Clearaudio Compact Phono Brings MM and MC Support to a Tiny Chassis

Clearaudio has introduced the Compact Phono, a small phono preamplifier designed to work with both moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges. Despite its discreet dimensions, the unit includes selectable loading, switchable gain and filtering at both ends of the frequency range.

A compact phono stage for flexible placement

The Compact Phono measures 80 x 115 x 26mm, allowing it to sit beside a turntable without occupying much shelf space. Its deliberately understated metal enclosure is offered in black and silver finishes, making the unit suitable for systems where the phono electronics are intended to remain visually unobtrusive.

A selector on the rear panel switches the preamplifier between MM and MC operation. This gives owners the option of using either major cartridge type without replacing the phono stage, while the dedicated electrical settings account for their different output and loading requirements.

Dedicated MM and MC settings

In MM mode, the Compact Phono provides an input impedance of 47 kilohms with 100pF capacitance. Selecting MC changes the input impedance to 100 ohms while retaining the 100pF capacitance figure.

Gain is switchable between 40dB and 60dB to accommodate the differing output levels commonly associated with MM and MC cartridges. Clearaudio says both gain settings are higher than those offered by its preceding models. The company also specifies 29dB of dynamic headroom when the Compact Phono is operating in MC mode.

Two-stage amplification and targeted filtering

The circuit uses an active-feedback topology built around low-noise, high-precision operational amplifiers. Amplification is divided between two stages: the first supplies the main signal gain, while the second incorporates filters intended to reduce unwanted frequency content.

A subsonic filter attenuates frequencies at 16Hz and below, addressing low-frequency energy that can be generated by warped records. At the other end of the spectrum, a 70kHz ultrasonic filter is intended to manage cartridge resonances. Clearaudio says this arrangement maintains RIAA equalization and signal stability while applying filtering above and below the usable audio range.

The filters are integrated into the signal architecture rather than presented as user-selectable controls. Operation therefore remains straightforward, with cartridge type and gain forming the principal setup choices.

Low-power circuitry inside a metal enclosure

Power comes from a specially developed symmetrical 18V audio supply using two linear voltage regulators. Internally, the Compact Phono employs a four-layer circuit board with separate ground and power planes, along with thin-film resistors and tight-tolerance capacitors.

The electronics are housed in a low-resonance metal case supported by isolating feet. According to Clearaudio, operating power consumption is 0.7 watts, down from the 2.3 to 2.7 watts stated for its predecessors. There is no standby mode, so the quoted figure applies during operation.

Together, the reduced power requirement and compact enclosure position the unit as a straightforward phono-stage option for turntable systems where space and cartridge flexibility are important. Buyers can choose between the black and silver versions to coordinate with surrounding components.

The Clearaudio Compact Phono places practical MM and MC compatibility in a notably small enclosure. Its selectable loading and gain, two-stage circuit, frequency filtering and low operating consumption make it a flexible link between a turntable and a line-level amplifier.