GERMAN turntable specialist Clearaudio has upgraded two of its most popular phono stages, the Balance and Basic.
The Balance V2 is a three-purpose unit – preamplifier, phono stage and headphone amplifier – to cater to every type of vinyl user.
According to the company, the two-box Balance V2 “advances the technologies of the previous Balance Plus, while retaining the latter’s impressive array of options for adjusting and fine-tuning its performance to your particular system and preferences.
“The Balance V2 features a fully-balanced circuit design with completely independent circuitry for left and right channels, giving excellent stereo separation and a realistic soundstage.”
A volume control allows direct hook-up to a power amplifier or an active loudspeaker system. The unit has RCA and XLR outputs, along with a 6.3mm plug headphone output. A simple switch allows selection between moving magnet and moving coil modes.
“The Balance V2 will automatically harmonise with almost any high-end phono cartridge without needing any further adjustments. High precision RIAA equalisation achieves an accuracy of within 0.1dB, while an optional subsonic filter attenuates any unwanted low frequency noise. A separate power supply in its own sleek, resonance-shielding aluminium casing keeps any potential interference at bay.”
As for the Basic V2, despite the minimalist design, “there’s nothing basic about it.”
“Its predecessor, the Basic Plus, was a multi-award winner and with the V2, Clearaudio has taken all of that ‘Plus’ technology up a notch.
“On the outside, there’s just one visible control: a single power switch on the upper surface that opens up a raft of possibilities. On the underside, you can switch between MC and MM modes. Like the Balance V2, the Basic V2 is compatible with almost any high-end phono cartridge without making any further adjustments.”
There is also a range of performance-enhancing settings for fine-tuning its parameters. An optional subsonic filter attenuates any unwanted low frequency noise, while RIAA equalisation accuracy is again within 0.1dB.
Both models are available now, retailing at £2,510 for the Balance V2 and £990 for the Basic V2.
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