ClearAudio Artist v2
Overview
The ClearAudio Artist v2 cartridge is an evolution of the German manufacturer’s moving magnet (MM) cartridge range, designed to deliver audiophile sound quality on high-end turntables. Combining cutting-edge technology with premium materials, this cartridge promises detailed and natural musical reproduction.
A Hand-Polished Ebony Body for Controlled Resonance
The Artist v2 stands out with its hand-polished ebony body, a choice that is both aesthetic and technical. This dense and rigid wood significantly reduces unwanted resonances, contributing to a purer and more natural sound reproduction. The body’s shape has also been optimized to minimize undesirable vibrations. This meticulous design offers a clear advantage over aluminum or resin housings, which are more common in this price range.
Next-Generation MM Technology
At the heart of the Artist v2 is a next-generation moving magnet (MM) generator. ClearAudio has thoroughly redesigned this system, using more powerful magnets and optimizing the coil geometry. These improvements result in a high output level (approximately 3.8 mV) while maintaining excellent channel separation (>28 dB). Distortion has been minimized, ensuring faithful reproduction of the musical signal in all its dynamic range.
An Aluminum Cantilever for Precise Response
The Artist v2’s cantilever is made of aluminum, a material that combines lightness and rigidity. This feature enables rapid and precise transmission of vibrations from the stylus to the coils, ensuring excellent transient response. The cantilever’s slender design also reduces the moving mass of the assembly, enhancing its ability to track even the most complex grooves.
An Elliptical Stylus for Fine Groove Tracking
At the tip of the cantilever, ClearAudio has chosen an elliptical stylus. This shape allows for closer contact with the groove walls, extracting more sonic information than traditional conical tips. The stylus polishing process has been meticulously refined, using an optimized technique to achieve a perfectly symmetrical profile. This precision reduces record wear while enhancing sound definition, particularly in the high frequencies.
Extended Frequency Range for Accurate Reproduction
The Artist v2 boasts a remarkably extended frequency response, covering the range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. This wide bandwidth reproduces the entire audible spectrum with precision. Low frequencies are delivered with depth and control, free from dragging effects. The midrange, crucial for vocals and acoustic instruments, benefits from rich harmonic detail. Finally, the highs are characterized by their clarity and lack of harshness, adding air and definition to the soundstage.
Broad Compatibility for Easy Integration
Despite its high performance, the Artist v2 is relatively easy to integrate into an existing system. Its weight of 8.4 grams and moderate compliance make it compatible with a wide range of tonearms. The recommended tracking force of 2.2 grams (+/- 0.3g) is typical for high-end MM cartridges. The standard load impedance of 47 kOhms allows it to be used with most phono preamps on the market.
Audiophile Sound Within Reach of Discerning Listeners
The Artist v2 positions itself as an entry point to high-end sound, offering performance close to that of the most renowned MC (moving coil) cartridges. Its soundstage is characterized by its width and depth, allowing precise localization of each instrument. The dynamics are excellent, faithfully reproducing both subtle nuances and intense passages. Instrument timbres are respected, with minimal coloration that preserves listening neutrality while adding a touch of warmth typical of quality MM cartridges.
Technical Specifications
General Specifications
- Cartridge weight: 8.4 g (± 0.4 g)
- Cartridge body: Ebony wood
Audio Performance
- Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz
- Output voltage (1 kHz, 5 cm / s): ~ 3.6 mV
- Channel separation (1 kHz): 24 dB
- Channel balance (1 kHz): 0.8 dB
- Tracking ability: 80 μm
- Compliance: 15 μm / mN
Mechanical Characteristics
- Recommended tracking force: 2.2 g ± 0.3 g
- Cantilever: Aluminum
- Stylus tip: Elliptical
Electrical Characteristics
- Coil impedance (1 kHz): 0.66 kΩ
- Coil inductance: 400 mH
- Load resistance: 47 kΩ
- Load capacitance: 100 pF
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Artist v2 suitable for all music genres?
Yes, thanks to its extended frequency response and good dynamics, the Artist v2 is suitable for all musical genres. It particularly excels in reproducing acoustic recordings and complex music rich in detail.
Can the stylus of the Artist v2 be replaced separately?
Yes, ClearAudio offers replacement styli for the Artist v2. This option extends the cartridge’s lifespan and maintains its optimal performance without needing to replace the entire body.
What are the main differences between the Artist v2 and the previous model?
The Artist v2 features an optimized ebony body, more powerful magnets, and an improved coil system compared to its predecessor. These upgrades result in better channel separation, reduced distortion, and a slightly higher output level.
Does the Artist v2 require a specific phono preamp?
No, the Artist v2 is compatible with most standard phono preamps for MM cartridges. However, to fully exploit its performance, it is recommended to use a high-quality preamp with a good signal-to-noise ratio.
- Eco-contribution included in the sale price.
- Manufacturer reference: MM009
- GTIN / EAN: 4015166100224