clearaudio Balance V2 Phono Preamplifier User Manual
- June 9, 2024
- clearaudio
Table of Contents
clearaudio Balance V2 Phono Preamplifier
Dear Clearaudio customer,
Thank you for choosing the balance V2 phono stage, a high quality audio
component made in Germany by Clearaudio.
The balance V2 builds upon, and advances, the technologies of the earlier
balance + phono stage, while sacrificing none of its ‘balance’.
Its design remains elegantly unfussy and its operation effortlessly intuitive.
And yet, at the same time, the balance V2 offers an array of options to adjust
and fine-tune its performance to your particular system and preferences.
The balance V2 has a power switch on the rear panel of the power supply which
should ideally be left on, only being switched off when connecting other
components in your hi-fi system or when not using it for an extended period of
time. This assures a constant operating temperature and the best possible
sonic results.
We wish you much musical enjoyment with your new balance V2 phono stage.
Clearaudio electronic GmbH
Safety instructions
General information
Check the device for visible damage before using it for the first time.
If the device is damaged, it should not be connected to the mains.
Also, never connect the device if it has been dropped or gotten wet, contact
your dealer to have the device inspected.
Never expose the device to rain or moisture.
Never touch the power cord of the device with wet hands.
For your own safety, regular visual inspections of any defective insulation on
the connection cable are also recommended. A damaged cable should be replaced
immediately by a specialist!
Never pull on the power cable to unplug the device, but directly on the plug!
The inside of the device is maintenance-free, never open the housing or try to
repair the device yourself. This can also lead to loss of warranty.
If you do not operate the device for a longer period of time, we recommend
disconnecting the power supply from the mains.
Not suitable for children! Scope of delivery may contain small parts that can
be swallowed.
Intended use
The balance V2 is a phono preamplifier to amplify the signal of the phono
cartridge.
The intended use of the balance V2 in accordance with the information provided
in the user manual only.
The power supply may only be operated with maximum permissible connection
values according to the technical data. Any other use or modification of this
product is not intended.
Location of installation
The device should only be set up on leveled surfaces.
Avoid location with direct sunlight, temperature fluctuations and high
humidity. Likewise, avoid placing electronic devices near heaters, heat lamps,
or other devices that produce heat.
The device is designed for operation in heated rooms.
Never block the ventilation slots or cover the device with a cloth or similar.
No objects with an open flame may be placed on the device (burning candles or
similar).
Phonostages provide a very high level of amplification, to address the fact
that the electrical signal generated by a phono cartridge is extremely low. As
a result, phonostages are extremely sensitive, which leads to the potential
problem that high-frequency interference may also be amplified to a point at
which it becomes noticeable. Unfortunately it is not possible to completely
protect the sensitive phonostage circuitry from this interference without
degrading its high fidelity performance.
Therefore care must be taken to position the phonostage away from sources of
high frequency interferences such as mobile phones, modems and powerline
communication systems (PLC) in which data is sent over the mains power
network.
Overload
The product is designed to comply with all necessary safety regulations,
however you should not leave the device unattended under extreme loads.
Maintenance
Only use a soft cloth with a smooth surface for cleaning. Never use agressive
cleaning detergent.
Health information
Permanently high volume can lead to various types of hearing damage. Use high
volume responsibly!
Service
During the gurantee period, the balance V2 may only be repaired by the
manufacturer, otherweise the warranty will become void.
All Clearaudio products should only be serviced by specialist retailer.
If despite the high production standard, a repair is necessary, the balance V2 must be sent to Clearaudio through your dealer.
Transport
Always us the original packaging when transporting the Clearaudio balance V2.
Be sure to pack the device exactly as it was shipped.
Safe transport is only guaranteed in the original packaging.
When packing, proceed in reverse as described for assembly.
Disposal
Do not dispose this product together with other waste. WEEE Reg. No.: DE26004446
CE Marking
This electronic product corresponds to the applicable guidelines for obtaining the CE mark.
Package contents
The Clearaudio balance V2 is delivered in a special designed packaging for
this product. Ensure that the packaging has no external damage, such as
shipping damage.
Please retain the packaging, as only the original packaging provides the
necessary protection and stability during any subsequent transportation.
Please check the contents of you’re newly purchased phono preamplifier
.
1.| balance V2
phono preamplifier stage with D-Sub power cord
| 3.| Power cord
(not shown)
---|---|---|---
2.| balance V2
power supply
| 4.| Without image:
User manual,Warranty card, Clearaudio
Quality Card, return delivery note
Set-up adjustments
To ensure the best possible channel separation, the left and right channels
are entirely separate in the balance V2. All switches are therefore duplicated
for the left and right channels.
