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Clearaudio · Basic
$2,000
Not currently in our rooms. For a serious buyer we will often bring a piece in from the manufacturer for a private session — tell us about your system and what you are weighing it against, and we will advise.
Clearaudio · Basic
The Basic V2 is a German-made MM/MC phono stage milled from solid aluminum, with 66 dB of moving-coil gain, RIAA accuracy of ±0.1 dB and nothing on top but a power switch.
Black or silver anodized aluminum, same price.
Authorized Clearaudio dealer · Delivery and installation by Pearl Audio · Trade-ins welcome
The story
The Basic V2 replaced the Basic Plus and takes its look from Clearaudio's Absolute Phono. The case is milled from a solid block of aluminum and anodized silver or black. The only control in sight is a power switch on top; MM/MC selection and the 20 Hz subsonic filter are on the underside. RIAA equalization uses two passive filters and is accurate to ±0.1 dB. Inputs and outputs are gold-plated RCA with a ground terminal, power comes from an external ±18 V supply, and the rear panel is marked made in Germany.
Gain is 46 dB for moving magnets and 66 dB for moving coils, enough for most MM cartridges and nearly all medium- and low-output moving coils, with 20 dB of overload margin. Loading is fixed at 47 kΩ for MM and 500 Ω for MC, both at 270 pF. Clearaudio says the MC setting suits most demanding moving coils without further adjustment; if your cartridge wants a much lower load, ask us first.
Distortion is under 0.002%, channel separation better than 90 dB, and the 10 Ω output impedance drives long cables without complaint. With one input and one output, the Basic V2 is a set-and-forget upgrade from a built-in phono input or an entry-level phono box, and it is small enough to sit beside the turntable. The Balance V2 adds balanced connections, a volume control and a headphone amplifier.
| Type | Solid-state MM/MC phono preamplifier, external power supply |
| Gain (1 kHz) | 46 dB (MM) / 66 dB (MC) |
| Loading | MM: 47 kΩ / 270 pF; MC: 500 Ω / 270 pF |
| RIAA accuracy | ±0.1 dB; 75 / 318 / 3180 µs, two passive filters |
| Signal-to-noise | 72 dB (MM) / 67 dB (MC) |
| Distortion | <0.002% (IEC A) |
| Overload margin | 20 dB |
| Channel separation | >90 dB at 1 kHz |
| Output | >10 V at 1 kHz, 10 Ω |
| Subsonic filter | 20 Hz, −18 dB/oct, switchable |
| Inputs / outputs | Gold-plated RCA with ground terminal / RCA |
| Power supply | External ±18 V DC, 1.4 m cable; 3 W maximum |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | About 4.6 × 5.7 × 1.7 in (118 × 145 × 42 mm) |
| Weight | About 2.6 lb (1.2 kg) with power supply |
| Warranty | 3 years with registration (Clearaudio) |
Clearaudio's phono stages, from the Nano to the Balance.
A sensible match for Clearaudio moving coils from the Talisman V2.1 Gold to the Stradivari V2.1.
Plan your Clearaudio system with Pearl Audio
Pearl Audio is an authorized Clearaudio dealer. We can match gain and loading to your cartridge, set it up in your system, and arrange an audition in our Portland showroom. Call (503) 222-2599 or email sales@pearlaudio.com.
The Pearl Audio experience
A system at this level should be heard, thoughtfully matched, and properly set up. From the first audition to long-term ownership, you work with the same people, in person.
The Basic V2 Phono Stage is not in our rooms at present. When it is the right piece for a client we arrange a demonstration unit from the manufacturer and set it up for a private session.
We deliver and install throughout the Portland area, taking care of placement, connections, ventilation and system configuration ourselves.
We support everything we sell for as long as you own it, whether the answer comes by phone, in your home, or through factory service.
Trade-in assistance and qualifying 100% Trade-Up options give you flexibility when your listening priorities or your system change.
