{"product_id":"clearaudiomaestrov2","title":"Clearaudio Maestro V2 Moving Magnet Cartridge","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Clearaudio Maestro V2 is a moving magnet cartridge (MM) and the first model in the series to swap the aluminium cantilever for boron with a Micro-HD line-contact stylus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is exactly where the series leaves the elliptical world behind: a line-contact diamond on a stiff, lightweight boron cantilever — a combination borrowed from Clearaudio's expensive moving coil systems. In a low-resonance ebony housing, this makes the Maestro V2 an MM that packs MC virtues into a high-output, uncomplicated shell. Only the flagship Charisma V2 sits above it in the MM range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy the Maestro V2?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Micro-HD stylus sits in the groove with a longer contact area than an elliptical grind, extracting more fine detail and space as a result. Boron stiffens the cantilever at minimal mass. Measurably, this shows up as a channel balance of 0.2 dB — the tightest figure in the series — with over 30 dB of channel separation. And yet it stays a high-output MM at around 3.6 mV for any MM phono stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat you hear\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eResolution and depth of image you'd hardly expect from an MM: fine treble definition, precise imaging, plus a full, colourful tonal foundation. The Maestro V2 easily plays on equal terms with many cheaper MC systems — just without their list of accessories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWho is the Maestro V2 for?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor MM listeners who want the maximum, and for MC sceptics who'd rather skip the loading hassle. To be blunt: a line-contact grind needs more careful alignment than an elliptical one — VTA and azimuth need to be right, or you're giving away exactly what you paid for. If you never want to touch your arm, you'll be happier with the Virtuoso V2. And if you already own a first-rate MC preamp, you should compare it against a Clearaudio MC.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Maestro V2 is the point where a moving magnet stops thinking of itself as a moving magnet. If you want MC-level resolution without MC-level hassle, there's hardly a way around it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eWhat the trade press says:\u003c\/em\u003e \"As musical as they come, the Maestro V2 Ebony should be required listening for moving-magnet and moving-coil fans alike.\" — Neil Gader, The Absolute Sound, 2013\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical data\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eType: Moving Magnet (MM), high output\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOutput voltage: approx. 3.6 mV (1 kHz \/ 5 cm\/s)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStylus tip: Micro HD (line contact)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCantilever: Boron\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHousing: ebony, hand-polished\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChannel separation: \u0026gt; 30 dB (1 kHz)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChannel balance: ≤ 0.2 dB (1 kHz)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTracking ability: 90 µm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRecommended tracking force: 2.2 g (± 0.3 g), range 1.8–2.6 g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCoil impedance: 0.66 kΩ (1 kHz)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCoil inductance: 0.42 H\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLoad: 47 kΩ \/ 100 pF\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: approx. 8.4 g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMounting: ½ inch standard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStylus replacement: factory only, system sent in\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat sets the Maestro V2 apart from the smaller MM systems?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe cantilever and stylus grind. The Concept, Performer, Artist and Virtuoso use an elliptical diamond on aluminium; the Maestro V2 combines boron with a Micro-HD line-contact stylus, the type Clearaudio fits all the way up to the Goldfinger Statement. This noticeably lifts resolution and tracking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I replace the stylus on the Maestro V2 myself?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. On the Clearaudio V2 systems, the stylus can't be swapped by the customer. The cartridge is sent in, the stylus unit renewed at the factory, and the system sent back. Realignment in the tonearm is then essential — especially with a line-contact grind. We handle that professionally.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs the Maestro V2 worth it over an MC system?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you don't have an MC phono stage, or want to spare yourself the loading and step-up transformer: yes. The Maestro delivers MC-like resolution on any MM stage. If you already own a good MC preamp, you should compare it against a Clearaudio MC — we're happy to set that up for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat phono stage does the Maestro V2 need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA standard MM phono stage with 47 kΩ and 100 pF is enough. At around 3.6 mV output voltage, it's a classic high-output MM; an MC stage or step-up transformer isn't necessary and would overload the input.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy buy the Maestro V2 from HD Zürisee?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause a line-contact grind deserves a clean alignment — and that's exactly what we deliver. We mount it to the millimetre, tune it to your arm, and advise you honestly on the right phono stage. As an authorised Clearaudio dealer, your warranty is handled correctly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGoes well with\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou'll find the right electronics and foundation among our \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/phono-vorverstarker\"\u003ephono preamps\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/tonarme\"\u003etonearms\u003c\/a\u003e. Alignment aids, scales and record care are available under \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/plattenspieler-zubehor\"\u003eturntable accessories\u003c\/a\u003e, the rest of the range under \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/zubehor\"\u003eAll Accessories\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Clearaudio","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52989499081040,"sku":null,"price":1200.0,"currency_code":"CHF","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0932\/3262\/8048\/files\/clearaudio-maestro-v2-moving-magnet-tonabnehmer-schraegansicht.jpg?v=1785846909","url":"https:\/\/hdzuerisee.ch\/en\/products\/clearaudiomaestrov2","provider":"HD Zürisee AG","version":"1.0","type":"link"}