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Clearaudio smart phono V2

Name: Clearaudio smart phono V2
Brand: Clearaudio
SKU: electronics-smart-phono-v2
Rating: 4.4 (5 reviews)

View at Clearaudio

& smart phono headphone V2

A light 620-gram phonostage that seduced the worldwide audio press. The only thing that is 'entry level' about this product is its price.

A minimalist aluminium housing that contains one of the best sounding phonostages in its market. Up to 54 decibels gain at one kilohertz and an extremely linear frequency response deliver unprecedented quality at this price point. For MM and MC cartridges there are two separate circuit designs using SMD technology, which are selected by a slide switch on the underside.

The smart phono headphone V2 additionally contains a powerful headphone amplifier within the solid aluminium housing for private listening at the highest fidelity.

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Overall Score 88/100

Nicely Roasted

Compact powerhouse with lively, punchy presentation

The Clearaudio smart phono V2 condenses serious phono-stage performance into a fingertip-sized chassis. In Graig Neville's review the unit is praised for its energetic, slam-forward presentation, tight bass and engaging tempo while remaining cleaner and less colored than many budget rivals. Sonically it emphasizes dynamics and pace, with solid imaging and improved timbre when paired with low-output MC cartridges.

Feature-wise it offers full MM/MC support, bottom-mounted jumpers plus a front-panel gain wheel that extends compatibility across a wide range of cartridges. The solid-state build, accurate RIAA response and thoughtful ergonomics make it ideal for listeners wanting lively, immediate playback from a compact, value-oriented phono stage.

Part Time Audiophile

"The Clearaudio smart phono V2 isn’t much bigger than a Mani, but wow does it provide some seriously big things in a tiny box."

Pros

Surprisingly big performance from a tiny, well-built chassis — compact yet feature-packed for desktop or shelf placement.
Extensive MM/MC compatibility with selectable gains and a front gain wheel makes matching cartridges easy and flexible.
Punchy, dynamic delivery with tight, clean bass and engaging tempo that brings energetic recordings to life.
Strong value — delivers features and musicality that outstrip many competitors in the sub‑$1,000 segment.

Cons

Not completely neutral—some listeners may prefer a smoother, more laid-back phono stage for classical or very polite recordings.
Bottom‑mounted jumpers and non‑standard back‑panel labeling can make initial setup awkward compared with simpler layouts.

Transparency

82/100

Clearaudio's specs show excellent RIAA accuracy (±0.3dB) and a healthy MM SNR (85dB), which support a clean, accurate retrieval of information; the reviewer noted it was 'far less colored' than the Schiit Mani. However, the MC SNR spec (72dB) is relatively modest for moving-coil operation and limits ultimate background quiet for low-output MCs, so expectations for MC noise must be tempered despite no explicit noise complaints in the review.

Sound Quality

92/100

The reviewer repeatedly highlights strong dynamics: 'punchy, vibrant, and added slam, tempo, and excitement' and drove beats home on bass-heavy material. The unit's headroom and solid-state design translate to lively micro- and macro-dynamics that make records feel engaging and propulsive.

Cartridge Compatibility

92/100

True MM/MC capability with selectable gains (34dB MM, 54dB MC) plus an additional front wheel gain (up to 18dB) and a wide set of loading options (MC: 50, 100, 500, 1k, 5k Ω and 150/250/400 pF; MM: 47kΩ and multiple capacitances) makes it highly versatile for most cartridges. Adjustments are done via jumpers on the bottom (not front-panel), which is less convenient but functionally comprehensive for matching a broad range of MM and low-output MCs.

Build Quality

88/100

Solid-state construction, compact chassis and external power supply (±18V DC) give a well-built, well-shielded package for its size; reviewer calls it a 'small, silver powerhouse.' Clearaudio workmanship and the spec'd channel separation (>90dB) and low THD support a high-quality build and implementation.

Value for Money

90/100

The review explicitly calls it 'a helluva phono stage for the money' and praises it as punching above its weight; the reviewer cited a street price of about $775, which in that context frames the smart phono V2 as strong value relative to competitors like the Mani. Given the features, MM/MC flexibility and performance for the stated price, reviewers judged the price justified.