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Cambridge Audio announces new hi-res wireless turntables

British hi-fi specialist Cambridge Audio has announced two new additions to its Alva turntable range: the Alva TT V2 and Alva ST, which will be available in the UK from Spring this year.

According to the brand, the new turntables build on the success of the Alva TT – launched in 2019 as the world’s first aptX HD Bluetooth turntable – and are backed by over 50 years of Cambridge Audio’s expertise and experience in making great hi-fi for music lovers to enjoy, the company says.

The Alva TT V2 is an upgraded next-generation model, while the ST enters the range to provide the widest available choice and flexibility for listeners, says the manufacturer. Both models are designed to deliver “incredible levels of detail” from the user’s record collection, with a built-in phono stage based on Cambridge Audio’s award-winning Alva Solo and Alva Duo phono pre-amplifiers that promise to preserve the unique warm sound of vinyl.

The vinyl resurgence shows no sign of stopping, growing more popular than before in both UK and US. 4.8 million LPs were sold in the UK in 2020, a 10% increase from the previous year and the highest number in 30 years, according to a report from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI). Meanwhile revenues from vinyl albums grew 94% to $467 million (€411m) in the US in 2021, according to the Record Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Cambridge Audio managing director Stuart George, commented: “The original Alva TT was the world’s first aptX HD Bluetooth turntable, and the reaction to it was beyond all our expectations. The new Alva TT V2 continues to blend the convenience of modern streaming with the rich listening experience of vinyl and takes on board listeners’ feedback from the first turntable. The all-new Alva ST opens up that experience to an even broader range of listeners with its competitive price point.”

Alva TT V2

Alva TT V2

The Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2 is a direct drive turntable with a built-in switchable phono stage and aptX HD Bluetooth streaming. Said to be a high-end option for serious audiophiles who also want the convenience of hi-res wireless streaming, the premium Alva TT V2 is the promises stunning sound, cutting-edge technology and great design.

It retains the original Alva TT’s direct drive system with a heavy aluminium top plate and polyoxymethylene (POM) platter, pre-installed Alva MC cartridge, and aptX HD Bluetooth that allows 24-bit/48kHz hi-res streaming.

The switchable phono stage offers listeners the flexibility and choice of using the Alva TT V2 with the phono stage in their existing stereo amplifier, while also making it easy to upgrade their hi-fi system’s components over time, Cambridge Audio says. One of the changes from the original Alva TT is that users can now turn the Bluetooth transmitter off, offering more choice and convenience for listeners as well as a shortened signal path – which in turn means better sound and more energy efficiency, the company claims

New features include a brand-new, improved tonearm with detachable head shell (offering listeners an easy upgrade path), and switchable phono stage and Bluetooth – both are in response to popular customer feedback from the Alva TT’s release.

Alva ST

The Alva ST is a belt drive turntable with a 1mm aluminium top plate, and a layer of EVA to absorb vibration sitting on top of MDF, and comes pre-installed with an Audio Technica AT-VM95e moving magnet cartridge – which can be swapped out for a different cartridge for easy upgrades.

It shares many of the key features of the premium Alva TT V2: switchable, built-in phono stage and aptX HD wireless hi-res streaming, the same new tonearm, and the “Lunar Grey” finish.

Key Selling Points

Alva TT V2

  • Bluetooth aptX HD – Wireless hi-res streaming to compatible amplifiers, headphones and speakers. Place the turntable anywhere.
  • New tonearm with detachable headshell – Tracks your records flawlessly. High-mass, low-resonance design helps to keep resonance to a minimum.
  • Switchable phono stage – Flexibility and choice of components. Easy upgrade path for hi-fi system.

Alva ST

  • Bluetooth aptX HD – Wireless hi-res streaming to compatible amplifiers, headphones and speakers. Place the turntable anywhere.
  • New tonearm with detachable headshell – Tracks records with precision. High-mass, low-resonance design helps to keep resonance to a minimum.
  • Pre-installed moving magnet cartridge – Easy setup and upgrade path.

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