Cambridge Audio, a name well-known among audio enthusiasts, has just unveiled its most affordable turntable yet—the Spira. Priced at $499 in the US and £329 in the UK, the Spira is available now both at Cambridge Audio’s website and through approved retailers. The launch positions the Spira right between popular Bluetooth turntables like Sony’s PS-LX3BT and PS-LX5BT, both of which have garnered five-star reviews earlier this year.
What makes the Spira stand out isn’t just the price tag. This turntable is pitched as a true “complete package”—ready to play records right out of the box. Cambridge Audio includes a pre-fitted Audio-Technica cartridge, a built-in phono stage (with the option to bypass it for external upgrades), and a Bluetooth transmitter for wireless listening. That means you can stream your favorite vinyl to Bluetooth headphones or speakers—a feature quickly becoming a must-have in modern turntables.
Designed for Beginners and Upgraders
The Spira is clearly aimed at newcomers to vinyl, but it also offers easy upgrade paths for growing audiophiles. The included Audio-Technica cartridge can be swapped out for the higher-end 3600LE elliptical stylus for better tracking. Meanwhile, analog enthusiasts can bypass the internal phono stage and connect an external one, like Cambridge Audio’s own Alva Solo or Duo models.
Build quality is another area where Spira punches above its weight. The turntable features a lacquered wooden plinth, a 1.8kg steel platter for stability, and vibration-absorbing feet to keep unwanted hum and rumble at bay. There’s a felt mat to control resonance and protect your records, plus a full dust cover to keep everything clean. The aluminium alloy tonearm comes with adjustable counterweight and anti-skate settings, ensuring both newbies and seasoned collectors get good sound without fuss.
Style Meets Versatility
Aesthetically, the Spira is offered in five finishes—Black, White, Green, Orange, and Blue—each designed to match Cambridge Audio’s L/R active stereo speakers. This isn’t just about looking good: the color-matching makes it easier for users to build a cohesive audio setup as they expand their home systems.
For those worried about technical complexity, Cambridge Audio has focused on simplicity. There’s a single dial for switching between 33 1/3 and 45 RPM speeds, and the whole unit is designed to be up and running in minutes after unboxing. While it’s not the cheapest entry-level deck on the market (the Sony PS-LX310BT, for example, comes in lower), the Spira’s blend of features, style, and flexibility certainly puts it on the shortlist for anyone starting—or upgrading—their vinyl journey.
