The SpinBase Turntable Speaker System is shockingly good…with opportunity for more.
If you are searching for a simple single speaker solution for your turntable, look no further.
Place your turntable on top of the Spin Base, plug in the audio, power cable and you are done.
Modern Design
Let’s face it, if you are interested in playing vinyl in an uncompressed format you need good wired speakers. I’ve spent more than my fair share of time researching vintage electronics. I’ve even tried a vintage amp or two. The realization is that the hassle-free benefit of modern electronics out-weighs the romance of the vintage stereo system. Especially when vintage electronics worth purchasing have sky-rocketed in pricing to 2-3 times the cost of a modern system.
There is a pre-amp, if needed.
You would think it would be easy to play a vinyl record. Unfortunately when you purchase separate A/V components you need to pay a little attention to the details. The SpinBase covers many bases with a built-in pre-amp that can be bypassed if needed. There are separate connections for magnetic or ceramic cartridges. You can also contact Andover directly to get information on how to properly connect your turntable.
The SpinBase doubles as a Bluetooth speaker.
This is an underrated feature. I like to listen to podcasts on my iPhone. It’s very simple to pair with the speaker and control playback with my AppleWatch. It is so simple and works very easily.
Headphone Jack
I have always associated playing vinyl with headphones. I feel the only miss here is the location for this connection should be on the front of the unit. The actual jack should be 1/4″ instead of 3.5mm for a classic set of headphones.
The intent for this product was for use with a turntable. I think there is a greater opportunity for the next version of this product.
Here is what could make it great.
Alexa Integration
Keeping things simple by adding Alexa built-in would take this speaker from single use to a hub for your smart home.
Give the SpinBase a soul.
There is a nostalgia about vinyl that the SpinBase misses. The resurgence in vinyl is a romance. SpinBase needs to add vintage design cues that seduce while maintaining the modern convenience.
- The volume knob should be metal and feel substantial when turning. The build quality is so great it’s definitely a let down to grab a plastic control knob.
- The front of the unit should be a solid metal panel and not woven like a speaker. This would allow volume labels 1-10 on the knob, a proper 1/4″ headphone jack and vintage styling…woodgrain!
- Please add a red indicator light on the front so I know then the unit is powered.
- The AC adapter cord is very short; let’s double the length.
More to come…
Still waiting on my Orbit turntable from u-turn audio. I’ll post a follow-up focusing on the turntable integration in the coming weeks.
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