Please make sure that both corresponding switches are always in the same
position.
Details of the adjustment and control options on the underside (Pic.1).
-
Gain (Selection of MM/MC cartridge mode)
- MM operation: Both ‘gain’ buttons in „off“ position (load impedance = 47kOhm)
- MC operation: Both ‘gain’ buttons in „on“ position (load impedance = 500Ohm)
-
Input selector (selction between balanced / unbalanced mode)
-
Balanced / symmetrical operation: Both buttons in „off“ position
(use balanced XLR interconnects for input) -
Unbalanced / unsymmetrical operation: Both buttons in „on“ position (use unbalanced RCA / cinch interconnects for input)
-
-
Subsonic filter
- Subsonic filter on: Both „subsonic off/on“ buttons in „on“ position
- Subsonic filter off: Both „subsonic off/on“ buttons in „off“ position
-
Variable function
The „mode“ button in the „variable“ positon (not pressed) unlocks the gain setting, which means that the volume can be adjusted using the front volume knob.
In the „fix“ option („mode“ button pressed), the volume knob is deactivated and the balance V2 plays at maximum volume.
In this case you can control the volume using other components in your hi-fi system.
Please note:
To protect your loudspeakers from any damage, please make sure that your power amplifier(s) are always switched off when you are connecting the interconnects to or from the balance V2 phono stage.
Before adjusting any settings, be sure to switch off the power of the balance V2 using the switch on the rear panel of the power supply.
Getting started
- Switch off all of your hi-fi system components and connect your balance V2 phono stage.
- Follow the set-up adjustment steps described above according to your components.
- For perfect sound, without interference, we recommend not to stack the two components of the balance V2, just to put them side by side.
- Connect the balance V2 with the 15-pin Sub-D connector to the power supply unit (Pic. 2).
- Connect the power supply to the mains supply and switch the unit on (Pic. 2).
Details of connections on rear of the balance V2 phonostage (Pic. 3).
-
Balanced output XLR
Both outputs are activated and ready to use at the same time. -
Unbalanced input RCA
Selection must be set manually using the „input selector“ on the underside. -
Balanced input XLR
Selection must be set manually using the „input selector“ on the underside. -
Unbalanced output RCA
Both outputs are activated and ready to use at the same time. -
Grounding
Details of connections on rear of the balance V2 power supply (Pic. 4). -
15-pole Sub-D connector
Connection to phono stage -
Main socket
On/off switch with main socket
Please note:
To prevent overheating of electronic parts, never cover or put anything on top
of the balance V2 phono stage or the power supply.
Clearaudio recycles your used equipment free of charge. Do not dispose of the
unit via domestic waste.
If the balance V2 is not in use for an extended period, switch it off at the
rear panel.
Clearaudio recycles your used equipment free of charge. Do not dispose of
the unit via domestic waste.
If the balance V2 is not in use for an extended period, switch it off at the
rear panel.
Operating controls
-
Headphone output
When you connect headphones, the outputs on the rear of the phono stage will be deactivated automatically. Similarly the ‘mode’ switch on the underside will have no function in this instance. -
Volume control
When „mode“ on the underside is set to „variable“ this knob can be used to adjust the volume. -
On/Off/Mute function:
-
After switching the unit on at the mains supply on the rear side, you then need to activate the phono stage b pry essing this button.
The LED of the button (3) will go off and the LED of the volume knob (2) will be illuminated.
-
To activate the „mute function“ press the button (3) again.
Both LEDs will start to blink.
-
To deactivate „mute function“ press the button (3) again.
The LED of the button (3) will go off again and the LED of the volume knob (2) will be illuminate again.
-
To activate the standby mode, press the button (3) and hold it for 2-3 seconds.
The LED of the button (3) will now be illuminated and the LED of the volume knob (2) will go off.
-
To switch off the device completely (to avoid unnecessary standby consumption if it will not be used for a long period of time) we recommend using the main switch on the rear.
Troubleshooting
If you have a problem with your balance V2, first check the possible causes to
rule out incorrect operation.
If the error persists, please contact your dealer!
Never try to open the device and/or repair it yourself, this will void the
warranty!
| Error | Cause | Measure |
|---|---|---|
| Device does not work | Is the power cord plugged in and the power switch | |
| turned on? | Check the connection. |
No sound or low volume?
| Did you choose the right input?| Check the connections of your hifi
components.
Have you selected the correct operating mode?| Check the settings on the
underside of the phono stage.
Is the device in „mute“ mode or is the
volume set too low?
| Check the volume setting of your device.
The connection cables are not properly connected.| Check the tonearm and
cartridge connections due the their respective user manual.
Devices with a headphone output only: Are the headphones still plugged in
when you are trying to play music through the speakers?| Disconnect the
headphones.
