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Clearaudio Reference MC Phonostage MC02Mk1 / PS02Mk3 - Consignment
Condition: Used. Good, some marks and scratches (See photos)
Includes: Power Cable Only (No Box)
SN: 028 089
Includes 7 day warranty
Overview
When using a Moving Coil cartridge, rather than a Moving Magnet, the phonostage amplification becomes even more important. Clearaudio are well versed in MC applications, as highlighted in the design of this Reference (in name and nature) phonostage.
The power supply is totally isolated from the low-voltage input signal and all-important output stage, housed in a well-shielded chassis, are two separate 100w power supplies to drive each channel.
Gain is switchable internally, providing between 30 and 57.3 db at 17 steps to help fine tune and match to your amplifier.
A subsonic filter also accessible internally, is included but currently disabled.
Clearaudio understand how negatively hum can interfere with vinyl enjoyment and so have included a rather smart grounding arrangement to assist in reducing the noise level, totally separated EARTH/Ground connections between the EARTH (CASE/ housing) and PCB GND (electrical circuit). An additional EARTH connection is also available at the external power supply.
Specification
Signal to noise ratio: 88 dB
Gain / Amplification: (1 kHz) 30dB ~ 57 dB (adjustable through R6 and R26)
Clipping limit: (1 kHz) 9,7mV
Distortion: (1 kHz) less than < 0,0015 %
Input impedance: adjustable between 0 Ohm to 2 Mega Ohm
Output impedance: 164 Ohm
System response: RIAA / Din IEC 98
Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
AUDIO CONNECTION QUALITY GUARANTEE
✔️ Seven day warranty on Consignment*
✔️Passed our checks for functionality
✔️A full inspection noting for any defects
✔️A full completeness check for all included parts and accessories
At A$1,400, this looks like a strong bargain versus the typical used market here, well below the A$5,938 25th percentile and far under the A$14,197 median.
Clearaudio’s Reference mains leads are well regarded for low-noise, high-resolution presentation, and they can be a meaningful upgrade in a revealing system. The upside here is simple: if it’s genuine, complete, and in clean condition, you’re buying into a serious cable at a very aggressive price. I’d just confirm the plug terminations, length, and that there’s no hidden damage or repair, since condition matters most on premium power cords.
Independent perspective — not a price guarantee. Always verify condition, accessories and provenance before purchase.
Clearaudio, a pinnacle of German analog engineering, traces its roots to 1978 in Erlangen, when founder Peter Suchy patented the company's inaugural moving-coil cartridge. This family-owned enterprise, now steered by Peter's children—Patrick, Veronica, and Robert Suchy—has upheld a relentless pursuit of perfection, encapsulated in its philosophy: "Take the best and make it better, only then is it just good enough." Over 45 years, Clearaudio has evolved from humble beginnings into a global benchmark for vinyl playback, crafting products in its high-tech facility amid the scientific hub of Friedrich-Alexander University.
The brand's portfolio centers on high-end turntables, renowned for their transparent acrylic components, parallel-tracking tonearms, and precision mechanics that deliver unparalleled rotational stability. Complementing these are meticulously engineered moving-coil cartridges, phonostages, and tonearms, with extensions into analog accessories and even reissued Deutsche Grammophon classical recordings. While not venturing deeply into digital realms or speakers, Clearaudio's focus remains unyieldingly analog, prioritizing symbiotic magnetic, mechanical, and electrical symmetry for lifelike sound reproduction.
Positioned firmly in the high-end audiophile market, Clearaudio commands respect among discerning vinyl enthusiasts worldwide, serving over 80 countries with turntables that redefine standards. Its boutique reputation stems from in-house innovation and flawless German craftsmanship, appealing to collectors and serious listeners who demand reference-level performance without compromise.
See all Clearaudio listings on RADAR.
