Clarity Pro 2.0 Standard
2 out of 5
Clarity Pro 2.0
- Active mains conditioner
- Fully user adjustable
- Brand new circuit design
The Clarity Pro 2.0 is one of a family of active mains conditioners. We’ve been big fans of these since Russ first heard the original QRT Quantum Symphony at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas in 2006, and we added it to the range later that year.
Fast forward a number of years, QRT was then replaced by an a new, updated and more effective design - this time produced in conjunction with ourselves - the hugely successful Clarity Pro. Component supply shortages, however, led to a break in production that saw us re-introducing an update on the original Quantum Symphony, the new Symphony and Symphony Pro.
Last year, however, the core designers of the Clarity Pro contacted us to say that they were working on prototypes for a new generation of active mains conditioners. They had designed a new circuit that, they told us, resulted in a stronger, more powerful unit. We were intrigued and worked with them on the design (we were involved at this prototyping stage), to fine tune the circuit.
The new design of the circuit board is a little larger than the original Clarity Pro, so we manufactured a new, custom-designed ABS case. Clarity Pro 2.0 is powered by a separate power supply – a ‘wall-wart’ type, 12V DC supply is included or, for best performance, Clarity Pro 2.0 can be supplied with one of our Supplier DC power supplies.
Clarity Pro 2.0 in use
Using the new Clarity Pro 2.0 couldn’t be easier. It’s designed to work in conjunction with any existing mains filters – it doesn’t replace them.
The key to using it is its position. Ideally, sit it close to your components – a spare shelf on your Hi-Fi rack is ideal, but it can also be put on top of components if there’s room. There’s no harm in positioning it behind or just to the side of your rack if there isn’t room on your shelves.
A single control knob is provided on the front of the unit to adjust the strength of the effect.
We found that one Clarity Pro 2.0 is sufficient for almost all systems – unlike the older Clarity Pro, there’s no additional benefit to be had from using more than one unit.
Advanced Features
There is a comprehensive number of adjustable parameters available to fine tune the Clarity Pro 2.0. As well as the obvious external Area Control knob, there is also a bank of internal dip swiches which allow you tune your Clarity Pro 2.0 to your personal taste.
Overall Impressions
The Clarity units have the subjective effect of ‘calming’ the overall musical presentation - without losing the excitement in a performance - and the new Clarity Pro 2.0 is no exception.
On receiving the first prototype, Russ thought it a major improvement over the older Clarity Pro and Symphony models. As well as providing a calmer atmosphere, meaning that the music is more relaxing and enjoyable to listen to, he found that the improvements to the musicality – the increased appreciation of rhythm and timing – are what really stood out.
Another benefit was with recordings that had previously sounded ‘fierce’, making them less harsh and, again, more enjoyable to listen to.
While the Area Control can be adjusted once and left, Russ found that some recordings benefited from a stronger field (i.e. they benefited from being ‘turned up’), while others sounded best with it turned down. Trust your ears – if it sounds better, then it is better!
What’s in the box?
With the Standard version, everything you need is in the box
- Clarity Pro 2.0
- Standard 12v power supply
- User instructions
- Casework Allen key
Improve performance even further.
Upgrade the standard version psu with The Supplier for an audiophile-quality power supply, tailored specifically for the Clarity Pro 2.0. The Supplier DC™ utilises an extremely high-performance, upgraded switched mode power supply, Kimber Kable™ internal wiring and Silencer™ mains filtration.
Find out more about the Clarity Pro 2.0 with Supplier DC here.
Specifications
Technology
Active mains conditioner
Adjustability
Front mounted knob / Internal dip switches
Connections
Robust, 2 pin DC socket with locking collar
Indicators
Soft, green front mounted LED
Casework material
Impact and fire resistant ABS case
Power Input
Requires 12v, 1.5A minimum, Included adapter: 12v, 1.5A
Dimensions and weight
Width: 152mm Depth: 232mm (includes socket and front knob) Height: 55mm Weight: 500g (excludes power supply)
Money Back Guarantee
Don't forget! We are so confident in the performance of this product that it is covered by our 60 Day Home Trial with Money Back Guarantee. Buy the product and if you're not completely satisfied, you can return it within 2 months for a refund. For full details click here.
"the soundstage is wider and deeper, and music presentation is more refined and effortless"
Read more about the Hi-Fi Choice review here
Customer Reviews
Overall product rating
2 / 5
2 / 5
reviewed by Mr Andy Hanson
14 Nov 2024
"As Far As I Could Determine, Did Nothing"
A star added for RA's no quibble returns policy, but this time round just one star for the product. Whether alongside my CD player, atop my DAC or at the back of my amp nearest to all cables I could hear no difference between switched on or off. Pride of ownership would matter little if it improved system performance but sadly this small, plasticy, lightweight box has little of that for it's plus £1,000 cost. Could it be attempting to resolve something that isn't a problem in my system? Maybe. As always, mileage may vary.
Customer Service Reply Thanks for your feedback, Andy. Sorry to hear this didn’t work out for you. We always accept that not all our products will benefit every system – as you say, it could be trying to resolve something that you don’t have a problem with and experience can vary according to the situation - our other review of the same product (admittedly with the upgraded psu), for example, reflects a polar opposite experience: "Far, far greater improvement than expected; quite amazing!", which is not to take anything away from your equally valid experience. I think the key point you mention here is the ‘no quibble returns policy’, which we offer for this very reason.
With regard to the lightweight plastic box used to house the Clarity Pro 2 components, this is a considered decision on our part. Although they would admittedly look nicer and feel weightier, metal boxes can create issues with RFI/EMI in a way that ABS plastic will not. Likewise, low mass materials also have their benefits, exemplified by our Torlyte support system. It’s always a difficult one because plastic can be seen as a ‘cheap’ option so there’s always the temptation to go down the metal route, which would potentially have greater perceived value, despite its drawbacks (and the cost difference between bespoke ABS casework vs more widely available metal is not especially significant). We do take your comments on board though.
With regard to the lightweight plastic box used to house the Clarity Pro 2 components, this is a considered decision on our part. Although they would admittedly look nicer and feel weightier, metal boxes can create issues with RFI/EMI in a way that ABS plastic will not. Likewise, low mass materials also have their benefits, exemplified by our Torlyte support system. It’s always a difficult one because plastic can be seen as a ‘cheap’ option so there’s always the temptation to go down the metal route, which would potentially have greater perceived value, despite its drawbacks (and the cost difference between bespoke ABS casework vs more widely available metal is not especially significant). We do take your comments on board though.
