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Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2 & Alva ST
British hi-fi specialist has announced two new additions to its Alva turntable range - Alva TT V2 and Alva ST. Unveiled for the first time at CES 2022 in Las Vegas, the new Alva turntables build on the success of the highly acclaimed and innovative 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.
Perfect for the modern vinyl lover, 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 are designed to deliver incredible levels of detail from your record collection, with a built-in phono stage based on Cambridge Audio's award-winning Alva Solo and Alva Duo phono pre-amplifiers that 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 in the US in 2021, according to the Record Industry Association of America (RIAA).
The new Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2 is a direct drive turntable with a built-in switchable phono stage and aptX HD Bluetooth streaming. A high-end option for serious audiophiles who also want the convenience of hi-res wireless streaming, the premium Alva TT V2 is the perfect combination of stunning sound, cutting-edge technology and great design. Alva TT V2 retains the original Alva TT's direct drive system with a heavy aluminum 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), 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, offering even more choice and convenience for listeners as well as a shortened signal path - which in turn means better sound and more energy efficiency.
Designed for new vinyl lovers as well as those looking to upgrade from their first record player for a step up in performance, the Cambridge Audio Alva ST is the perfect turntable to enjoy a growing vinyl collection, with exceptional sound quality and an elegant design that will be a showstopper in any room. Featuring many of the key features of the Alva TT V2, the new Alva ST brings Cambridge Audio's premium turntable performance to the under-$1,000 price range for the first time.
The Alva ST is a belt drive turntable with a 1mm aluminum 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. 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. The Alva TT V2 and Alva ST turntables will be priced at £1,700/$1,999 and £850/$999 respectively. Info and photos by Cambridge Audio.
