Clearaudio Smart Phono review

Small, shiny, has quality, but cannot knit individual instruments into a believable whole as others at this price range can. Tested at £265.00

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Enthusiastic, vigorous and open sound, but not the most coherent around

Pros

  • +

    Compact and stylish

  • +

    expansive and natural performance

Cons

  • -

    Doesn’t connect individual instruments as well as the best

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

The Clearaudio Emotion turntable has been a favourite of ours for, oh, ages now – but many prospective buyers' own amplifiers don't have the gumption to boost a record player's feeble signal without assistance.

Enter the Smart phono. Small, shiny and switchable from moving magnet to moving coil turntable designs, the Clearaudio summons up an expansive, natural sound.

Music is well separated and speedy, with real verve at the low end. Unlike the very best products at this money, mind, it can't knit individual instruments into an entirely believable whole – so it's not the default choice Emotion owners might assume.

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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