Clearaudio Compact Phono MM/MC Phono Stage
CLEARAUDIO COMPACT PHONO MM/MC PHONO STAGE INTRODUCED
German HiFi brand Clearaudio has introduced the Clearaudio Compact Phono, a compact MM/MC phono stage measuring 80 x 115 x 26mm.
Designed to sit alongside a turntable without taking up much space, the new phono stage features front-panel switching between moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) operation.
CLEARAUDIO COMPACT PHONO
The MM/MC selection is controlled by a front-panel pushbutton. Clearaudio says this replaces the need to open previous phono stage models and reconfigure internal jumpers when changing cartridge type.
ACTIVE FEEDBACK TOPOLOGY
The Compact Phono uses an Active Feedback Topology with low-noise, high-precision operational amplifiers. Its gain is split across two stages, with the first providing the main amplification and the second incorporating filters designed to limit unwanted frequencies.
The phono stage includes a 16Hz subsonic filter intended to remove rumble associated with warped records, alongside a 70kHz ultrasonic filter designed to address cartridge resonances. Clearaudio says the design maintains RIAA equalisation and signal stability while providing filtering at both ends of the frequency range.
CLEARAUDIO COMPACT PHONO CARTRIDGE COMPATIBILITY
The Compact Phono is designed for use with both MM and MC cartridges, with adjustable input loading of 47kΩ / 100pF for MM and 100Ω / 100pF for MC. Gain can be switched between 40dB and 60dB to accommodate different cartridge outputs.
Clearaudio states that both gain settings are higher than those of its predecessor models, while MC operation provides 29dB of headroom.
POWER SUPPLY AND CONSTRUCTION
Power comes from a specially developed ±18V audio supply with two linear voltage regulators. Internally, the Compact Phono uses a four-layer PCB with separate ground and supply planes. Thin-film resistors and capacitors with tight tolerances are also used, while the electronics are housed in a low-resonance metal enclosure with isolating feet.
Power consumption is specified at 0.7 watts during operation, compared with 2.3–2.7 watts for the predecessor models. There is no standby mode.
CLEARAUDIO COMPACT PHONO PRICE AND AVAILABILITY
The Clearaudio Compact Phono is available now in black and silver. The suggested retail price is £490 / €490 / $639.
HiFi PiG says: The front-panel MM/MC switching and adjustable gain and loading make the Clearaudio Compact Phono a flexible option for vinyl systems, while its compact size should make it easy to accommodate.
