Clearaudio da Vinci V2

The da Vinci V2 sits in the middle of Clearaudio’s current low-output moving-coil range — above the tonewood-bodied Jubilee MC and directly below the titanium-bodied Titanium V2 in the V2-generation architecture. The body is where the two cartridges diverge: the da Vinci V2 uses aluminum with a distinctive 30-micron-thick ceramic coating that Clearaudio applies for its combination of extreme hardness and efficient resonance suppression.

Inside sits the same V2-generation architecture the Titanium uses — an absolutely symmetrical coil assembly (Peter Suchy’s patented topology) built around Clearaudio’s patented eight-magnet Ring array with massive focused flux density, 24-carat gold coils arranged in circular symmetry, a rigid boron cantilever, and a Micro HD diamond stylus with 0.008 × 0.040 mm radii. Total mass is 7.0 g — lighter than the 9.0 g Titanium.

Measured, the da Vinci V2 delivers 0.6 mV output into a 50 Ω impedance, a 90 dB dynamic range, and the same 300 Ω recommended load as the rest of the V2 generation. It uses the twelve-finger platform design first introduced in the Titanium V2 for resonance rejection. Between the two, tonality is the deciding factor — the ceramic-coated aluminum body is generally the more balanced-sounding of the two, particularly in systems with high resolution already elsewhere in the chain.

da Vinci V2 is the right cartridge for a Master Innovation, Reference Jubilee, or Master Jubilee turntable with the Universal or a 12-inch tonearm and a reference-class MC phono stage. Available on order at LMC Scottsdale — walk in during business hours or book ahead if the audition needs a da Vinci-vs-Titanium comparison with your specific turntable and electronics.