Introduction: An Extraordinary Journey into Sound
The Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2 embarks on an extraordinary journey into high-fidelity audio, promising to redefine your vinyl listening experience. In this in-depth review, we will delve into the intricate details of this exceptional turntable, uncovering what sets it apart in a crowded market.
The technical data
| Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2 | |
|---|---|
| Concept: | Complete turntable |
| Drive: | Direct drive, speeds: 33 + 45 rpm |
| pre-assembled pickup: | MC, output voltage = 2.4 mV |
| Tonarm: | Tonearm: |
| Special feature 1: | The phono stage can be switched off |
| Special feature 2: | Bluetooth output |
| Dimensions (W x H x D): | 43,5 x 13,9 x 36,8 cm |
| Weight: | 10,9 Kilo |
Design and Build: Elegance and Precision Redefined
Prepare to be captivated by the Alva TT V2’s design, where elegance meets precision. Each component, meticulously crafted from premium materials, contributes to its aesthetic appeal. The custom arm, painstakingly constructed with aluminum, is a testament to the artistry behind its creation. We’ll explore how magnetic anti-skating and a focus on impeccable build quality elevate the Alva TT V2 above the competition.
Design and Build: A Symphony of Elegance and Precision
The Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2 is a testament to the harmonious fusion of aesthetic elegance and meticulous engineering precision.
Elegant Aesthetics: At first glance, the Alva TT V2 exudes timeless sophistication. Its sleek, minimalist design, characterized by clean lines and a lustrous finish, is bound to catch the eye of even the most discerning audiophiles. The turntable’s chassis, crafted from high-quality materials, exudes a sense of durability and craftsmanship that is immediately palpable.
Custom Arm: Crafted with Precision: The Alva TT V2’s custom tonearm is a work of art in its own right. Precision-crafted from aluminum components, this arm adds to the turntable’s visual appeal and plays a pivotal role in ensuring a superior listening experience. Its aluminum construction imparts a robust feel and offers excellent resonance control. This design choice demonstrates Cambridge Audio’s unwavering commitment to achieving audio fidelity.
Magnetic Anti-Skating: Cambridge Audio has left no stone unturned in pursuing perfection. The inclusion of magnetic anti-skating is a testament to this commitment. This sophisticated feature ensures that the stylus tracks the grooves of your vinyl records with pinpoint accuracy, reducing distortion and preserving the integrity of your cherished music collection.
Uncompromising Build Quality: Every component of the Alva TT V2, down to the smallest detail, exudes an air of uncompromising build quality. No aspect has been overlooked, from the substantial plinth that forms its foundation to the meticulously engineered platter. The turntable’s solid construction not only imparts a sense of durability but also aids in minimizing unwanted vibrations that could otherwise compromise audio quality.
British Precision: It’s worth noting that a commitment to British precision and engineering excellence underpins the Alva TT V2’s design and build. While some components may be produced in the Far East, they are rigorously manufactured to meet British specifications. This meticulous oversight ensures that every Alva TT V2 unit that leaves the factory is a masterpiece of audio engineering.
In summary, the Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2’s design and build quality are exceptional. Its elegant aesthetics, custom-crafted arm, magnetic anti-skating, and unwavering commitment to precision and quality make it a true work of art for audiophiles who demand visual sophistication and audio excellence from their turntable. This attention to detail and dedication to craftsmanship set the Alva TT V2 apart, making it a worthy centerpiece of any high-end audio system.
Functions
Direct Drive Excellence: A Bold and Innovative Choice
Cambridge Audio’s bold decision to opt for a direct drive in this price range is a testament to its commitment to innovation. While other turntables often rely on belt drive mechanisms, the Alva TT V2 embraces the superiority of direct drive. We will delve deeper into this choice, comparing it to industry giants like Technics and examining the unique eight-pole motor at its heart.
Custom-Made Cartridge: The Perfect Synergy
The Alva TT V2’s secret weapon is its custom-made Alva MC cartridge. Crafted with precision and care, this cartridge perfectly matches the turntable’s exceptional capabilities. We will explore the materials used in its construction and how it enhance the overall sonic experience, bringing out the finest nuances in your vinyl collection.
Integrated Phono Stage with Bluetooth: A Seamless Connection
One of the Alva TT V2’s standout features is its integrated phono stage with a built-in Bluetooth module. This ingenious addition elevates the listening experience, offering seamless connectivity to various devices. We’ll guide you through pairing and using this feature, opening up a world of possibilities for your music enjoyment.
Setup and Usage: Effortless Enjoyment Unleashed
Setting up and using the Alva TT V2 is a breeze. We’ll provide tips and insights on optimizing your setup for the best audio experience. From unpacking to calibration, we’ve got you covered.