Hum or noise
| The ground cable is not connected or is faulty.| Connect the grounding
cable from the turntable/tonearm to the respective grounding connection on
the back of the device. If there are several ground connections, interrupt
them one after the other and check the sound quality again.
The device should not be operated in the vicinity of high-frequency devices
such as mobile phones or modems or on power supply systems used for data
traffic (PLC).| Make sure there is a minimum distance of 30cm between the
power supply units of any type and the MC preamplifier or phono preamplifier.
Powerlan adapters should not be operated on the same socket as the phono
preamplifier.
One channel quieter or louder| The channels of an input are set
differently.| Check the settings on the underside of the phono stage. These
must be carried out identically for an input.
Technical data
Mode:| MM / MC switchable (at bottom) // Subsonic filter switchable (at
bottom) 20Hz (- 6dB / Oct.; on each channel)
---|---
Amplification:| + 46dB (MM mode)
+ 66dB (MC mode)
Input load:| 47kΩ / 270pF (MM mode) 500Ω / 270pF (MC mode)
RIAA accuracy:| ± 0.1dB
THD:| < 0.001% (IEC A)
Signal to noise ratio:| – 78dB (MM mode)
– 79dB (MC mode)
Headroom:| + 23dB
Max. output voltage:| > 12V (at 1kHz)
RIAA:| 75μs / 318μs / 3180μs, 2 passive filter
Channel seperation:| > 92dB (at 1kHz)
Output impedance:| 150Ω (balanced XLR) 75Ω (unbalanced RCA)
Inputs:| unbalanced (RCA) balanced (XLR)
Outputs:| unbalanced (RCA) balanced (XLR)
headphone output (Jack 6.3mm)
Power consumption:| Max. consumption: 6.6 watts Standby mode: < 0.3
watts Off mode: 0.0 watts
Power supply:| ± 18V DC
(+ 21V DC external power supply; 1.4m cable length)
Total weight preamplifier:| Approx. 2.3kg
Total weight power supply:| Approx. 1.4kg
Dimensions preamplifier
(W/D/H):
| Approx. 9.44 x 5.71 x (6.22 with RCA) x 2.44 inches
Dimensions preamplifier
(W/D/H):
| Approx. 240 x 145 (158 with RCA) x 62mm
Dimensions power supply (W/D/H):| Approx. 9.44 x 5.71 x 2.44 inches
Dimensions power supply (W/D/H):| Approx. 240 x 145 x 62mm
Manufacturer’s warranty:| 3 years*
Provided that the warranty card is correctly completed and returned to
Clearaudio, or your product is registered
online at
https://clearaudio.de/en/service/registration.php,
within 14 days of purchase
WARRANTY
The full, extended warranty period for the balance V2 phono-preamlipfier is 3
years.
To receive this full Clearaudio warranty, you must either complete and return
the relevant section of the warranty
registration card to Clearaudio, or register your product online at
https://clearaudio.de/en/service/registration.php,
within 14 days of purchase. Otherwise only the legal warranty of 1 years can
be considered.
The full 2 year warranty can only be honoured, if the product is returned in
its original packing
WARRANTY
For warranty information, contact your local Clearaudio distributor.
RETAIN YOUR PURCHASE RECEIPT
Your purchase receipt is your permanent record of a valuable purchase. It
should be kept in a safe place to be referred
to as necessary for insurance purposes or when corresponding with Clearaudio.
IMPORTANT
When seeking warranty service, it is the responsibility of the consumer to
establish proof and date of purchase.
Your purchase receipt or invoice is adequate for such proof.
FOR U.K. ONLY
This undertaking is in addition to a consumer‘s statutory rights and does not
affect those rights in any way.
clearaudio electronic GmbH
Spardorfer Straße 150
91054 Erlangen
Germany
Phone /Tel.: +49 9131 40300 100
Fax: +49 9131 40300 119
www.clearaudio.de
www.analogshop.de
[email protected]
Clearaudio Electronic accepts no liability for any misprints.
Technical specifications are subject to change or improvement without prior
notice.
Product availability is as long as stock lasts.
Copies and reprints of this document, including extracts, require written
consent from
Clearaudio Electronic GmbH, Germany.
Änderungen bleiben vorbehalten. Lieferbar solange Vorrat reicht. Für
Druckfehler keine Haftung.
Irrtümer vorbehalten- Kopien und Abdrucke – auch nur auszugsweise – bedürfen
der schriftlichen Genehmigung durch die clearaudio electronic GmbH.
References
- clearaudio analogshop
- clearaudio electronic GmbH | High End - made in Germany
- clearaudio electronic GmbH - 403 Forbidden