Clearaudio Smart Phono V2 Phono Preamplifier, Black

The Clearaudio Smart Phono V2 is a phono preamplifier for MM and MC cartridges that you can fine-tune exactly to your system using switches on the underside of the unit.

It does exactly one thing, and does it right: turning the tiny signal from your stylus into a clean, neutral line-level signal. No display, no app, no menu with fourteen sound profiles. Set it up once and you'll never open the lid again – and that's exactly how it should be.

Why the Smart Phono V2?

The solid aluminium housing shields the sensitive circuitry from interference, the external plug-in power supply keeps mains noise at a distance, and separate SMD circuits handle MM and MC – switchable per channel. You also choose the MC load impedance between 50 Ω and 5 kΩ, the input capacitance in three steps, and can switch in the subsonic filter when needed, which keeps record warp and footfall out of the deep bass. A level control on the unit adjusts the output level to match the rest of your chain.

What you hear

Quiet. The Smart Phono V2 lays a very low-noise background under the music – 85 dB signal-to-noise ratio for MM is the sober figure behind that. Bass lines arrive with contour instead of bloat, voices stand freely between the speakers, and the RIAA curve stays within ± 0.3 dB across the whole range. It tells you the truth about your records, even when that's occasionally inconvenient.

Who is the Smart Phono V2 for?

For anyone who takes their turntable seriously and has outgrown the built-in phono stage of an integrated amplifier – the step up is clearly audible. Plain talk about what it's not for: if you're running an extreme low-output MC and chasing the very last bit of resolution, you're better served by the larger Balance V2. And if you want to plug headphones straight into the unit, reach for the Headphone version instead – the Smart Phono V2 deliberately has no headphone output.

Our verdict

A safe bet in the upper mid-range: small, unassuming, durable and grown-up in sound. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil we like devices that don't demand attention and still deliver every day – the Smart Phono V2 is one of them. What the trade press says: "A neat little phono preamplifier with a rich, refined sound and practical adjustment options" – AREA DVD, Test smart phono V2, 03/2026.

Technical data

• Type: phono preamplifier for MM and MC, switchable per channel
• Gain: 34 dB (MM) / 54 dB (MC), each at 1 kHz
• Input impedance: 47 kΩ (MM) / 50 Ω, 100 Ω, 500 Ω, 1 kΩ, 5 kΩ selectable (MC)
• Input capacitance: 150 pF, 250 pF, 400 pF selectable
• RIAA accuracy: ± 0.3 dB (10 Hz – 100 kHz)
• Distortion: < 0.004 % (MC, A-weighted at 1 kHz)
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 85 dB (MM) / 72 dB (MC), A-weighted
• Channel separation: > 90 dB at 1 kHz
• Output level: adjustable via level control on the unit, max. 10 V RMS at 1 kHz
• Output impedance: 75 Ω
• Headphone output: not fitted (only on the Smart Phono Headphone V2)
• Connections: unbalanced RCA input and output, ground terminal
• Filter: switchable subsonic filter
• Power supply: external plug-in power supply, ± 18 V DC / 300 mA
• Power consumption: max. 2.7 W
• Housing: anodised aluminium, black
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 95 × 34 × 125 mm
• Weight: approx. 620 g (preamplifier and power supply)
• Model no.: EL027/B
• Included: phono preamplifier, external plug-in power supply (± 18 V DC / 300 mA)

Frequently asked questions

How do I set up the Smart Phono V2 for my cartridge?

Via small switches on the underside of the unit. There you choose MM or MC per channel, the MC load impedance between 50 Ω and 5 kΩ, the input capacitance in three steps, and the subsonic filter. If you like, we'll set the unit up to match your system before handover.

Do I need extra resistor plugs for MC?

No. The MC load impedance is selectable directly on the unit in five steps from 50 Ω to 5 kΩ, plus input capacitance at 150, 250 and 400 pF. That covers practically every common MC cartridge without hanging extra plugs in the signal path.

Which input on my amplifier does the Smart Phono V2 belong to?

A free line-level input – AUX, CD, Line or Tuner. Never an existing phono input, or the signal gets equalised twice and ends up far too loud. Your turntable's ground wire goes to the Smart Phono's ground terminal, not to the amplifier. That reliably keeps hum out of the system.

Can I connect headphones to the Smart Phono V2?

No, this model has no headphone output – it delivers its signal solely via the RCA outputs to your amplifier. If you want to listen through headphones straight from the unit, the Smart Phono Headphone V2 with its 3.5 mm jack is the right choice. We're happy to tell you which variant suits your chain.

Why buy the Smart Phono V2 from HD Zürisee?

Because a phono stage only sounds good once it's matched to the cartridge. We set impedance, capacitance and gain to fit and advise you on the whole chain – from stylus to amplifier. Behind that stands an experienced in-house team. Call us: +41 44 680 22 00, WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Goes well with

The right cartridge decides the result at least as much as the phono stage – you'll find the selection there. Turntables and tonearms pair well too, and for the last bit of quiet in the system take a look at Mains filters & power conditioning.