Clearaudio Performer v2 Ebony MM Phono Cartridge

Clearaudio Performer v2 Ebony MM Phono Cartridge

What You Need to Know

German Precision Meets Real Ebony—at an Entry-Level Price

The Clearaudio Performer v2 Ebony MM Phono Cartridge brings genuine German handcraft to the affordable end of high-end analog. Handmade in Erlangen, Germany, the Performer v2 wraps a carefully graded moving magnet generator in a hand-polished body of real ebony wood—a material most brands reserve for their flagships.

If you want a serious cartridge from one of analog’s most respected names without a serious price, start here.

Hand-Polished Ebony Wood Body

Ebony is one of the densest tonewoods on earth, and Clearaudio uses it across this entire MM line for its natural resistance to resonance. The result is a cleaner, more controlled presentation than plastic-bodied cartridges can deliver—music emerges from a quieter, more composed background.

Precision-Graded Generator

Clearaudio measures and grades every generator it builds, matching each performance level to a model in the line. The Performer v2’s generator delivers a healthy 3.3mV output with low coil inductance that makes it unusually insensitive to cable capacitance—so it sounds right in almost any setup.

Double-Polished Elliptical Stylus

An elliptical diamond, double-polished for low noise and accurate groove contact, rides on a rigid aluminum cantilever. Tracking is secure and forgiving, making the Performer v2 an easy cartridge to set up and live with.

Handmade in Germany

Every Performer v2 is assembled and tested by hand at Clearaudio’s factory in Erlangen, Germany, and backed by a two-year warranty with registration.

Building Your System

The Performer v2 works with any standard MM phono input and suits a wide range of turntables and tonearms—an ideal first step into audiophile cartridges.

When the stylus eventually wears, Clearaudio’s generous trade-in program lets you exchange your cartridge toward a new one at substantial savings.

Features & Specifications

Hand-Polished Ebony Wood Body
Dense tonewood naturally damps resonance for a cleaner presentation.

Precision-Graded MM Generator
Individually measured and matched for consistent performance.

Double-Polished Elliptical Diamond Stylus
Accurate groove contact with secure, forgiving tracking.

Low-Inductance Coil Design
Insensitive to cable capacitance—sounds right in almost any system.

Handmade in Erlangen, Germany
Hand-assembled, tested, and backed by a two-year warranty.

Standard ½-Inch Mount
Threaded body holes and mounting hardware included.

Specifications

•          Type: Moving Magnet (MM)

•          Stylus: Double-Polished Elliptical Diamond

•          Cantilever: Aluminum

•          Body: Hand-Polished Ebony Wood

•          Output: 3.3mV

•          Load Impedance: 47k ohms / 100pF

•          Mounting: Standard ½-inch (threaded)

•          Tracking Force: 2.2 grams (±0.3 grams)

•          Weight: 8.4 grams

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special phono preamp?
No. The Performer v2 works with any standard moving magnet (MM) phono input.

How does the Performer v2 compare to the cartridge that came with my turntable?
Stock cartridges are mass-produced with plastic bodies and basic styli. The Performer v2 is hand-built in Germany with a real ebony body and an individually graded generator—the difference in clarity and composure is immediate.

How does it compare to the Artist v2?
The Artist v2 uses a higher-graded generator with greater output, better channel separation, and tighter channel balance for a more focused stereo image.

Who is the Performer v2 designed for?
It’s ideal for vinyl listeners who want authentic German-made quality and real-wood construction at an entry-level price.

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