Setting up and using the Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2 is a seamless experience that enhances your connection to the world of vinyl. Let’s explore the intricate details of this process, making it effortless for you to enjoy your cherished vinyl collection to the fullest.
Effortless Setup: The Alva TT V2 arrives with meticulous attention to packaging, ensuring its safe delivery to your doorstep. Unboxing the turntable is an experience, with each component carefully protected. Cambridge Audio includes a comprehensive setup guide that simplifies the installation process.
Plinth Placement: Select the ideal location for your Alva TT V2. Its robust and vibration-resistant plinth is designed to minimize external interference, but positioning it on a stable, level surface away from direct sunlight and sources of vibration is recommended.
Leveling and Calibration: The turntable’s level must be precise for optimal performance. Utilize the included tools to ensure your Alva TT V2 is perfectly level. This step is critical in preventing tracking errors and ensuring that the stylus accurately follows the grooves on your vinyl records.
Balancing the Tonearm: Achieving the correct tonearm balance is essential for accurate tracking and preserving your vinyl collection. The Alva TT V2 provides a user-friendly counterweight system that allows you to fine-tune the tracking force effortlessly.
Installing the Cartridge: Mounting the Alva MC cartridge is straightforward. The turntable’s headshell, made of die-cast aluminum, securely holds the cartridge. This design simplifies installation and contributes to the turntable’s exceptional sound quality.
Connectivity: Connecting the Alva TT V2 to your audio system is a breeze. Whether you opt for a traditional analog connection or take advantage of the turntable’s integrated phono stage, the Alva TT V2 seamlessly integrates into your setup. Including a Bluetooth module allows for wireless connectivity to headphones or speakers, offering flexibility in how you experience your music.
Operation: Operating the Alva TT V2 is intuitive. The tactile feel of the controls and the precision of the platter’s rotation contribute to a user-friendly experience. The turntable responds with finesse, whether manually cueing your records or engaging the auto-stop feature.
Fine-Tuning and Customization: For those seeking a personalized touch, Cambridge Audio’s design philosophy allows some fine-tuning. While the Alva TT V2 doesn’t feature a height adjustment for the tonearm, including spacers provides an optional means to adjust the height. This level of customization caters to those who desire absolute control over their setup.
Effortless Enjoyment: With your Alva TT V2 properly set up and calibrated, you’re ready to embark on an audio journey. The turntable’s intuitive design and precise engineering make it a joy to operate, allowing you to immerse yourself in vinyl’s rich, warm sound effortlessly.
In conclusion, the setup and usage of the Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2 are designed to simplify the process while providing flexibility for those who seek customization. Whether you’re a seasoned vinyl enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of analog audio, the Alva TT V2’s user-friendly design and meticulous engineering ensure you can seamlessly transform your listening space into a haven of musical enjoyment.
Sound Quality: A Sonic Revelation Unleashed
Now, let’s talk about what truly matters: sound quality. The Alva TT V2 doesn’t disappoint. It’s a revelation in audio performance, with deep, resonant bass, crystal-clear highs, and a midrange that breathes life into your music. Join us as we listen more closely and discover how this turntable brings your favorite tracks to life, making every note a moment to savor.
The heart and soul of any turntable lie in its ability to reproduce sound faithfully and beautifully. In the case of the Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2 case, sound quality is exceptional, delivering an audiophile’s dream listening experience.
Deep, Resonant Bass: The Alva TT V2 produces a deep, resonant bass that can be felt as much as it’s heard. When your favorite records spin on this turntable, low-frequency notes resonate with authority, adding a palpable presence to your music. Each bass note is rich, full-bodied, and defined, making genres like jazz, rock, and electronic music come alive with a newfound vigor.
Crystal-Clear Highs: The Alva TT V2 excels in reproducing crystal-clear highs. Every shimmering cymbal crash, delicate piano key, or high-frequency instrument is rendered with exceptional clarity and precision. High-frequency details are crisp and airy, ensuring that the subtleties in your music are faithfully conveyed.
Midrange Magic: The midrange, often considered the heart of music, is where the Alva TT V2 truly shines. Vocalists take center stage, with their voices projected in the stereophonic center. Whether it’s a blues singer’s raw emotion or a jazz vocalist’s intricate phrasing, the Alva TT V2 captures the essence of the human voice with remarkable fidelity. Mid-range instruments like guitars, brass, and woodwinds sound warm and lifelike, creating an immersive listening experience.
Impeccable Instrument Separation: The turntable’s exceptional soundstage and instrument separation elevate your music to a new level of sophistication. You can pinpoint the exact location of instruments and performers within the sonic landscape. This level of separation allows you to appreciate the intricate interplay between instruments and the craftsmanship of the recording.
