Clearaudio Virtuoso V2 Moving Magnet Cartridge

The Clearaudio Virtuoso V2 is a moving magnet cartridge (MM) and the flagship model of the V2 series, with an elliptical diamond on an aluminium cantilever.

Within the series it's the most tightly selected elliptical cartridge – only the Maestro V2 and Charisma V2 sit above it, switching to a boron cantilever and finer cuts. In practice that means high precision combined with typical MM good nature.

Why the Virtuoso V2?

Clearaudio measures and matches the V2 cartridges by hand. For the Virtuoso this yields over 30 dB channel separation, channel balance under 0.4 dB and 90 µm tracing ability – a step above the Artist V2 on all three counts. Add to that a robust 4.0 mV output voltage, which even a modest phono stage handles with ease.

What you hear

Clean, precise imaging with a stable stage and a fine, never edgy top end. The Virtuoso V2 sorts out complex passages effortlessly, without tipping into the analytical. For many, it's the end of the line for MM – and a thoroughly satisfying one.

Who is the Virtuoso V2 suited for?

For discerning MM listeners who want to get the most out of a classic MM phono stage. Plainly put: the step up from here is not a matter of selection but of materials – the Maestro V2 and Charisma V2 bring the stiffer boron cantilever and a line-contact cut that reaches deeper into the groove. That costs noticeably more and wants a cleanly aligned arm. Anyone who values robustness and an uncritical setup is well served staying with the Virtuoso.

Our verdict

The Virtuoso V2 is the sensible peak of the elliptical MM world: balanced, built for the long haul, relaxed to set up. Whether the step to a boron cantilever is worth it for you depends on your arm, phono stage and record collection – call us at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil and we'll go through it together.

Technical data

• Type: moving magnet (MM), high output
• Output voltage: approx. 4.0 mV (1 kHz / 5 cm/s)
• Stylus cut: elliptical
• Cantilever: aluminium
• Body: ebony, hand-polished, with integrated damping plate
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Channel separation: > 30 dB (1 kHz)
• Channel balance: < 0.4 dB (1 kHz)
• Tracing ability: 90 µm
• Recommended tracking force: 2.4 g, range 2.0–2.5 g
• Coil impedance: 0.68 kΩ (1 kHz)
• Coil inductance: 0.40 H
• Load: 47 kΩ / 100 pF
• Weight: approx. 8.4 g
• Mounting: ½ inch standard
• Stylus replacement: factory only, cartridge must be sent in

Frequently asked questions

What sets the Virtuoso V2 apart from the Maestro V2?

The Virtuoso V2 uses an aluminium cantilever with an elliptical diamond, the Maestro V2 a boron cantilever with a Micro-HD line-contact stylus from Clearaudio's upper MC class. The Maestro therefore resolves more finely and reaches a channel balance of 0.2 dB; the Virtuoso in turn has the higher output level.

Can I replace the stylus on the Virtuoso V2 myself?

No. On the Clearaudio V2 cartridges the stylus cannot be replaced by the customer. The cartridge is sent in, the stylus unit renewed at the factory, and the cartridge returned. Realignment in the tonearm is then essential – that's what we're here for.

How critical is alignment on the Virtuoso V2?

Less critical than with line-contact cartridges. The elliptical cut responds less sensitively to small VTA deviations than a Micro-HD or Gyger cut. A clean basic setup of tracking force, azimuth and overhang is enough – we'll take care of that for you on request.

Is a normal MM phono stage enough for the Virtuoso V2?

Yes. With around 4.0 mV output voltage and a 47 kΩ load, it's a classic high-output MM – in fact one of the strongest-output cartridges in the series. Any decent MM phono stage is sufficient; an MC stage or a step-up transformer is not required.

Why buy the Virtuoso V2 at HD Zürisee?

Because matching cartridge, tonearm and phono stage is our craft. Our technician Mauri aligns it to the millimetre, and we give you an honest opinion on whether the step to a boron cantilever is worth it for you – as an authorised Clearaudio dealer with our own workshop on site.

Goes well with

You'll find the matching electronics and foundation among our Phono Preamps and Tonearms. Alignment tools, scales and record care are under Turntable Accessories, more cartridges under Cartridges.