Clearaudio Smart Power 24V Ovation/Innovation Battery Power Supply, Silver

The Clearaudio Smart Power 24V is a battery power supply that galvanically disconnects 24-volt turntables from the mains during operation and feeds the motor from a 5000 mAh NiMH battery.

Instead of from the wall socket, the power comes from the store of energy right next to it. An onboard charging system watches voltage and current, calculates the remaining runtime and switches over in good time when it gets tight. The music keeps playing without interruption throughout.

Why the Smart Power 24V?

On an Ovation or Innovation, the mechanics are no longer the problem – the power supply is. A battery has physical advantages here that can't be argued away: minimal internal resistance, a flat discharge curve and, much more importantly, no conductive bridge to the mains. Whatever the solar inverter or the charger in the next room is doing simply stays out.

What you hear

Above all, more quiet between the notes. The imaging gains depth, instruments stand more clearly next to one another, and complex passages lose that slight tension. It's the kind of improvement you only notice once you remove it again.

Who is the Smart Power 24V for?

For you, if you're running a 24-volt clearaudio turntable – the manufacturer lists the Ovation, Innovation and Statement series. Plain talk: if you're still at the start of your analogue chain, you'll get more out of a better cartridge or a clean setup. And by the way: the battery is a wear part and wants replacing after a few years. We take care of that.

Our verdict

A power supply you buy and then forget about – in the best sense. The Smart Power 24V doesn't twist the sound, it just clears out what the mains was bringing in before. In Silver it fits visually right in with the light Ovation and Innovation finishes, and once you've heard battery operation, you rarely switch back.

Technical data

• Design: battery power supply with galvanic mains isolation during operation
• Battery: nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), 5000 mAh
• Output: 24 V DC, max. 1.6 A, electronically fused (slow-blow)
• Mains connection: 100–240 V AC, 50–60 Hz, max. 1.6 A, integrated charging system
• Power consumption: 6.5–33 W in operation, 0 W with mains switch off
• Display: shows charge state and calculated remaining runtime
• Compatibility: clearaudio turntables in the Ovation, Innovation and Statement series
• Housing: aluminium, silver
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 210 × 125 × 305 mm
• Weight: approx. 5.7 kg
• Warranty: 3 years (battery excluded)

Frequently asked questions

Does the Smart Power 24V fit my turntable?

It's built for clearaudio turntables with a 24-volt DC input; the manufacturer names the Ovation, Innovation and Statement series. A Concept or Performance DC runs on 12 volts and needs the smaller Smart Power 12V. The voltage is on the label of your original power supply; otherwise we'll check it for you quickly.

Does the unit have to stay connected to the mains at all times?

No, and that's exactly the point. It's connected to the mains for charging, not for listening – in pure battery operation there's no longer any conductive connection to the mains. If you charge while listening, playback still continues without interruption, just without the full effect.

How much space does it need?

The housing measures 210 × 125 × 305 mm at around 5.7 kilograms, so it's deeper than it is wide and belongs on a stable surface. A little air around it does it good, since the charging process generates heat. It doesn't need to sit directly under the turntable.

Why buy the Clearaudio Smart Power 24V from HD Zürisee?

Because with us there's someone on the phone who sets up and aligns turntables himself, instead of reading you a datasheet. We're an authorised specialist dealer, deliver and install on-site on request, and take care of the battery service afterwards. Call us on +41 44 680 22 00, WhatsApp 076 534 22 00 (text only, no calls) or shop@hdzuerisee.ch.

Goes well with

Matching turntables are found under Turntables, the phono stage to go with it under Phono preamplifiers. Around the turntable it's worth a look at Turntable accessories, for the rest of the system at Mains filters & power conditioning.