Clearaudio Smart Phono Headphone V2, Silver

The Clearaudio Smart Phono Headphone V2 is a phono preamplifier for MM and MC cartridges with a built-in headphone output that lets you listen straight from the unit, without going via the rest of your system.

In Silver it's a small, cleanly milled block of aluminium that takes on two jobs: phono equalisation and headphone listening at the turntable. One less box in the rack, one less power supply under the sideboard.

Why the Smart Phono Headphone V2?

Under the hood works the same technology as in the Smart Phono V2: two separate SMD circuits for MM and MC, switchable per channel, load impedance from 50 Ω to 5 kΩ, input capacitance in three steps, a switchable subsonic filter against record warp. The plug-in power supply sits outside the housing, where it can't do any harm. Added to that is the 3.5 mm headphone jack, whose level you set on the unit's control.

What you get

A phono stage that leaves nothing to be desired in measurement terms – ± 0.3 dB RIAA accuracy across ten octaves, under 0.004 % distortion, more than 90 dB channel separation – and a headphone path that brings that cleanliness straight to your ear. On headphones you hear surface noise just as clearly as the silence between notes, and both belong to listening to vinyl.

Who is the Smart Phono Headphone V2 for?

For vinyl listeners in flats, for late nights, for anyone who doesn't see headphones as a compromise. Also for small setups where one less device simply means more space. Plain talk: the input accepts phono signals only – you can't connect a streamer, DAC or CD player here, so the unit isn't a universal headphone amp for your whole system. And for particularly power-hungry headphones, a standalone headphone amplifier remains the stronger solution.

Our verdict

Two functions, one housing, no compromises on the phono stage – for many vinyl listeners that's exactly the right equation. Which headphones suit it and how the unit should be set up for your cartridge is something we'd rather discuss once, calmly, at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil, than have you try three times yourself.

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, silver
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 95 × 34 × 125 mm
• Weight: approx. 620 g (preamplifier and power supply)
• Model no.: EL027/H/S
• Included: phono preamplifier, external plug-in power supply (± 18 V DC / 300 mA)

Frequently asked questions

Which headphones can I connect?

The output is a 3.5 mm jack socket; models with a 6.3 mm plug run via a simple adapter. For common headphones in the mid impedance range, the power is quite sufficient. Tell us which model you have or are considering – then we'll tell you honestly whether it's a good match.

Is the phono stage the same as in the Smart Phono V2?

Yes. Gain, load matching, RIAA accuracy and signal-to-noise ratio are identical; the Headphone version simply adds the headphone output. Both units behave the same on your amplifier. So the extra cost buys you the headphone path, not a better phono stage.

Can I connect a source other than my turntable?

No. The input is designed solely for MM and MC cartridges and expects a very small signal. A CD player, DAC or streamer would overdrive it hopelessly. Such sources belong on your amplifier or on a separate headphone amplifier.

How do I set up the unit for my cartridge?

Via the switches on the underside: MM or MC per channel, MC load impedance in five steps between 50 Ω and 5 kΩ, input capacitance at 150, 250 or 400 pF, plus the switchable subsonic filter. We'll do the basic setup for you if you like, before the unit reaches you.

Why buy the Smart Phono Headphone V2 from HD Zürisee?

Because with us you get more than just a device – you get the matching set-up: cartridge, phono stage, headphones. Our in-house team has been doing this for decades, and our technician Mauri takes care of service and installation. Reach us on +41 44 680 22 00, by WhatsApp on 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or at shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Goes well with

The right headphones make half the difference with this unit, the cartridge the other half. You'll also find turntables, tonearms and further phono preamplifiers in our range.