Clearaudio Performer V2 Replacement Stylus

The Clearaudio Performer V2 Replacement Stylus is the original stylus replacement for the Clearaudio Performer V2 moving magnet cartridge.

Styli wear out, ebony housings don't. That's exactly what Clearaudio builds on: once the elliptical diamond has clocked its hours, it's not the whole cartridge that goes in the bin – only the stylus unit gets renewed. Your Performer V2 comes back with fresh tracking afterward – same body, same character.

Why the original stylus replacement?

Every Performer V2 is measured on four levels and hand-selected at Clearaudio; its channel matching depends on the tuning between generator and stylus unit. A third-party stylus would break exactly that tuning apart – not that a reputable one exists for the V2 systems anyway. The factory swap brings back exactly the unit that was fitted originally: an elliptical diamond on an aluminum cantilever.

What you get

A cartridge that again delivers its roughly 3.3 mV, again works linearly from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, and again sits cleanly in the groove instead of slipping in it. The hand-polished ebony housing with its inset, resonance-damping metal plate stays with you – it never did anything wrong.

Who is the Performer V2 Replacement Stylus for?

For anyone with a Performer V2 in their tonearm who wants to keep it. Plain talk: this isn't a part you plug in at the kitchen table – the cartridge has to be sent in, and your turntable sits idle during that time. If you'd rather avoid that, plan the swap before the stylus is completely worn out. And if you're running a different Clearaudio system, you need a different number: every model has its own.

Our verdict

Sensible rather than spectacular. The stylus replacement keeps a very good entry-level system in the race without you having to reorient yourself sonically. Get in touch with HD Zürisee in Wädenswil beforehand: we'll look at the stylus before you send off a system that might only need a proper adjustment.

Technical data

• Fits: Clearaudio Performer V2 (Moving Magnet)
• Type: stylus replacement on the returned cartridge
• Part number: MM008/E
• Cantilever: aluminum
• Diamond profile: elliptical
• Cartridge housing: hand-polished ebony with resonance-damping metal plate
• Cartridge weight: 8.4 g
• Output voltage: approx. 3.3 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/s)
• Recommended tracking force: 2.2 g ± 0.3 g
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Load resistance: 47 kΩ
• Recommended capacitance: 100 pF
• Included: stylus replacement on the returned Performer V2; you get your system back with a new stylus

Frequently asked questions

How does the stylus replacement work for the Performer V2?

You give us your cartridge, it goes to Clearaudio, the stylus unit is renewed there, and you get your system back. We take care of shipping and handling. Plan for the time without a cartridge – a good opportunity to finally sort your record collection.

Can I pull off and plug in the stylus myself?

No. Unlike the smaller Clearaudio N1 with its plug-in system, the Performer V2 isn't designed for a user-replaceable stylus. The stylus unit is swapped at the factory. If you're after a cartridge with a user-replaceable stylus, the N1 is the better fit.

Is the swap worth it, or should I get a new system straight away?

That depends on how happy you are with the Performer V2. If you want the same sound again, the swap is the direct route. If you're after more resolution, a higher system is the more honest answer. We'll work through both options with you before you decide.

Why buy the Performer V2 Replacement Stylus from HD Zürisee?

Because we first check whether the stylus is really finished – distortion is often just a matter of misadjusted tracking force. After that, we organize the swap, and our technician Mauri mounts the cartridge back in properly adjusted. Reach us at +41 44 680 22 00, WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls), or shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Goes well with

A fresh stylus deserves clean grooves: find cleaning products and brushes under Everything Vinyl, adjustment templates and tonearm scales under turntable accessories. If the swap should turn into an upgrade after all, the alternatives are under cartridges.