German analogue audio fans, Clearaudio, has announced refreshed and upgraded versions of its ever-popular duo of mid-priced Basic and Balanced phonostages.
Clearaudio Balance V2
Combining three keystone components in one - preamplifier, phonostage and headphone amplifier - Clearaudio's new Balance V2 (£2,510) offers many options for the vinyl aficionado.
The advances baked-in to the new V2 supersedes the technologies found in the previous Balance Plus while retaining the latter's options for adjusting and fine-tuning its performance to your particular system and preferences. Additionally, the Balance V2 keeps the effortlessly intuitive operation and elegant looks of its predecessor.
The Balance V2 features a fully balanced circuit design with entirely independent circuitry for left and right channels, and so promises to give excellent stereo separation and a realistic soundstage.
As well as the usual RCA outputs, the Balance V2 features balanced XLR outputs and a 6.3mm plug headphone output. A flick of a switch is all it takes to select between moving magnet and moving coil mode (SNR: -78db MM mode, -69dB MC mode). From there, the Balance V2 will automatically harmonise with almost any high-end phono cartridge without you needing to make any further adjustments, according to the manufacturer. The Balance V2's volume control enables it to be connected directly to a power amplifier or to an active loudspeaker system.
High precision RIAA equalisation achieves an accuracy of within 0.1dB, while an optional subsonic filter (20Hz (-6dB / Oct.) attenuates any unwanted low-frequency noise. A separate power supply in its own sleek, resonance-shielding aluminium casing keeps any potential interference at bay, says Clearaudio.
Clearaudio Basic V2
Basic by name and, perhaps looks, but not in performance. The Basic V2 phonostage (£990) boasts highly refined features that might not be instantly recognisable from the single visible control - the power switch.
However, flip the Basic V2 over you'll find a moving coil and moving magnet selector switch (SNR: -72db MM mode, -67dB MC mode) which, as with the Balance V2, makes the Balance V2 compatible with almost any high-end phono cartridge without making any further adjustments.
Furthermore, you can choose from a range of performance-enhancing settings to fine-tune its parameters to your system and your heart's content. An optional subsonic filter attenuates any unwanted low-frequency noise, while RIAA equalisation accuracy is again within 0.1dB.
Both phono stages have a stated gains of +46dB (MM mode) and +66dB (MC mode) with impedance outputs of 47 kOhm / 270pF (MM mode) and 500 Ohm / 270pF (MC mode).
Pricing and availability
The Balance V2 and Basic V2 are available now, priced at £2,510 and £990 respectively (inc. VAT).
For more information, head on over to Clearaudio.
Posted in: Hi-Fi
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