With the Spira, Cambridge Audio is launching a turntable that combines an entry into the world of vinyl with versatile connectivity options. For 349 euros, you get a belt-drive system, a pre-installed Audio-Technica cartridge, and a built-in phono preamp. A Bluetooth transmitter wirelessly sends music to speakers or headphones as desired. It also comes in five cabinet colors and offers options for upgrading the turntable later on.
Vinyl records come with their own ritual: taking the record out of its sleeve, placing it on the turntable, and lowering the needle. With the Spira, Cambridge Audio aims to ensure that this pleasure requires as little effort as possible. The new turntable is aimed at both vinyl beginners and music lovers who want to add a straightforward analog source to their existing system. Like the Cambridge Alva ST —which has already been tested by STEREO GUIDE—its features allow for a variety of ways to get the music from the turntable to your ears.
Looking for a connection? Found one!
The built-in phono preamp equalizes the cartridge signal and boosts it to the level required for a standard high-level input. This allows the Spira, for example, to be connected to an amplifier without its own phono input or to appropriately equipped active speakers. There’s no need to purchase a separate phono preamp for this.
If you already have a phono input on your amplifier or would like to experiment with an external phono stage later on, you can bypass the built-in circuitry. This makes the unamplified cartridge signal available. Cambridge Audio recommends its own Alva Solo and Alva Duo models as possible additions for this purpose. The Spira can therefore also be integrated into a system that already has a phono section or is intended to be specifically upgraded with one.
The built-in Bluetooth transmitter offers another connection option. It streams music from the vinyl record to compatible Bluetooth speakers or headphones. This is handy, for example, if you want to pair the turntable with an existing wireless speaker or enjoy your vinyl treasures through wireless headphones.
Space for the Cartridge
The Audio-Technica cartridge comes pre-mounted and pre-aligned. This eliminates the need to install and adjust the system during the initial setup. For a future upgrade, Cambridge Audio recommends an elliptical 3600LE stylus from Audio-Technica, which is designed to provide improved tracking. To install it, the stylus holder is replaced, while the existing cartridge can continue to be used.
A complete system change is also planned: The aluminum alloy tonearm features a removable headshell. This allows the cartridge to be detached from the arm for installation. An adjustable counterweight allows you to adjust the tracking force. The anti-skating is also adjustable. This setting counteracts the force that pulls the tonearm toward the center of the record during playback. Both are essential for properly adjusting a cartridge.
Heavy platter, easy speed selection
A lacquered wooden base serves as the foundation. The motor is housed inside it and drives a sub-platter via a belt. The turntable itself is made of steel and weighs 1.8 kilograms. According to Cambridge Audio, its high mass helps ensure stable rotation and reduces vibrations.
A felt mat is placed between the platter and the record. It is designed to control resonance and prevent the record from slipping during playback. Vibration-damping feet are also intended to reduce the transmission of vibrations from the surface below. A ground connection is provided for grounding the system when using the appropriate cabling.
The speed can be electronically adjusted between 33⅓ and 45 revolutions per minute using a single rotary switch. This allows the Spira to accommodate the standard playback speeds for LPs, singles, and appropriately cut maxi-singles. A tinted, hinged dust cover protects the turntable and stylus between listening sessions.
Five Colors for Vinyl
In addition to black and white, Cambridge Audio also offers the Spira in blue, green, and orange. The color palette is designed to match the active stereo speakers in the L/R series. This allows you to combine your turntable and speakers into a visually cohesive system. If you already own matching speakers, you can, of course, choose the player based on your own taste or interior decor.
The Cambridge Audio Spira will be available starting October 14, 2026, for 349 euros through the manufacturer’s website and authorized retailers. The package includes the pre-installed Audio-Technica cartridge, the built-in phono preamp, the Bluetooth transmitter, and the dust cover.
More at: www.cambridgeaudio.com
