Technology

Colourful Cambridge Audio Spira Bluetooth turntable wants to win over vinyl newbies

Cambridge Audio_Spira1_turntables

Cambridge Audio is back on the turntable bandwagon with Spira, a stylish deck that combines straightforward vinyl playback, with Bluetooth connectivity and upgrade potential.

Available in five colours, it’s aimed at vinyl newcomers building their first Hi-Fi system and established fans looking for a designer upgrade, and arrives ready to play, with a pre-fitted Audio-Technica cartridge.  

Spira works with a wide range of audio equipment. It can connect directly to an amp or active speakers using its built-in phono stage, while Bluetooth allows records to be enjoyed via compatible wireless speakers or headphones.

The turntable also leaves room for future upgrades. A removable headshell makes cartridge changes easier, and the supplied Audio-Technica cartridge can be upgraded with the Audio-Technica 3600LE elliptical stylus, for improved tracking performance. 

Owners can also bypass the internal phono stage and connect an external alternative, such as Cambridge Audio’s Alva Solo or Alva Duo.

The turntable also leaves room for future upgrades. A removable headshell makes cartridge changes easier…

A modern turntable with a transparent cover, positioned beside two white speakers on a wooden shelf.

Built for everyday listening

Spira isn’t just a style statement. The deck uses an aluminium alloy tonearm with adjustable counterweight and anti-skate.

Belt drive and a 1.8kg engineered steel platter are said to offer superior rotational stability and reduce vibration; vibration-absorbing boots also thwart rumble. The platter is mounted on a solid, lacquered wooden plinth, while a felt mat helps control resonance and stops discs from slipping during playback.

Operation is kept deliberately simple. A single dial switches electronically between 33 and 45rpm, covering standard LPs and seven-inch singles. A hinged, smoked dust cover protects the record and stylus when the deck isn’t in use.

A stylish green turntable on a light wooden shelf, accompanied by a candle in a holder and stacked books.

Bluetooth and a choice of finishes

Cambridge Audio has given Spira a choice of finishes. It’s available in Black, White, Blue, Green and Orange, with the colours matched to the company’s active stereo speakers. You can opt to build a discreet music system or select a brighter option that makes your audio obsession more of a design statement.

We’re impressed either way.

The Cambridge Audio Spira turntable is available now, priced at £329 (€349 / $499) from Amazon.  

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About Steve May

Creator of Home Cinema Choice magazine, and Editor of The Luxe Review, Steve muses and reviews for Trusted Reviews, T3, Home Cinema Choice, Games Radar, Good Housekeeping, Louder Sounds, StereoNet and Boat International. He’s also the editor of professional home cinema website Inside CI. He's on Twitter/X, Tiktok and Instagram as @SteveMay_UK