Alva TT V2, the Cambridge Audio turntable just for audiophiles [Analysis]

The renewed version of the most striking turntable from Cambridge Audio now has aptX HD Bluetooth connection and is unique in the market with this feature. Let's take a look at this peculiar product that mixes vintage technology such as record players, with the latest in high-quality sound transmission, such as high-resolution Bluetooth audio.

We remind you that, as on many other occasions, we have decided to accompany our in-depth analysis with a complete video on our YouTube channel, the one that heads the content of this post, so do not hesitate to take a look at it, because in it you will find the unboxing, the configuration and a very detailed analysis of its content, because a picture is worth a thousand words, or so they say . In case you already loved it, it is available at Cambridge Audio ALVA TT... with free shipping.

Design: A piece of engineering that feels

Cambridge Audio has always been known for executing its products with delicious precision, and this Alva TT V2 was no different. The packaging is spectacular, all the content arrives wonderfully protected, but we have to warn you that it is surprisingly heavy, despite what you might imagine. We must take into account that the weight of the tray alone already exceeds 2,2 kilograms, so the total weight of the product goes above 5 kilograms very easily.

It is made of a hybrid of metal and plastic that gives it a very premium feel to the touch. The connections remain in the back, the front is completely clean and we only have three metal buttons with LED lighting on the base.

The assembly is generally simple, from the dust cover to the needle and its mechanism. To do this, we only have to follow the instructions in the information leaflet included inside the package. Nevertheless, We are going to provide you with useful information, For example, the dimensions, and we have dimensions of 435 x 139 x 368 millimeters, for a total weight, once assembled, of 10,9 kilograms.

Technical characteristics

Now let's get a little "technical" to satisfy the questions of sound specialists, as the canons dictate. We have direct drive equipment, capable of playing at two speeds, which are 33,3 rpm and 45 rpm, depending on the type of content selected.

We must keep in mind that the jitter and tremolo is less than 0,1%, which is quite good data.

The turntable tray is made of POM (polyoxymthylene), a type of plastic that is mainly used for technical parts where these mechanical properties represent an advantage over other plastics. Furthermore, the size of this tray is 305 millimeters in total, for a complete weight of 2,2 kilograms.

If we focus on the audio, we have a switchable Phono RCA / Line Level output. It is capable of offering us a gain of 1 dB at 42 KHZ, having a nominal output of 250 Vrms and an input noise (weighted) of 0,1u Vrms. The accuracy of the RIAA curve is +/- 0,3 dB 30Hz-20kHZ.

The signal to noise ratio is less than 90dB, with a Phono Stage THD+N of 0,0025% and an input impedance of 47 kOhm. For its part, the input capacitance is 100 pF.

Focusing on playback, we have a statically balanced tonearm with removable cover. The effective length is 221,5 millimeters, the overhang is 19 millimeters and the effective mass is 19,6 grams. Compatible cartridge weights range between 4,5 grams and 12 grams, with the cartridge (included in the kit) being a high-performance moving coil. Frequency response is +/- 1dB 30Hz-20kHz.

As for the type of needle, it is elliptical, with an aluminum cantilever, offering an output level of 2mV and a tracking force of 2 grams, for a recommended load of 47 kOhm.

Bluetooth, one of a kind

Its most striking feature is the fact that we have before us the only turntable with direct Bluetooth output in high resolution. Capable of offering us SBC, aptX and aptX HD content simply by pressing the button on the back.

It remains fixed, if we press and hold it it will flash, at which point we must assign the pairing mode of any of the wireless headphones that we have decided to use. That being the case, we make a short press on the synchronization button and it will work automatically. But what we are clear about is that it works like a charm, with enough distance to be able to move around the house without any problem (around 10 meters according to our calculations).

I must say that it has seemed quite strange to me to be using a turntable with these characteristics through headphones, and unfortunately we have not been able to carry out the test with headphones compatible with aptX HD technology because we do not have them available, but With the AirPods the performance has been more than correct. To make them work, we recommend any of the Cambridge Audio headphones we've reviewed previously.

Editor's opinion

At the end of the analysis, I must say that we are looking at a product that is easy to assemble, with a spectacular design and construction, but that is clearly focused on a more exquisite audience if we refer to audiophiles. It is clear that this is a quite expensive hobby, something that will not surprise the readers of this analysis, but it's almost €2.000 what this product costs. That clearly distances it from the pocket of ordinary mortals, but it will not stop focusing many eyes. Its operation is simple, excellent and spectacular, and its performance is on par with any other Cambridge Audio product.