The absolute phono inside is a development of the absolute phono, designed for those who prefer not to have their tonearms modified to incorporate the headshell-mounted first gain stage.
The absolute phono inside uses the absolute phono's innovative circuit design including the current amplification first gain stage. However in the Inside, this is incorporated within the phonostage's main body. Through careful fine tuning, Clearaudio have been able to deliver many of the improvements bought about by the absolute phono in a more conventional phonostage configuration. Both unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR inputs are provided for connection to any tonearm on the market. These feed the fully balanced current amplification first gain stage, avoiding any need to set cartridge loading and thereby ensuring a perfect synergistic match with any moving coil cartridge. This amplified signal then passes to the specially designed main RIAA phonostage, along a signal path free of the usual relays and coupling capacitors, which again enables a more clean, pure and accurate sound. The signal is then equalized and fed to the balanced XLR outputs. The result? The signal to noise ratio is significantly enhanced, almost matching the headshell-mounted absolute phono's ten decibel improvement.
The absolute phono inside is built without compromise, incorporating an anti-resonance sandwich construction machined from solid blocks of aluminium and panzerholz wood. The sophisticated power supply, located in a second, similar, matching, chassis, keeps mains interference to a minimum. Hand-selected state-of-the-art non-magnetic silver Clearaudio Glimmer capacitors positioned at key areas of the circuit further ensure excellent clarity and purity of sound. Like the absolute phono, a single multi-function switch for 'On', 'Off' and 'Mute' modes ensures a sleek finish.
3.25 kg (Preamplifier)
3.20 kg (Power supply)
Phonostage
Power supply
Silver aluminium
Mode: | MC mode |
Amplification: | 60dB |
Input load: | 250kΩ |
THD: | < 0.001% |
Signal to noise ratio: | 90dB (A-weighted) |
Headroom: | + 23dB |
RIAA: | RIAA standard, deviation less than 0.1dB |
Channel seperation: | 100dB |
Output impedance: | 64Ω (balanced XLR) 32Ω (unbalanced RCA) |
Inputs: | 2 (balanced XLR / unbalanced RCA) |
Outputs: | unbalanced (RCA) balanced (XLR) |
Power consumption: | Consumption in operation: 6.5 watts Off mode: 0.0 watts |
Power supply: | Switching power supply Input: 100 - 265V AC / 50 - 60Hz |
Total weight preamplifier: | Approx. 3.25kg |
Total weight power supply: | Approx. 3.20kg |
Dimensions preamplifier (W/D/H): | Approx. 240 × 160 × 65mm |
Dimensions preamplifier (W/D/H): | Approx. 9.45 × 6.30 × 2.56 inches |
Dimensions power supply (W/D/H): | Approx. 240 × 160 × 65mm |
Dimensions power supply (W/D/H): | Approx. 9.45 × 6.30 × 2.56 inches |
Manufacturer's warranty: | 5 years* |
The first absolute phono got closer to the music – like the Hubble space telescope did with the stars. The Inside produces almost the same effect, but with every arm.
Bernhard RietschelWhile there are many fine units out there that can put you right in the heart of the musical action, only the Clearaudio seems to give the impression that it has closed some 'soundproof curtains' around the ecording studio, or temporarily stopped the traffic outside the live venue you are listening to. There is no unwanted distraction to accompany your listening, the absolute phono inside simply draws you into the music and excludes all else, in a most captivating manner.
[...] a truly captivating sound quality that is difficult to criticise on any level.