Concept V2 is a moving magnet (MM) cartridge with an elliptical diamond on an aluminium cantilever, and the most affordable entry point into the V2 range.

Originally developed for the Concept turntable, it's the only V2 MM with an aluminium body instead of wood. That keeps it affordable – yet you can still hear the family resemblance: clean, rounded, no chasing after effects.

Why the Concept V2?

At around 3.3 mV output voltage it runs on any normal MM phono input. No MC stage, no step-up transformer, no loading guesswork – plug in, 47 kΩ, done. The elliptical diamond on an aluminium cantilever is uncomplicated to align and forgives a setup that isn't dialled in to the last tenth of a degree.

What you'll hear

A warm, mid-focused sound with pleasantly rounded bass and a treble that never turns harsh. 80 µm tracking ability and a good 20 dB channel separation are entry-level figures – the Concept V2 doesn't try to dazzle with a fireworks of detail, it just wants records to sound good.

Who is the Concept V2 for?

Ideal for vinyl beginners, Concept owners and anyone with a classic MM phono stage. Plain talk: the range is staged by cantilever, stylus profile and body material – if you want more calm and a tighter channel balance, you'll find it from the Performer V2 upward in its ebony body, and things only get truly fine with the boron cantilever in the Maestro and Charisma. The Concept V2 is the honest, enjoyable cartridge, not the microscope.

Our verdict

The most affordable way to a genuine Clearaudio – and for many beginners, the last cartridge they'll need for a long time. If you want more later, HD Zürisee in Wädenswil knows where the journey goes next.

Specifications

• Type: moving magnet (MM), high output
• Output voltage: approx. 3.3 mV (1 kHz / 5 cm/s)
• Stylus profile: elliptical
• Cantilever: aluminium
• Body: aluminium
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Channel separation: > 20 dB (1 kHz)
• Channel balance: ≤ 2 dB (1 kHz)
• Tracking ability: 80 µm
• Recommended tracking force: 2.2 g (± 0.3 g)
• Coil impedance: 0.66 kΩ (1 kHz)
• Coil inductance: 0.42 H
• Load: 47 kΩ / 100 pF
• Weight: approx. 8.4 g
• Mount: ½ inch standard
• Stylus replacement: factory only, cartridge must be sent in

FAQ

Does the Concept V2 need an MC phono stage?

No. The Concept V2 is a moving magnet cartridge with approx. 3.3 mV output voltage and runs on any normal MM phono input with a 47 kΩ load. A separate MC stage or a step-up transformer aren't needed.

Can I change the stylus on the Concept V2 myself?

No. On Clearaudio's V2 cartridges, the stylus can't be swapped by the customer. If it's worn or damaged, the whole cartridge is sent in and the stylus assembly is renewed at the factory. A re-alignment in the tonearm is then essential – we're happy to handle that on request.

What's the correct tracking force?

Clearaudio recommends 2.2 g with ± 0.3 g of leeway. It's best set with a tonearm scale and kept within the recommended range – that protects the stylus and the record, and sounds the most balanced. Tracking too light, by the way, is more harmful than a touch too heavy.

Does the Concept V2 also fit other turntables?

Yes. It has the usual ½-inch mount and so fits practically any tonearm with a standard headshell, not just the Concept. At around 8.4 grams, it also stays within the usual weight window for medium-mass arms.

Why buy the Concept V2 from HD Zürisee?

Because we live and breathe vinyl and know which cartridge suits which arm and budget. We mount and align on request, advise honestly on the sensible next step, and handle the warranty correctly as an authorised Clearaudio dealer.

Goes well with

You'll find the right electronics and foundation among our phono preamps and tonearms. Scale, brush and alignment templates are under turntable accessories, more cartridges to compare are under cartridges.