British hi-fi producer Cambridge Audio has introduced the $1,999 Alva TT V2 turntable (proven above), the successor to its excellent Alva TT mannequin we reviewed in 2019, and the brand new $999 Alva ST turntable, which guarantees to the corporate’s acclaimed efficiency to a extra inexpensive worth level.
Vinyl traditionalists can be completely happy to be taught that every turntable could be linked to a hi-fi system with wires in a extra conventional house audio setup. Cambridge Audio permits the consumer to decide on between its built-in phono stage or another you would possibly select.
It’s the wi-fi (by way of Bluetooth) streaming possibility, nevertheless, that makes the Alva turntables such an fascinating vinyl possibility. Named in honor of inventor Thomas Alva Edison, each fashions help the aptX HD codec, so with a receiving gadget (headphone, audio system, and many others.) that helps the identical, you’ll take pleasure in music with 24-bit/48kHz decision.
Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2
Cambridge AudioThe second-generation Alva TT is a direct drive turntable with a Cambridge Audio’s personal shifting magnet cartridge preinstalled.
Like its predecessor, the brand new Alva TT V2 has a direct drive system with a heavy aluminum prime plate and polyoxymethylene platter. There’s a pre-installed Alva MC high-output shifting coil cartridge (a $499 worth). Upgrades embrace an all-new tonearm with a removable headshell that enables for straightforward upgrades. Based mostly on suggestions from clients, Cambridge Audio has added a switchable phono stage that enables the selection of turning off the Alva TT V2’s onboard phono stage in favor of utilizing the one in their stereo amplifier.
One other change permits customers to show off the Bluetooth transmitter off, producing a shortened sign path, which improves power effectivity and improves total sound.
The Alva TT V2 measures 5.5 x 17.1 x 14.5 inches (HxWxD) and weighs 24 kilos.
Cambridge Audio Alva ST
Cambridge AudioTraditionalists can wire the Alva ST turntable to their amplifier, whether or not or not that amp has a phono stage.
The Alva ST is a belt drive turntable. Cambridge Audio has constructed it with a 1mm aluminum prime plate, and a layer of EVA on prime of MDF to soak up vibration sitting. The unit comes pre-installed with an Audio Technica AT-VM95e shifting magnet cartridge, which could be swapped out for an improve each time the listener wishes.
Just like the Alva TT V2, the ST has a switchable, built-in phono stage, aptX HD wi-fi hi-res streaming, and the identical redesigned tonearm.
Cambridge says the belt drive system and die-cast aluminum platter permit for lowered motor interference and a vibration resistant. The Alva ST measures 5.5 x 17.1 x 14.4 inches (HxWxD) and weighs 19.8 lbs.
Cambridge Audio says the Alva TT2 and the Alva ST can be out there spring 2022.