Clearaudio Compact Phono

Clearaudio Clearaudio Compact Phono | Phono pre-amp for MM/MC systems

The Compact Phono combines MM and MC amplification in a particularly compact design. With simple switching, low-noise circuitry and precise RIAA equalisation, it offers everything you need for clean and balanced vinyl playback.

For MM and MC cartridges
The Compact Phono is designed for moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges. Switching between the two operating modes is done simply at the touch of a button.

With 47 kOhm / 100 pF for MM and 100 Ohm / 100 pF for MC, it is optimised for a wide range of common cartridges.

The compact phono preamplifier lives up to its name; measuring just 80 x 115 x 26 millimetres, it is so small that it fits into any setup. A switch allows the preamplifier to switch between MM and MC, making it compatible with a wide range of turntables and cartridges.

The new compact phono impressively demonstrates just how much high-end technology can be packed into a compact housing. With its sophisticated circuit architecture and uncompromising choice of components, it is the perfect interface between turntable and amplifier for almost
any cartridge system. Signal processing without compromise

At the heart of the compact phono lies an innovative active feedback topology featuring extremely low-noise, high-precision operational amplifiers. The gain is divided into two stages:
Whilst the first stage handles the bulk of the gain to maximise the signal-to-noise ratio, targeted filters in the second stage suppress unwanted frequencies. A subsonic filter at 16 Hz eliminates unwanted rumble caused by uneven records, whilst an

ultrasonic filter at 70 kHz reliably suppresses cartridge resonances. The result is precise RIAA equalisation with perfect signal stability.

Maximum flexibility for MM and MC Whether it’s an entry-level cartridge or an extremely low-noise MC system: Thanks to the adjustable input load (47 kOhm / 100 pF for MM; 100 Ohm / 100 pF for MC) and the switchable gain of 40 dB and 60 dB, the compact phono can be effortlessly tailored to any system. Excellent build quality and a clean power supply.

The basis for the exceptionally quiet sound is a specially developed audio power supply (±18V), which, in combination with two linear voltage regulators, ensures an extremely stable and noise-free voltage. Inside, a four-layer printed circuit board (4-layer PCB) with
separate ground and power supply planes guarantees the shortest signal paths and minimal impedances. Thanks to selected thin-film resistors and the highest-quality capacitors with the tightest tolerances, the compact phono delivers perfectly symmetrical channel separation. The circuitry is protected by a low-resonance metal housing with insulating feet.

Technical specifications for the Clearaudio Compact Phono
• High-performance audio technology
- High-quality audio operational amplifier (2.5 nV/vHz) for minimal noise
- Active feedback topology for maximum sound precision

• MM / MC mode
- 47 kOhm / 100 pF (MM) or 100 Ohm / 100 pF (MC)
- 40/60 dB gain switch suitable for almost all cartridges

• Precise sound processing
- Standard RIAA equalisation (75 µs / 318 µs / 3180 µs)
- Subsonic filter (16 Hz) reduces rumble and record warping
- Ultrasonic filter (70 kHz) prevents resonances

• Optimised signal processing
- Two-stage amplification circuit for low noise (high SNR)
- Band-limited second stage for greater stability and reduced interference

• High-quality power supply
- Audio-optimised ±18 V power supply
- Dual linear voltage regulation for a stable, clean power supply

• Premium technology & construction
- Tight component tolerances for perfect channel balance
- Thin-film resistors & high-quality capacitors
- 4-layer PCB for optimised ground and current paths

• Robust housing
- Low-resonance metal housing with insulating feet
- Reduction of EMI interference & improved heat dissipation

• Sound tuning
- Developed by ear – for maximum musical performance
- Optimised measurement values, refined sound character