Clearaudio Absolute Phono
Clearaudio phono preamplifier compatible with MM and MC cartridges, featuring passive RIAA filtering and a built-in subsonic filter.
Description
The Absolute Phono is a phono preamplifier by Clearaudio, designed to amplify and equalise the signal from a cartridge, whether moving magnet (MM) or moving coil (MC). It sits between a turntable and an amplifier or line preamplifier, and comprises two separate units: the preamp body and its separate power supply.
The unit offers two distinct gain levels depending on the type of cartridge used: 46 dB in MM and 66 dB in MC, allowing the output level to be matched to cartridges of very different sensitivity. Loading is fixed at 47 kOhm / 270 pF in MM and 500 Ohm / 270 pF in MC. RIAA equalisation is based on two passive filters, with a stated accuracy of ± 0.10 dB, ensuring tonal fidelity across the entire spectrum. A subsonic filter at 20 Hz (–18 dB/octave) removes very low frequencies caused by record warping or tonearm resonances. Distortion is rated at less than 0.002%, the signal-to-noise ratio at -72 dB in MM and -67 dB in MC, and channel separation exceeds 90 dB at 1 kHz.
This phono preamplifier is aimed at turntable users with MM or MC cartridges seeking a dedicated phono stage, offering fine control over gain and equalisation. Its compact dimensions (118 x 158 x 42 mm for the preamp, 100 x 55 x 80 mm for the power supply) and low weight of 1.2 kg make it easy to integrate into an existing hi-fi system, particularly when the amplifier lacks a phono input or when a higher-performing phono stage is desired.
Technical specifications
| Principle | MM / MC |
| Subsonic filter | 20 Hz (–18 dB / Oct) |
| MM gain | 46 dB |
| MC gain | 66 dB |
| MM impedance | 47 kOhm / 270 pF |
| MC impedance | 500 Ohm / 270 pF |
| RIAA | 2 passive filters |
| RIAA accuracy | ± 0.10 dB |
| Distortion | < 0.002% |
| Signal to noise ratio | -72 dB (MM), -67 dB (MC) |
| Channel separation | > 90 dB (@ 1 kHz) |
| Connections | RCA |
| Preamp dimensions (H x W x D) | 118 x 158 x 42 mm |
| Power supply dimensions (H x W x D) | 100 x 55 x 80 mm |
| Weight | 1.2 kg (preamp and power supply) |
What to check before buying used
With this type of phono preamplifier, it is advisable to test the RCA inputs and outputs to ensure there is no background noise or crackling caused by connector oxidation. Proper operation of the multifunction selector (On/Off/Mute) should also be checked, as should the stability of the separate power supply, a sensitive point on phono preamps that heavily amplify weak signals. Checking the gain on both the MM and MC inputs confirms that both stages are working correctly.
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