Clearaudio da Vinci V2 Moving Coil Cartridge

The Clearaudio da Vinci V2 is a moving coil cartridge with a ceramic-coated aluminium body, sitting one step above the Stradivari V2 in Clearaudio's reference MC range.

About 30 micrometres of ceramic on the aluminium body damp resonances extremely effectively. Inside, a perfectly pivot-symmetrical motor works with coils made from 24-karat gold, paired with a boron cantilever and Micro-HD diamond stylus. Remarkably sophisticated technology packed into seven grams.

Why the da Vinci V2?

The ceramic-coated aluminium body combines low mass with high rigidity and excellent self-damping — the combination that cartridge designers struggle hardest to achieve. At around 7 g and with a dynamic range up to 90 dB, the da Vinci V2 brings modern materials research into a classic format.

What you hear

Dynamics and fine detail in one: fast, colourful transients, precise imaging and a resolution that reveals the finest structures without sounding cold. The da Vinci V2 plays boldly and musically at the same time — not an analyst, but a musician with very sharp eyes.

Who is the da Vinci V2 for?

For ambitious analogue listeners who run a first-class chain and want dynamics combined with fine resolution. To be blunt: the da Vinci V2 is no fix for a weak chain — it rewards a good tonearm and a high-quality MC phono stage, and only then does it pull ahead of the Stradivari. If you don't have both yet, it's better to put the money into the arm and phono stage first.

Our verdict

Dynamics meets fine detail: the da Vinci V2 is the point where the V2 range gets serious. On a well-matched chain, a companion for many years — and many records.

What the trade press says: "A mature, finely tuned top-tier cartridge that, however, allows no compromise when it comes to tonearm, turntable and phono stage." — stereoplay 12/2016, 88 out of 100 points.

Technical data

• Type: Moving Coil (MC)
• Output voltage: 0.6 mV (at 5 cm/s)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 100 kHz
• Dynamic range: up to 90 dB
• Channel separation: > 30 dB
• Channel balance: < 0.5 dB
• Cantilever: Boron
• Stylus tip: Micro-HD diamond
• Coil: 24-karat gold, perfectly pivot-symmetrical
• System impedance: 50 Ω
• Recommended load resistance: 300 Ω
• Stylus compliance: 15 µm/mN
• Recommended tracking force: 2.8 g
• Body: Aluminium with approx. 30 µm ceramic coating
• Weight: approx. 7 g

Frequently asked questions

What defines the body of the da Vinci V2?

Aluminium with a roughly 30 µm thick, extremely hard ceramic coating. This combination damps resonances very effectively and delivers a quiet, clean run — the foundation for the high resolution.

Which phono stage and which arm suit it?

A high-quality MC stage with around 60–66 dB of gain and a load of around 300 Ω at 50 Ω system impedance, plus a precise tonearm of medium effective mass. We check the resonance point and match the stage to your chain.

Can you replace the stylus on the da Vinci V2 yourself?

No. On an MC system, the stylus is permanently connected to the generator by design and cannot be replaced. Instead, Clearaudio exchanges worn or defective systems on trade-in terms, as an upgrade too if you like. This runs through your dealer — we handle it for you.

Is the extra cost over the Stradivari V2 worth it?

On a truly good chain, yes: more dynamics, more fine detail, more coherence. On an average system, the difference is smaller — so we'll give you an honest assessment beforehand of whether the step makes sense for you.

Why buy the da Vinci V2 from HD Zürisee?

Because a system in this class stands or falls with clean set-up. Mauri sets up your da Vinci precisely in Wädenswil, and we make sure your arm, phono stage and turntable all match. 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 the right foundation and electronics among our turntables, tonearms and phono preamps. More cartridges for comparison are available under cartridges.