Clearaudio Balance V2 phono preamplifier

The new Clearaudio Balance V2 phono preamplifier is the first phono preamp from the German manufacturer offering a fully symmetrical circuit. Of course, it replaces the old version that was a real success with the specialized press and music lovers.

So it was not as easy for Clearaudio to make this phono preamp evolve (in the right direction), without losing the qualities that made the success of this one!

CLEARAUDIO BALANCE V2: FRONT PANEL AND BACK PANEL

To start, the housing is made of black or silver solid anodized aluminium.

On the front panel, there is a start switch, a volume control and a 6.33 mm stereo Jack headphone output. Indeed, this Balance V2 is not just a phono preamp, but also a headphone amplifier of very high quality.

On the back panel, in addition to the usual RCA outputs and inputs, the Balance V2 offers XLR (balanced) outputs and inputs.

CLEARAUDIO BALANCE V2: CIRCUIT AND PARAMETERS

The quality of the components and their placement allows you to have a RIAA curve with a precision of 0.1 dB and a distortion of less than 0.001%! The signal-to-noise ratio is also impressive: -78 dB in MM and -69 in MC.

By turning the device upside down, there is a 20 Hz subsonic filter switch (-6 dB / Oct), a variable or fixed mode switch (output volume) and an input switch (XLR or RCA).

There is also a gain selector (MM and MC). This simple switch allows you to choose between moving magnet and moving coil.

Unlike the competitors, the Clearaudio Balance V2 does not allow the adjustment to MC load. The MM settings seem useless because a moving magnet cartridge on a phono preamplifier of this range has no sense.

As with the Basic V2, Clearaudio shows that the input circuit adapts itself automatically to the internal impedance of the MC cartridges.

The switchable level control allows the operation as a headphone amplifier or a separated preamplifier.

CLEARAUDIO BALANCE V2: POWER SUPPLY

The Clearaudio Balance V2 is powered via a separated power supply which is very generous and has a similar housing to the phono preamp.

It is built around a huge toroidal transformer associated to a large filtering and various regulations in order to provide a clean and stable current to the RIAA stages.

CLEARAUDIO BALANCE V2: TEST AND LISTENING

The first notes show a very dynamic and transparent phono preamplifier.

The bass are really deep and wonderfully well structured.

We also find this soft and present mid-range, typical of Clearaudio’s products. The treble goes very high and enables clarity and legibility, without emphasizing this register.

Ambiances and “Room” effects are perfectly legible. The Balance V2 offers a superb balance associated to outstanding swing and dynamics.

In addition to its musicality, if you take into account the fact that it offers balanced outputs, this Clearaudio Balance V2 phono preamplifier is the deal of the moment!

Recommended!