Cambridge Audio unveil two new Alva Bluetooth streaming turntables

At CES 2019, Cambridge Audio appear the Alva TT, which at the time was the world's first aptX HD Bluetooth turntable. It offered turntable enthusiasts the convenience of high-quality wireless streaming.

Three years later and the British hi-fi company is back with two new efforts in the Alva TT V2 (£1,700 / $1,999) and Alva ST (£850 / $999).

Every bit vinyl continues its upswing in popularity – 4.8 million LPs were sold in the UK in 2020, while revenues in the US grew 94% in 2021 – the new Alva turntables await to have reward of the increased involvement by offering more convenience and a cheaper entry price for the series.

The Alva TT V2 is a direct drive turntable with built-in switchable phone phase and aptX Hard disk drive Bluetooth (like the original model). The aluminium elevation plate and polyoxymethylene (POM) platter is retained, equally is the Alva MC cartridge.

What's new is the improved tonearm, with a detachable headshell that offers listeners an easy upgrade path. Plus, at that place's a switchable phono stage and the means to turn the Bluetooth off, both features introduced as a response to feedback received from the original model.

The switchable phono phase presents the choice of using the Alva TT V2 with the phono stage in their stereo amplifier, and leaves open up the door for future upgrades downwardly the line.

If you notice the Alva TT V2 likewise love or are simply looking to footstep up from a upkeep-priced deck, the Alva ST aims to be that steppingstone. It keeps a number of the Alva TT V2'southward features with the switchable phono stage, aptX HD streaming and new tonearm, but swaps the cartridge out for an Sound-Technica AT-VM95e moving magnet (which tin be swapped out for another if you desire) and opts for a belt drive motor. The 1mm aluminium height plate with a layer of EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) absorbs whatever vibration that could spoil the operation.

*update* U.k. prices for the turntables accept been updated and the right RRPs are listed below

With the Alva TT V2 priced at £i,700 / €one,999 / $ane,999 and the Alva ST available for £850 / €999 / $999, both are expected to proceed sale erstwhile in spring 2022.