Clearaudio Smart Phono Headphone V2, Black

The Clearaudio Smart Phono Headphone V2 is a phono preamplifier for MM and MC cartridges with a built-in headphone output that equalises the stylus signal and can feed it straight to your headphones.

That's the short answer to a very everyday situation: it's late, the system should stay off, but the record is already on the platter. That's exactly what this version is for.

Why the Smart Phono Headphone V2?

The phono stage is the same as in the Smart Phono V2: separate SMD circuits for MM and MC, milled aluminium housing, external plug-in power supply, fine-tuning via switches on the underside. Added to that is the headphone output as a 3.5 mm jack; you set the volume with the unit's level control. The RCA outputs for connecting to your amplifier are still there, unchanged.

What you hear

Through headphones, the quiet of the circuit becomes especially clear: 85 dB signal-to-noise ratio for MM, over 90 dB channel separation, RIAA within ± 0.3 dB. Details that get lost in the room through speakers sit right at your ear – fingers on strings, breathing pauses, the reverberation of a recording space. Vinyl up close, without anyone in the next room finding out.

Who is the Smart Phono Headphone V2 for?

For anyone who listens to a lot of vinyl but can't always listen loud – flat living, late hours, sleeping housemates. One device instead of two, one power supply instead of two, one less cable run. Plain talk about the limits: the input is a pure phono input. You can't connect a DAC or CD player here – so it doesn't work as a universal headphone amp for your whole system. And if you own particularly hard-to-drive headphones, you'll get further with a standalone headphone amplifier.

Our verdict

A smart combination for vinyl listeners with headphone ambitions: the same honest phono stage as in the Smart Phono V2, plus an output that counts exactly when the speakers have to stay silent. If you're unsure whether the Headphone version or the base model suits your setup, we'll sort that out at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil in five minutes on the phone.

Technical data

• Type: phono preamplifier for MM and MC with headphone output, 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: fitted, 3.5 mm jack
• Connections: unbalanced RCA input and output, ground terminal, headphone jack
• 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/H/B
• Included: phono preamplifier, external plug-in power supply (± 18 V DC / 300 mA)

Frequently asked questions

Which headphone jack does the Smart Phono Headphone V2 have?

A 3.5 mm jack socket. Headphones with a 6.3 mm plug connect via an adapter – most good headphones come with one anyway. You set the volume directly with the unit's level control; no extra amplifier is needed for headphone use.

Can I also connect a CD player or DAC to the Smart Phono Headphone V2?

No. The input is a pure phono input for MM and MC cartridges and expects a very small signal. High-level sources belong on your amplifier or on a standalone headphone amplifier. If you need both, we're happy to show you sensible combinations.

How do I set up the unit for my cartridge?

Via switches on the underside of the unit. You choose MM or MC per channel, the MC load impedance from 50 Ω to 5 kΩ, the input capacitance at 150, 250 or 400 pF, and switch in the subsonic filter as needed. If you like, we'll take care of the setup before handover.

What's the difference from the Smart Phono V2?

The phono stage is identical – same gain, same adjustment options, same measured values. The Headphone version adds a headphone output with a 3.5 mm jack. Anyone who'll never listen directly from the unit saves with the base model; anyone who wants to listen to records quietly in the evening is in the right place here.

Why buy the Smart Phono Headphone V2 from HD Zürisee?

Because two things need to fit together: the setup for your cartridge and the choice of headphones. We sort out both with you, rather than leaving you alone with a box – including service from our own in-house technician. Reach us on +41 44 680 22 00, WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Goes well with

You'll find the right headphones under Headphones, the right cartridge right next to them. Add turntables and tonearms – and if the same phono stage without a headphone output is enough for you, you'll find it under Phono preamplifiers.