Every time a record player is announced there is a remark about a ‘vinyl renaissance’, and sure enough vinyl is back in style, but there has been a lot of talk about customers buying only vinyl. But of course, to listen to it, you need something to play on.
We’ve seen Sony re-enter the vinyl player market with their two excellent options, and now Cambridge Audio is back with the Spiro.
The London-based brand is pushing the new turntable as “everything you need right out of the box”, with an Audio-Technica cartridge pre-set and aligned so you don’t have to mess around with it. A built-in turntable that reduces the need for an external amplifier and Bluetooth support that allows you to transfer the sound of your vinyl to wireless headphones or Bluetooth speakers.
But if you want to make adjustments, you can. The head shell is removable, making it easy to replace the cartridge (Cambridge recommends the Audio-Technica 3600LE) if you want to improve tracking, and if you think you can get better sound from an external phono stage, Cambridge has several in the Alva Solo and Alva Duo.
The aluminum alloy handle has an adjustable counterweight and anti-slip protection, while the Spira housing is built around a solid wooden base to reduce vibration. Felt and vibration-absorbing feet prevent rumble from affecting the signal. And if you want to protect your records from dust while playing (you’ll be surprised how much dust collects), a hinged dust cover is included.
Record speeds include 33.3 and 45rpm, and the Spira comes in a variety of colors to match your space (black, white, blue, green and orange), matching Cambridge’s L/D speakers if you want to pair the Spira with those wireless speakers.
The Cambridge Audio Spira is available now priced at £329 / €349 / $499. Is it good enough to make our list of the best turntables? Hopefully we can get a review sample and find out.
