Clearaudio Smart Phono V2 Phono Preamplifier, Silver

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.

In Silver it disappears unobtrusively among the other components in the rack – which suits it well, since it doesn't want to stand out anyway. Its job is to amplify and equalise the tiny signal from the stylus, without adding any character of its own.

Why the Smart Phono V2?

Two separate SMD circuits for MM and MC, a milled aluminium housing acting as a shield against interference, and an external plug-in power supply that banishes the transformer from the housing. You handle the fine-tuning yourself: MC load impedance in five steps from 50 Ω to 5 kΩ, input capacitance at 150, 250 or 400 pF, plus a switchable subsonic filter against record warp. The level control on top of the housing adjusts the output level to match the rest of your chain.

What you get

A very quiet background – 85 dB signal-to-noise ratio for MM, 72 dB for MC – and a RIAA equalisation that stays within ± 0.3 dB across ten octaves. In practice that means clear separation of instruments, bass with contour instead of mush, and sibilants that stay sibilants instead of becoming an ordeal.

Who is the Smart Phono V2 for?

For vinyl listeners who've maxed out the built-in phono input of their integrated amplifier and want a real step forward. Honestly, what it's not made for: an extreme low-output MC demands more than this class delivers – that's where the Balance V2's territory begins. And if you want to listen through headphones straight from the unit, you'll need the Headphone version; this model has no headphone output.

Our verdict

Little device, big effect. The Smart Phono V2 in Silver is one of those purchases you stop thinking about after three years, because it simply works. At HD Zürisee in Wädenswil we recommend it regularly for exactly that reason. From the trade press: "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, silver
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 95 × 34 × 125 mm
• Weight: approx. 620 g (preamplifier and power supply)
• Model no.: EL027
• Included: phono preamplifier, external plug-in power supply (± 18 V DC / 300 mA)

Frequently asked questions

Where do I set MM or MC?

On the underside of the unit. Small switches let you switch between MM and MC per channel, choose the MC load impedance from 50 Ω to 5 kΩ, set the input capacitance and switch in the subsonic filter. If you like, we'll set everything up to match your cartridge before handover.

Does the Smart Phono V2 suit my MC cartridge?

Very likely, yes. With 54 dB gain in MC mode and five selectable load impedances, it covers most common MC cartridges. Only in truly special cases with extremely low output voltage does it get tight – tell us your cartridge and we'll give you a definite answer.

Where on the amplifier – and what do I do with the ground wire?

The RCA output belongs on a free line-level input such as AUX, CD or Line, never on an existing phono input. Your turntable's ground wire gets screwed to the Smart Phono V2's ground terminal, not to the amplifier. That usually takes care of the typical vinyl hum.

Does the Smart Phono V2 have a headphone output?

No. This model delivers its signal solely via the RCA jacks and needs an amplifier behind it. If you want to listen through headphones straight from the unit, go for the Smart Phono Headphone V2 with its 3.5 mm jack. We're happy to help you work out which of the two variants makes more sense.

Why buy the Smart Phono V2 from HD Zürisee?

Because matching the unit to your cartridge decides the sound – and nobody does that for you if the device simply arrives in a box. We configure the phono stage to fit and think through the whole chain. Questions? +41 44 680 22 00, WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls), shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Goes well with

A good cartridge is essential with the Smart Phono V2 – it decides the most. Continue with turntables and tonearms; cleaning brushes, tracking force scales and alignment aids are found under Turntable accessories.