Clearaudio Concerto V2 Moving Coil Cartridge

The Clearaudio Concerto V2 is a moving coil cartridge with a satiné wood body, and it's the entry point into Clearaudio's reference MC class – the same line that's also home to the Stradivari, da Vinci, Titanium and Goldfinger.

Fully symmetrical V2 motor, boron cantilever, Prime Line diamond and 24-karat gold coils: the Concerto V2 brings the technology of Clearaudio's flagship MCs into a still-affordable league. At 7 g weight and 15 µm/mN stylus compliance, it also fits almost any decent tonearm.

Why the Concerto V2?

The satiné wood gives the sound a touch of warmth without blurring the virtues of Clearaudio's reference models: focus, resolution, speed, an open top end. The fully symmetrical construction – mechanical, magnetic and electrical – is Clearaudio's signature and delivers stable imaging. The 24-karat gold coils aren't here for decoration, but for their conductivity.

What you'll hear

A large, three-dimensional soundstage, precise transients and a midrange with real body. Voices feel tangible, acoustic instruments get room to breathe. The Concerto V2 sounds mature and never nervous – a cartridge that keeps you on the sofa longer than the evening actually had planned.

Who is the Concerto V2 for?

For anyone ready to move up from a good MM or entry-level MC to genuine reference-class technology. Plain talk: with 0.5 mV output and 50 Ω internal resistance, the Concerto V2 needs a proper MC phono stage – on a weak onboard phono input, you're just giving away its potential. And if you already have a Stradivari or higher in your arm, you're better off staying there.

Our verdict

Reference technology at a still sensible price: the Concerto V2 is the point in the V2 range where good vinyl becomes great vinyl. The trade press has followed it for years, and FIDELITY reviewed it again in 2024.

Specifications

• Type: moving coil (MC)
• Output voltage: 0.5 mV (5 cm/s)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Channel separation: 25–30 dB
• Channel balance: < 0.5 dB
• Tracking ability: 80 µm
• Stylus profile: clearaudio Prime Line
• Cantilever: boron
• Recommended tracking force: 2.8 g (± 0.2 g)
• Cartridge impedance: 50 Ω
• Recommended load: 300 Ω
• Stylus compliance: 15 µm/mN
• Coil: 24-karat gold, fully symmetrical
• Body: satiné wood
• Weight: 7.0 g
• Warranty: 2 years (with registration within 14 days)

FAQ

Which phono stage suits the Concerto V2?

An MC-capable stage with around 60 to 66 dB of gain. The internal resistance is 50 Ω, and a load of around 300 Ω is recommended, which can be set on many devices. We match the gain and load to your system.

What does the Concerto V2 offer over the Concept MC?

The fully symmetrical V2 reference motor with 24-karat gold coils, Prime Line diamond and noticeably higher stylus compliance. In practice that means more resolution, a bigger soundstage and finer dynamics – the entry into Clearaudio's upper MC league.

Can the stylus be replaced on the Concerto V2?

No. On moving coil systems the cantilever is fixed to the generator, so there's no plug-in replacement stylus like on MM systems. That's why we don't carry replacement styli for MC systems. If the diamond is worn, a replacement cartridge or a retipping service is the way forward – we organise that for you.

Will the Concerto V2 fit my tonearm?

In most cases, yes. At 7.0 g weight and 15 µm/mN stylus compliance, it gets along well with light to medium-mass tonearms. The tracking force is 2.8 g. Tell us your arm, and we'll quickly work out the resonance frequency.

Why buy the Concerto V2 from HD Zürisee?

Because high-end MC technology demands proper setup. Our technician Mauri precisely dials in tracking force, azimuth, VTA and antiskating in Wädenswil, and we give you honest advice on the right phono stage. Questions? +41 44 680 22 00, WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Goes well with

You'll find a matching foundation and electronics among the turntables, tonearms and phono preamps. Everything around the record itself is gathered under all things vinyl.