Clearaudio Concept V2 MM Replacement Stylus

The Clearaudio Concept V2 MM Replacement Stylus is the original stylus replacement for the Clearaudio concept V2 MM moving magnet cartridge.

Right up front, because mix-ups happen here regularly: this stylus belongs to the Concept V2 MM. The similarly named concept mc is a moving coil system – and an MC has no replaceable stylus by design, because the coils sit directly on the cantilever. If you have an MC mounted in your tonearm, the way forward is retipping or an exchange system through the manufacturer.

Why the original stylus replacement?

The diamond in the Concept V2 MM is a wear part; the housing and generator are not. Instead of scrapping the whole cartridge, you send it in, Clearaudio fits a new stylus unit, and you get your system back – with exactly the tracking geometry the manufacturer intended. There are no reputable third-party styli for this system, and DIY fixes end up costing you your records.

What you get

A fresh, elliptically ground diamond on an aluminum cantilever – restoring the full specs of the Concept V2 MM: around 3.3 mV output voltage, linear frequency response from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, 2.2 grams recommended tracking force. In short: your cartridge, just sharp again.

Who is the Concept V2 MM Replacement Stylus for?

For anyone running a Clearaudio concept V2 MM who notices sibilants getting harsh and the innermost grooves of a record side distorting. Plain talk: if you have a concept mc, a Performer V2 or another Clearaudio system mounted, this is the wrong page – every model has its own stylus number. And if you're hoping for a sonic upgrade from the swap, temper your expectations: it goes back to being as good as at the start, not better. If you want more, you change the system.

Our verdict

The honest way to keep a proven entry-level MM alive instead of replacing it. The only drawback is the time without a cartridge – in return, the system comes back inspected. HD Zürisee in Wädenswil handles the shipping for you and, on request, mounts the cartridge right back in properly adjusted.

Technical data

• Fits: Clearaudio concept V2 MM (Moving Magnet)
• Does not fit: Clearaudio concept mc – MC systems have no replaceable stylus
• Type: stylus replacement on the returned cartridge
• Part number: MM012/E
• Cantilever: aluminum
• Diamond profile: elliptical
• Cartridge housing: aluminum
• Cartridge weight: 8.4 g
• Output voltage: approx. 3.3 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/s)
• Recommended tracking force: 2.2 g ± 0.3 g
• Coil impedance: 0.66 kΩ (1 kHz)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Included: stylus replacement on the returned concept V2 MM; you get your system back with a new stylus

Frequently asked questions

How does the stylus replacement work for the Concept V2 MM?

You give us your cartridge, it goes to Clearaudio, the stylus unit is replaced there, and you get the system back. Pulling off and plugging in at home is not intended for the Concept V2 MM – unlike the smaller N1 with its plug-in system.

Does the stylus also fit the Clearaudio concept mc?

No. The concept mc is a moving coil system, the coils sit on the cantilever there, and a replaceable stylus simply doesn't exist by design. For MC systems, Clearaudio offers retipping or an exchange system. Just tell us what's mounted on yours, and we'll sort out the right path.

Does the tonearm need to be readjusted afterward?

Yes. For the swap, the cartridge is removed from the headshell; on reinstallation, overhang, offset angle, azimuth, tracking force and anti-skating need to be reset. If you'd rather not do that yourself, our technician Mauri handles removal, reinstallation and fine adjustment.

Why buy the Concept V2 MM Replacement Stylus from HD Zürisee?

Because we first check which system you actually have – mixing up the Concept V2 MM and the concept mc happens more often than you'd think. After that we organize the swap, inspect the returned system and adjust it for you. Questions to +41 44 680 22 00, WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls), or shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Goes well with

While your system is on its way, it's worth a look at cleaning and care under Everything Vinyl as well as scales, templates and brushes under turntable accessories. If the swap should turn into a system change after all, you'll find the alternatives under cartridges.