91%

Clearaudio balance reference phono variant 1

Clearaudio balance reference phono variant 2

Clearaudio balance reference phono variant 3

Clearaudio balance reference phono variant 4

Clearaudio balance reference phono variant 5

Clearaudio balance reference phono

Name: Clearaudio balance reference phono
Brand: Clearaudio
SKU: electronics-balance-reference-phono
Rating: 4.6 (10 reviews)

View at Clearaudio

One device containing two full-fledged symmetrical phono preamplifiers

The new balance reference phono was developed especially for the phono enthusiast, featuring completely independent phono inputs for connecting moving coil and moving magnet phono cartridges. It provides total freedom in selecting balanced (XLR) or single-ended (RCA) inputs and outputs with the total flexibility of adjusting the input impedance for most cartridges.

The sophisticated volume and input circuitry are accessible with the supplied remote control. The high-performance design provides 2 headphone connections. A dual-mono power supply housed in its own dedicated aluminium chassis assures the highest sound quality.

The balance reference phono is truly a world-class phono stage for analog aficionados.

Dealers selling Clearaudio near you

Join us at T.H.E. Show SoCal 2026!

Overall Score 91/100

Deliciously Crispy

Clearaudio Balance Reference Phono delivers studio-grade, incisive analog playback from a compact two-box design. Its standout is the dual independent phono channels with passive RIAA equalization and an offboard dual‑mono PSU that produce exceptional spatial imaging and very low noise. The sound is neutral and revealing with taut, fast dynamics, clear midrange focus and convincing staging — points underscored by Knuth Zensen and Frank Hakopians. Machined-aluminum build, a front-panel level control, dual headphone jacks and broad MM/MC loading make it extremely flexible for cartridge matching and even direct-to-power-amp use. For audiophiles who want precise imaging, strong transient drive and comprehensive connectivity, the Balance Reference is a feature-rich, high-end phono stage whose premium is justified by measured performance and real-world versatility.

Fidelity Magazine

"Tonality and spatial presentation are rendered with aplomb, without slowing down the musical flow that is flung into the listening room with power and juice."

6 Moons

"The Balance Reference Phono apparently knew the right dosage of everything and controlled the sonic imagery down to the smallest detail."

Pros

Exceptional spatial imaging and detailed, transparent presentation across the frequency range.
Fast, punchy dynamics and rhythmic drive with fine gradations that preserve musical momentum.
Comprehensive feature set — two independent MM/MC stages, wide loading options, built-in volume control and headphone outputs — enabling flexible cartridge matching and direct connection to power amps or active speakers.

Cons

Bottom-mounted DIP switches and closely placed PSU/IEC connector can make setup changes and bulky power cables awkward.
Slightly less ultimate bass extension and a mildly softened treble compared with the very top reference phono stages.
Very low-output MC cartridges (<0.2 mV) may be underserved by the available gain/SNR for the quietest possible systems.

Transparency

90/100

Reviewers repeatedly praised a very quiet presentation and precise RIAA accuracy. Fidelity noted no detectable artifacts from the subsonic filter and excellent detail retrieval, while 6 Moons noted trusting the offboard dual-mono PSU to deliver “perfectly quiet” current; the published SNR (-89dB MM / -79dB MC) and ±0.1dB RIAA support a high transparency rating, though the MC SNR figure prevents an absolute reference score.

Sound Quality

92/100

The unit is repeatedly described as lively, punchy and fast: Fidelity praised fine gradations of dynamics and driving rhythmic flow, while 6 Moons emphasized lightning-fast attacks and a sense of musical momentum. The combination of low noise, strong headroom and quick transient response supports excellent dynamic performance.

Cartridge Compatibility

91/100

Clearaudio supplies true MM/MC switching with wide resistive and capacitive loading options (50Ω–50kΩ; multiple pF options) and 46/66dB gain — reviewers note two independent phono stages and broad loading choices. The 66dB MC gain is robust for most MCs, but Fidelity cautioned very low-output pickups (<0.2mV) may be underserved, preventing an even higher, reference-level mark.

Build Quality

93/100

Build and engineering quality are praised: Fidelity called the workmanship 'above reproach' and 6 Moons highlighted the offboard, internally dual-mono PSU and passive RIAA topology for sonic precision. The solid construction, balanced/XLR options and thoughtful shielding/power design justify a high score.

Value for Money

89/100

Reviewers treat the unit as a serious, premium purchase but generally feel the features and performance justify the price. Fidelity pointed to the comprehensive feature set (two independent stages, headphone amp, volume control) as putting the price into perspective, and 6 Moons compared it favorably to substantially more expensive alternatives, supporting a justified-premium rating.