Clearaudio has announced the Clearaudio N2, a new MM cartridge designed to offer wide usability with a wide range of tonearms, while utilizing materials and manufacturing techniques typically associated with higher-end products. According to the makers, the Clearaudio N2 shares the same motor construction as the existing N1 cartridge but introduces a new housing design aimed at improving versatility and reducing unwanted resonance.

Design and construction

The Clearaudio N2 uses a housing made of PETG-CF, an engineering polymer reinforced with carbon fibers. According to the company, this material offers greater rigidity than conventional plastic housings and contributes to lower resonance levels. Furthermore, the cartridge features a laser-polished black housing and integrated threaded inserts that simplify installation and allow for secure attachment to compatible tonearm heads.

One of the key specifications is the weight of the cartridge, at just 8.5 grams. This makes it lighter than the N1 with an aluminum housing and potentially suitable for a wider range of tonearms, including lighter models. Clearaudio indicates that a stricter selection process was employed to ensure tighter tolerances. The N2 has a specified output voltage of 3.3 mV, which matches the output voltages of the company's Concept v2 series.

Price: $250