Clearaudio Virtuoso v2 Ebony MM Phono Cartridge

Clearaudio Virtuoso v2 Ebony MM Phono Cartridge

What You Need to Know

The Finest Elliptical Cartridge Clearaudio Makes

The Clearaudio Virtuoso v2 Ebony MM Phono Cartridge receives the highest generator grade of any elliptical model in Clearaudio’s line. Handmade in Erlangen, Germany, it pairs a hand-polished ebony body with a generator selected for 26dB channel separation and channel balance within a remarkable 0.4dB.

Clearaudio’s US distributor puts it plainly: the Virtuoso v2 comes close to the flagship-stylus Maestro v2, with less sensitivity to setup and pressing variations.

Top-Graded Generator

Clearaudio measures and grades every generator it builds, and the Virtuoso v2 gets the best of the elliptical batch. Its 3.6mV output, wide separation, and near-perfect channel matching produce a big, stable soundstage with precise instrument placement.

Forgiving by Design

Because its elliptical stylus is less sensitive to VTA and record-pressing variations than exotic line-contact profiles, the Virtuoso v2 delivers consistently excellent sound without fussy setup—an ideal match for turntables with non-adjustable arms, like Clearaudio’s own Concept.

Hand-Polished Ebony Wood Body

Ebony is one of the densest tonewoods on earth, chosen for its natural resistance to resonance. Music emerges from a quieter, more composed background than any plastic-bodied cartridge can manage.

Handmade in Germany

Every Virtuoso 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 Virtuoso v2 works with any standard MM phono input and shines on quality turntables—especially those without VTA adjustment, where its forgiving elliptical profile is a genuine advantage.

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

Highest-Graded Elliptical Generator
26dB separation and 0.4dB channel balance for precise, stable imaging.

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

Double-Polished Elliptical Diamond Stylus
Excellent detail with low sensitivity to VTA and pressing variations.

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: 3.6mV

•          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 Virtuoso v2 works with any standard moving magnet (MM) phono input.

How does the Virtuoso v2 compare to the Artist v2?
Same body and stylus type—the Virtuoso’s generator is graded a step higher, with better separation and channel balance approaching the Maestro’s precision.

How does it compare to the Maestro v2?
The Maestro v2 steps up to a boron cantilever and Shibata line-contact stylus for greater resolution, but it demands more careful setup. The Virtuoso gets surprisingly close with less fuss.

Who is the Virtuoso v2 designed for?
It’s ideal for listeners who want near-flagship MM performance with easy, forgiving setup—especially on tables without VTA adjustment.

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