What else needs to be set? For example the input and the amplification factor. The latter is switchable as usual for MM- and MC-pickups, whereby the increasing steps vary depending on the selected operating mode (cf. measured values). As MM pickups are usually in contact with the tonearm mass they are therefore best connected to the unbalanced cinch input. MCs on the other hand are the only truly balanced sources of high fidelity besides microphones, which is why XLR sockets are available as an alternative – high-output MCs in MM mode. As a third option, a subsonic filter can be switched against low-frequency noise. Clearaudio has dispensed with selectable impedances for MCs. The 500 Ohm applied in MC mode are okay. Motto: One fits all.

Thanks to the one meter long supply cable, the power supply can be moved away from the actual amplifier. The duo should not be placed on top of each other as shown in the photo anyway – but it should be broken in for some time. After one or two days, the initial crisp touch had dissolved into pleasureable homogeneity. At least with MC. Via the MM input the playback remained somewhat overly present, with too little support from the fundamental low tone range. The sound also appeared a little tough and kind of cramped.

With the volume control activated, you have enough level to control standard power amplifiers, active speakers or even high-impedance headphones. Thereby the Clearaudio pushes heavily from the bottom, so that even smaller chains get red cheeks. The Balance V2 can thus be a fully-fledged replacement for a „real“ preamplifier, although, only up to a certain level of quality. While it couldn‘t quite match the level of our high-end configuration with Accustic Arts‘ ambitious preamplifier/amplifier combination in the function of the preamplifier substitute, the V2 distinguished itself all the more as a pure phono pre.