CAMBRIDGE AUDIO ALVA TT V2 AND ALVA ST WIRELESS TURNTABLES ANNOUNCED AT CES 2022

British brand Cambridge Audio has announced two new additions to its Alva turntable range at CES 2022, the Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2 and Cambridge Audio Alva ST.

The new Cambridge Audio Alva turntables build on the previous Alva TT, launched in 2019 which claimed to be the world’s first aptX HD Bluetooth turntable.

The Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2 wireless Bluetooth turntable

CAMBRIDGE AUDIO ALVA TT V2 AND ALVA ST WIRELESS TURNTABLES

Designed for the modern vinyl lover, the Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2 is an upgraded next-generation model, while the ST enters the range to provide a wider choice and flexibility for listeners at a less expensive price point. Both models feature a built-in phono stage based on Cambridge Audio’s Alva Solo and Alva Duo phono pre-amplifiers.

Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2 streams via aptX HD Bluetooth to compatible devices

THE VINYL REVIVAL

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 in the US in 2021, according to the Record Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Stuart George, Managing Director of Cambridge Audio, says: “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.”

Stream to speakers, amp or headphones that have aptX HD Bluetooth

CAMBRIDGE AUDIO ALVA TT V2 WIRELESS TURNTABLE

The new Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2 is a direct drive turntable with a built-in switchable phono stage and aptX HD Bluetooth streaming. Cambridge Audio are billing it as a  “high-end option for serious audiophiles who also want the convenience of hi-res wireless streaming”.

Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2

Alva TT V2 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 to wireless hi-res streaming to compatible amplifiers, headphones and speakers.

New features include a brand-new, improved tonearm with a detachable headshell (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.

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.

The Alva MC cartridge

CAMBRIDGE AUDIO ALVA ST

Designed as an entry-level to enjoying vinyl, the Cambridge Audio Alva ST has many of the key features of the Alva TT V2. 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 cartridge of your choice for easy upgrades.

Cambridge Audio Alva ST turntable

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.

Cambridge Audio Alva ST streams to compatible devices via aptX HD Bluetooth

SPECIFICATIONS

Alva TT V2 tech specs:

DRIVE MECHANISM: Direct drive

TURNTABLE SPEEDS: 33.3, 45 rpm

CARTRIDGE TYPE: High Output Moving Coil

CARTRIDGE TRACKING FORCE: 2g

TURNTABLE PLATTER: POM (Polyoxymethylene)

TONEARM TYPE: Static balanced tonearm with detachable headshell

TONEARM EFFECTIVE LENGTH: 221.5mm

TONEARM OVERHANG: 19mm

TONEARM EFFECTIVE MASS: 19.6g

PHONO STAGE GAIN @1kHz: 42dB

PHONO STAGE INPUT IMPEDANCE: 47Ω

PHONO STAGE NOMINAL OUTPUT: 250Vrms

STANDBY POWER CONSUMPTION: <0.25W

DIMENSIONS (w x h x d): 435 x 139 x 368mm (17.1 x 5.5 x 14.5”)

WEIGHT: 10.9kg (24lbs)

Alva ST tech specs:

DRIVE MECHANISM: Belt drive

TURNTABLE SPEEDS: 33.3, 45 rpm

CARTRIDGE TYPE: Audio Technica AT-VM95E Moving Magnet

CARTRIDGE TRACKING FORCE: 2g

TURNTABLE PLATTER: Die-cast aluminium

TONEARM TYPE: Static balanced tonearm with detachable headshell

TONEARM EFFECTIVE LENGTH: 221.5mm

TONEARM OVERHANG: 19mm

TONEARM EFFECTIVE MASS: 19.8g

PHONO STAGE GAIN @1kHz: 42dB

PHONO STAGE INPUT IMPEDANCE: 47Ω

PHONO STAGE NOMINAL OUTPUT: 250Vrms

STANDBY POWER CONSUMPTION: <0.3W

DIMENSIONS (w x h x d): 435 x 139 x 366.7mm (17.1 x 5.5 x 14.4”)

WEIGHT: 9kg (19.8lbs)

The Audio Technica cartridge on the Alva ST

CAMBRIDGE AUDIO ALVA TT V2 AND ALVA ST PRICING AND AVAILABILITY

Alva TT V2 – £1,700 / €1,999 / $1,999

Alva ST – £850 / €999 / $999

Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2 and Alva ST turntables will be available in Spring 2022

HiFi Pig Says: Where do you stand on wireless/Bluetooth turntables? A great use of new technology or something you would never consider? Join the discussion over on our social media pages.

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