The Clearaudio Basic phono preamplifier is based on a modern concept and excellent design. This phono preamplifier can work with both MM-type (moving magnet) and MC-type (moving coil) cartridges, thanks to a switch installed on the bottom of the housing. The advanced circuit allows you to automatically match the input impedance of the phono preamplifier to the impedance of the cartridge used.
In its price class, this phono preamplifier is the undisputed leader and a reference point for all competitors, as it is backed by the many years of experience of the German company Clearaudio in the field of analog technology development.
This smooth aluminum housing with a black anodized coating hides an inner world of very sophisticated functions. The Basic phono preamplifier has been awarded many awards.
On the bottom of the phono preamplifier there is a button for switching between moving coil and moving magnet modes. The manufacturer also pays attention to the high accuracy of matching the RIAA curve, which ensures naturalness and naturalness of the sound.
The back of the Clearaudio Basic is occupied by the input and output, which use gold-plated RCA connectors. There is a ground terminal. A separate linear power supply eliminates the influence of mains interference on the signal and sensitive components of the equalizer amplifier.
There is no mains toggle switch: the manufacturer recommends keeping the circuit turned on all the time. With such a meager consumption, this is not a problem. The equalizer has a low level of noise and distortion, at least in the MC mode, the hiss in the speakers is barely audible. The amplification of the phono equalizer is more than enough to work with any heads on the market.
Technical specifications
Type: phono equalizer
Input modes: MM/MC
Coefficient. gain (1 kHz):
46 dB (MM)
66 dB (MC)
Input impedance:
47 kohm / 270 pF (MM)
500 Ohm / 270 pF (MC)
MM/MC input: switch
RIAA characteristic accuracy: +/- 0.1 dB (20 Hz - 20 kHz).
Distortion: 0.002 %
S/N ratio:
72 dB (MM)
67 dB (MC)
Channel separation: 90 dB (1 kHz)
Max. output signal: 10 V (1 kHz)
Output: unbalanced RCA.
Phono Equalizer Dimensions (W x H x D):
118 x 42 x 158 mm (with RCA)
Linear (transformer) power supply dimensions (W x H x D):
100 x 80 x 55 mm