Two new Cambridge Alva turntables build on the success of the Alva TT – launched in 2019 as the “world’s first aptX HD Bluetooth turntable”. The Alva TT V2 and Alva ST turntables will be available in Spring 2022. 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. Both models have a built-in phono stage based on Cambridge Audio’s award-winning Alva Solo and Alva Duo phono preamplifiers.
The new Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2 (£1,700 / $1,999) 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 the innovative aptX HD Bluetooth that allows 24-bit/48kHz hi-res streaming.
New features include a brand-new, improved tonearm with detachable headshell (offering listeners an easy upgrade path), switchable phono stage and Bluetooth – both are in response to customer feedback from the Alva TT’s release. 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. One of the changes from the original Alva TT is that you can now turn the Bluetooth transmitter off, always a bonus.
Designed for new vinyl lovers as well as those looking to upgrade from their first record player, the Cambridge Audio Alva ST (£850 / $999) is the perfect turntable to enjoy a growing vinyl collection. This belt drive turntable has a 1mm aluminium top plate, and a layer of EVA to absorb vibration atop of MDF, and comes pre-installed with an Audio Technica AT-VM95e moving magnet cartridge – which can be swapped out for a cartridge of your choice 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 classy, minimal ‘Lunar Grey’ finish.