Clearaudio Nano Phono Headphone V2, Black

The Clearaudio Nano Phono Headphone V2 is a compact phono preamp for MM and MC cartridges with a built-in headphone amplifier.

It takes in the signal from your cartridge and passes it on either to your system or directly to your headphones — handy when the record still needs to spin at half past ten and the rest of the household sees it differently.

Why the Nano Phono Headphone V2?

Short signal paths, a solid aluminium housing against interference, a stepless level control — and, in addition, a genuine headphone amplifier with a 3.5 mm jack on the front. MM/MC mode, load impedance and the switchable subsonic filter are all set via jumpers on the underside. The RCA output remains available throughout: you don't have to choose between your system and your headphones.

What you hear

Through headphones: a direct, immediate reproduction with a calm background — 81 dB of signal-to-noise ratio in MM mode really shows in quiet passages, where a noise floor would otherwise like to tag along. Voices sit tangibly in your head, bass stays controlled rather than bloated. Surprisingly mature for a housing 85 millimetres wide.

Who is the Nano Phono Headphone V2 for?

For anyone who wants to listen to vinyl through headphones without adding a second device — and for anyone whose amplifier lacks a usable phono input. To be blunt: very low-impedance or extremely insensitive high-end headphones won't push this small amp to its limits — for those, a dedicated headphone amplifier is the right place to look. And important to know: the headphone output is fed from the phono input. You can't connect a CD player or streamer here — for that you need a headphone amp with a high-level input.

Our verdict

Two devices in one housing, without either one feeling like an afterthought. If you mostly listen to your turntable in the evening, and quietly, this is the most elegant solution in the Nano family: compact, flexible, and without an extra box in the rack.

Technical data

• Type: phono preamp for MM and MC cartridges with built-in headphone amplifier
• Gain: 34 dB (MM) / 54 dB (MC)
• Input impedance: 47 kΩ / 220 pF (MM), selectable via jumper (MC)
• Mode: MM/MC switchable via jumper on the underside
• RIAA accuracy: ± 0.4 dB (20 Hz – 50 kHz)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 81 dB (A) for MM / 70 dB (A) for MC
• Distortion: < 0.04%
• Channel separation: > 80 dB at 1 kHz
• Output level: continuously adjustable, max. 10 V RMS at 1 kHz (RCA)
• Output impedance: 75 Ω
• Headphone output: present, 3.5 mm jack
• Inputs and outputs: unbalanced RCA, ground terminal, headphone jack
• Subsonic filter: switchable via jumper
• Housing: anodised aluminium, black
• Power supply: external power supply, ± 18 V DC / 300 mA
• Power consumption: max. 2.3 W, standby < 0.3 W
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 85 × 25 × 106 mm
• Weight: approx. 500 g (preamp with power supply)
• Included: phono preamp, external power supply

Frequently asked questions

What headphone connection does the Nano Phono Headphone V2 have?

A 3.5 mm jack, fed by its own headphone amplifier inside the housing. Headphones with a 6.3 mm plug connect via a simple adapter. You adjust the volume using the unit's stepless level control.

Can I still connect it to my system?

Yes. The RCA output goes to a free high-level input on your amplifier — AUX, CD, tuner or line — never to a phono input. Your system and your headphones aren't mutually exclusive, so there's no cable-swapping circus.

Can I connect a CD player or streamer to the headphone amp?

No. The headphone output is fed exclusively from the phono input; there's no high-level input. If you also want to listen to digital sources through headphones, you'll need an additional headphone amp with a line input — we'll show you suitable models.

MM or MC — how do I set it?

Via the jumpers on the underside. There you select the mode, the load impedance for moving coil systems, and the subsonic filter. Tell us which cartridge sits in the arm, and we'll include the right setting straight away.

Why buy the Nano Phono Headphone V2 from HD Zürisee?

Because the phono stage, cartridge and headphones need to match — and that's exactly where we advise you, instead of leaving you alone with a box. Our technician Mauri helps with setup. Reach us on +41 44 680 22 00 or shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Goes well with

You'll find the right headphones under headphones, more amplifiers for them under headphone amplifiers. On the analogue side, it's worth a look at cartridges and turntables.