clearaudio balance V2 Phono Stage User Manual

balance V2 Phono Stage
User Manual

Dear 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
Warning
Do not expose the equipment to rain or moisture.
Do not handle the mains lead with wet hands.
No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the equipment.

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).

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)

2. 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)

3. Subsonic filter
   • Subsonic filter on: Both „subsonic off/on“ buttons in „on“ position
   • Subsonic filter off: Both „subsonic off/on“ buttons in „off“ position

4. 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

1.  Switch off all of your hi-fi system components and connect your balance V2 phono stage.
2. Follow the set-up adjustment steps described above according to your components.
3. For perfect sound, without interference, we recommend not to stack the two components of the balance V2, just to put them side by side.
4. Connect the balance V2 with the 15-pin Sub-D connector to the power supply unit (Pic. 2).
5. 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. 2).

1. Balanced output XLR
   Both outputs are activated and ready to use at the same time.

2. Unbalanced input RCA
   Selection must be set manually using the „input selector“ on the underside.

3. Balanced input XLR
   Selection must be set manually using the „input selector“ on the underside.

4. Unbalanced output RCA
   Both outputs are activated and ready to use at the same time.

5. GroundingDetails of connections on rear of the balance V2 power supply (Pic. 3).

6. 15-pole Sub-D connector
   Connection to phono stage

7. 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.
Phono stages are devices designed to provide a very high level of amplification.
This is necessary because the electrical signal generated by a phono cartridge is extremely low (usually less than one-thousandth of a volt). The job of the phono stage is therefore to accurately equalise the phono signal and boost it to line level (measured in volts).
However, phono stages are by nature 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 phono stage circuitry from this interference without degrading its high fidelity performance. Therefore care must be taken to position the phono stage away from sources of high frequency interference such as mobile phones, modems and power line communication systems (PLC) in which data is sent over the mains power network.
If the balance V2 is not in use for an extended period, switch it off at the rear panel.

Operating controls

1. 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.

2. Volume control
   When „mode“ on the underside is set to „variable“ this knob can be used to adjust the volume.

3. 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 by pressing 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.

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.

Technical data

channel)
Operation voltage:| ± 18V DC (+21V DC external power supply; 1.4m cable length)
Output connections:| 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 (turned of at rear panel)
Weight:| Approx. 2.3kg (preamp), 1.4kg (power supply)
Dimension (W/D/H):| 240 x 145 (158 with RCA) x 62mm (preamp)
240 x 145 x 62mm (power supply)
9.44 x 5.71 x (6.22 with RCA) x 2.44 inches (preamp)
9.44 x 5.71 x 2.44 inches (power supply)
Manufacturer’s warranty:| 3 years

• Provided that the warranty card is correctly completed and returned to Clearaudio, or y our product is registered
  online at https://clearaudio.de/en/service/registration.php, within 14 days of purchase.
  Clearaudio electronic is not responsible for typographical errors in descriptions. Technical specifications subject to change or improvement without prior notice.
  Product availability is as long as stock lasts.
  Copies and reprints of this documents, including extracts, require written consent from Clearaudio electronic GmbH; Germany
  The full, extended warranty period for the balance V2 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 2 years can be considered.
  The full 3 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.
  Technical specifications are subject to change or improvement without prior notice.
  Clearaudio accepts no liability for any misprints. Product availability as long as stock lasts.) 2019

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 GmbH, 2019/04
Made in Germany

References

• clearaudio analogshop
• clearaudio electronic GmbH | High End - made in Germany

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