Sonic Revelation in Action: The Sound Test
To truly understand the Alva TT V2’s capabilities, let’s conduct a sound test using a variety of musical genres and tracks:
- Classical Brilliance: The Alva TT V2’s soundstage unfolds grandeur when listening to classical music. The strings of a symphony orchestra resonate with warmth, and the dynamics of a concerto are faithfully captured. The delicate nuances of a solo violin or the thundering crescendo of a full orchestra become a mesmerizing experience.
- Rock and Roll Energy: Switching to rock, the Alva TT V2 showcases its ability to handle dynamic and energetic tracks. The thumping drum beats, wailing guitars, and powerful vocals of classic rock anthems are reproduced with energy and impact. You’ll feel the raw power and emotion of your favorite rock classics.
- Jazz Intimacy: Jazz fans will be delighted by the Alva TT V2’s capacity to convey the intimacy of a small jazz ensemble. The subtle interplay between instruments, the improvisational nature of jazz solos, and the clarity of double bass notes are all presented with realism that transports you to the heart of a jazz club.
- Vocal Showcase: Listen to vocal-centric tracks to truly appreciate the Alva TT V2’s prowess. The turntable places the singer front and center, allowing you to savor every vocal inflection and emotion. Whether a soulful ballad or a high-energy pop hit, the Alva TT V2 captures the essence of the vocal performance.
In conclusion, the Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2 is a sonic revelation that brings your music to life with deep, resonant bass, crystal-clear highs, and a midrange that exudes warmth and realism. Its exceptional sound quality is best appreciated through a diverse selection of tracks, where it consistently delivers an audiophile-grade listening experience that transcends mere audio reproduction. With the Alva TT V2, your vinyl collection becomes an auditory masterpiece that reveals the nuances and intricacies of your favorite music like never before.
Conclusion: The Future of Vinyl Listening
In our conclusion, we’ll consolidate the Alva TT V2’s exceptional qualities. We’ll discuss its unique place in turntables, its value as an investment, and why it’s a must-have for any serious vinyl enthusiast. It’s not just a turntable; it’s a gateway to a future where vinyl listening is a rich and immersive experience.
The Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2 is more than a turntable; it’s a sonic marvel that redefines what’s possible in vinyl playback. Its blend of cutting-edge technology, elegant design, and exceptional sound quality is a testament to Cambridge Audio’s unwavering commitment to audio excellence. If you’re searching for a turntable that transcends the ordinary and promises an endless journey of musical delight, the Alva TT V2 is the investment that will keep your ears and soul thoroughly captivated.
Advantages:
- Exceptional Sound Quality: The Alva TT V2 delivers outstanding sound quality, with deep, resonant bass, crystal-clear highs, and a rich midrange. Audiophiles will appreciate the faithful reproduction of music.
- Integrated Phono Stage with Bluetooth: The built-in phono stage with Bluetooth connectivity adds versatility to your audio setup, allowing you to connect wirelessly to speakers or headphones or stream music to other rooms.
- Custom-Made Cartridge: The Alva TT V2 includes a custom-made Alva MC cartridge that complements its performance. This high-quality cartridge enhances the overall sound quality and minimizes the need for aftermarket upgrades.
- Direct Drive Mechanism: The choice of a direct drive mechanism, rather than the more common belt drive, ensures precision and stability in playback, reducing speed fluctuations and ensuring accurate tracking of grooves.
- Elegant Design and Build Quality: The turntable’s design is both aesthetically pleasing and built to last. It features a sleek, minimalist design and meticulous craftsmanship, with attention to detail in every component.
Disadvantages:
- High Price Point: The Alva TT V2 is positioned in the high-end segment of the turntable market, making it a substantial investment. Its price may be a limiting factor for some potential buyers.
- Limited Height Adjustment: The turntable lacks a height adjustment for the tonearm. While spacers can be used, this may not be ideal for users who require precise height adjustments for their specific setup.
- Complex Setup for Beginners: Setting up a high-end turntable like the Alva TT V2 may be challenging. Proper calibration and leveling are essential for optimal performance, and users new to turntables may find the process daunting.
- Heavy Weight: The Alva TT V2 is relatively heavy due to its robust construction. While this contributes to stability, it may be less suitable for users who require a more portable turntable.
- Limited Availability of Direct Drive Records: While direct-drive turntables offer many advantages, it’s worth noting that direct-drive vinyl records are less common than belt-drive records. This may limit the selection of records available for playback on the Alva TT V2.
The Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2 offers outstanding sound quality and versatile features. Still, it comes with a high price tag and some limitations in height adjustment and setup complexity, particularly for those new to turntables. Its exceptional build quality and design, the integrated phono stage, and Bluetooth capabilities make it a compelling choice for audiophiles willing to invest in a premium turntable.
