Clearaudio Nano Phono V2 Phono Preamp, Silver

The Clearaudio Nano Phono V2 is a compact phono preamp for MM and MC cartridges with continuously adjustable output level.

In silver, the little aluminium block looks pleasantly unobtrusive — which is handy, since it's happy sitting right next to the turntable. Its job: turn the tiny signal from your cartridge into a clean, high-level signal, without leaving any signature of its own.

Why the Nano Phono V2?

Because nothing here was skimped on in the wrong place. The milled aluminium housing keeps interference out, signal paths stay short, and the stepless level control brings the output exactly to the level your amplifier likes — up to 10 volts RMS, if it's a bit hard of hearing. MM or MC operation and the load impedance are set via jumpers on the underside, and the subsonic filter is switched right alongside them.

What you hear

A calm background and dynamic, direct access: 81 dB signal-to-noise in MM and RIAA accuracy of ± 0.4 dB are why voices stay solid and cymbals don't blur. Low end comes dry rather than mushy. The Nano shows you what your cartridge can do — for better or worse.

Who is the Nano Phono V2 for?

For beginners with a good turntable, for anyone with an amplifier without a usable phono input, and for anyone who's run out of rack space. To be blunt: if you're already running a high-end MC cartridge, step up a level — Smart Phono V2 or Basic V2. And if you want to plug headphones in directly, reach for the Headphone variant instead; this model has no headphone jack.

Our verdict

A lot of technology in a small footprint, without showing off: flexible with cartridges, quiet enough for quiet music, and robust enough to simply keep working for years. The Nano is the unfussy answer to why vinyl through the built-in phono input has never quite clicked before.

"Small and affordable, very flexible, electrically and mechanically spot-on, sonically a compelling performer focused on the essentials." – FIDELITY (Michael Vrzal), 2016

Technical data

• Type: phono preamp for MM and MC cartridges
• 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
• Output impedance: 75 Ω
• Headphone output: not present
• Inputs and outputs: unbalanced RCA, ground terminal
• Subsonic filter: switchable via jumper
• Housing: anodised aluminium, silver
• 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

Which input does the Nano Phono V2 go into?

A free high-level input — AUX, CD, tuner or line. Never a phono input: there, the signal would be equalised and amplified a second time, and then even the best pressing sounds like a tin can.

How do I set the Nano up for my cartridge?

Using the jumpers on the underside, you select MM or MC, the load impedance for moving-coil cartridges, and the subsonic filter. Tell us your cartridge and we'll give you the right configuration — saving you the guesswork.

Does the Nano Phono V2 have a headphone output?

No. This model passes its signal to the system exclusively via RCA. For listening directly through headphones, there's the otherwise identical Nano Phono Headphone V2, which additionally has a built-in headphone amplifier with a 3.5 mm jack.

How loud can the output be?

Maximum 10 volts RMS at 1 kHz, and you can turn this level down continuously. That means the Nano suits quiet MC cartridges just as well as loud MM cartridges, without your amplifier immediately hitting its limit.

Why buy the Nano Phono V2 from HD Zürisee?

Because years of experience tell us which phono stage suits which cartridge — and because you have a contact person here in Wädenswil if the chain ever hums. Get in touch: WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Goes well with

You'll find matching cartridges under cartridges, turntables under turntables and arms under tonearms. Everything about the black groove is gathered in All Vinyl.