Clearaudio Maestro V2 Moving Magnet Cartridge

The Clearaudio Maestro V2 is a moving magnet cartridge (MM) and the first model in the series to swap the aluminium cantilever for boron with a Micro-HD line-contact stylus.

This is exactly where the series leaves the elliptical world behind: a line-contact diamond on a stiff, lightweight boron cantilever — a combination borrowed from Clearaudio's expensive moving coil systems. In a low-resonance ebony housing, this makes the Maestro V2 an MM that packs MC virtues into a high-output, uncomplicated shell. Only the flagship Charisma V2 sits above it in the MM range.

Why the Maestro V2?

The Micro-HD stylus sits in the groove with a longer contact area than an elliptical grind, extracting more fine detail and space as a result. Boron stiffens the cantilever at minimal mass. Measurably, this shows up as a channel balance of 0.2 dB — the tightest figure in the series — with over 30 dB of channel separation. And yet it stays a high-output MM at around 3.6 mV for any MM phono stage.

What you hear

Resolution and depth of image you'd hardly expect from an MM: fine treble definition, precise imaging, plus a full, colourful tonal foundation. The Maestro V2 easily plays on equal terms with many cheaper MC systems — just without their list of accessories.

Who is the Maestro V2 for?

For MM listeners who want the maximum, and for MC sceptics who'd rather skip the loading hassle. To be blunt: a line-contact grind needs more careful alignment than an elliptical one — VTA and azimuth need to be right, or you're giving away exactly what you paid for. If you never want to touch your arm, you'll be happier with the Virtuoso V2. And if you already own a first-rate MC preamp, you should compare it against a Clearaudio MC.

Our verdict

The Maestro V2 is the point where a moving magnet stops thinking of itself as a moving magnet. If you want MC-level resolution without MC-level hassle, there's hardly a way around it.

What the trade press says: "As musical as they come, the Maestro V2 Ebony should be required listening for moving-magnet and moving-coil fans alike." — Neil Gader, The Absolute Sound, 2013

Technical data

• Type: Moving Magnet (MM), high output
• Output voltage: approx. 3.6 mV (1 kHz / 5 cm/s)
• Stylus tip: Micro HD (line contact)
• Cantilever: Boron
• Housing: ebony, hand-polished
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Channel separation: > 30 dB (1 kHz)
• Channel balance: ≤ 0.2 dB (1 kHz)
• Tracking ability: 90 µm
• Recommended tracking force: 2.2 g (± 0.3 g), range 1.8–2.6 g
• Coil impedance: 0.66 kΩ (1 kHz)
• Coil inductance: 0.42 H
• Load: 47 kΩ / 100 pF
• Weight: approx. 8.4 g
• Mounting: ½ inch standard
• Stylus replacement: factory only, system sent in

Frequently asked questions

What sets the Maestro V2 apart from the smaller MM systems?

The cantilever and stylus grind. The Concept, Performer, Artist and Virtuoso use an elliptical diamond on aluminium; the Maestro V2 combines boron with a Micro-HD line-contact stylus, the type Clearaudio fits all the way up to the Goldfinger Statement. This noticeably lifts resolution and tracking.

Can I replace the stylus on the Maestro V2 myself?

No. On the Clearaudio V2 systems, the stylus can't be swapped by the customer. The cartridge is sent in, the stylus unit renewed at the factory, and the system sent back. Realignment in the tonearm is then essential — especially with a line-contact grind. We handle that professionally.

Is the Maestro V2 worth it over an MC system?

If you don't have an MC phono stage, or want to spare yourself the loading and step-up transformer: yes. The Maestro delivers MC-like resolution on any MM stage. If you already own a good MC preamp, you should compare it against a Clearaudio MC — we're happy to set that up for you.

What phono stage does the Maestro V2 need?

A standard MM phono stage with 47 kΩ and 100 pF is enough. At around 3.6 mV output voltage, it's a classic high-output MM; an MC stage or step-up transformer isn't necessary and would overload the input.

Why buy the Maestro V2 from HD Zürisee?

Because a line-contact grind deserves a clean alignment — and that's exactly what we deliver. We mount it to the millimetre, tune it to your arm, and advise you honestly on the right phono stage. As an authorised Clearaudio dealer, your warranty is handled correctly.

Goes well with

You'll find the right electronics and foundation among our phono preamps and tonearms. Alignment aids, scales and record care are available under turntable accessories, the rest of the range under All Accessories.