I spy the perfect turntable to get you into vinyl: Cambridge Audio's new minimalist deck is designed to be easy to use for first-time owners

Cambridge Audio unveils new Spira turntable Mid-range price tag; on sale immediately Range of connection options, but nothing too complex If you've never used a record player before, they can seem quite complicated, which is why many of the best turntables are entry-level options targeted at relativ

<![CDATA[ <article> <ul><li><strong>Cambridge Audio unveils new Spira turntable</strong></li><li><strong>Mid-range price tag; on sale immediately</strong></li><li><strong>Range of connection options, but nothing too complex</strong></li></ul><p>If you've never used a record player before, they can seem quite complicated, which is why many of <a href="https://www.techradar.com/audio/turntables/the-best-turntables">the best turntables</a> are entry-level options targeted at relative novices — we all have to start somewhere, and that is good. Cambridge has just entered that esteemed line-up with its new Spira.</p><p>Banish the thought of something complicated and expensive (or '90s Cadbury chocolate bars, if you're of a certain vintage), such as <a href="https://www.techradar.com/reviews/cambridge-audio-alva-tt-v2">Cambridge's own Audio Alva TT V2</a>, fantastic though it is. This is an option designed to be easy to set up and use, though one you can build a hi-fi system around if you get hooked on vinyl, as Cambridge surely expects. </p><p>To that end, it's relatively affordable, at $499 / £329 (about AU$640). That's not quite as cheap as some of our entry-level favorites, like the <a href="https://www.techradar.com/audio/turntables/i-tested-the-entry-level-turntable-that-everyone-raves-about-and-i-totally-get-it">Sony PS-LX310BT</a>, but in the grand scheme of turntables it's very much at the lower end of things. </p><p>The Cambridge Spira is on sale right now, in five colors: black, white, green, orange or blue, which are the brand's go-to colors (its speakers take those hues — see the fantastic <a href="https://www.techradar.com/audio/wireless-bluetooth-speakers/cambridge-l-r-s-review">Cambridge L/R S</a>), so you can match the Spira to other pieces of kit if you pick more up.</p><h2 id="the-cambridge-whi-spiras-of-a-good-friend">The Cambridge whi-Spiras of a good friend</h2><figure class="van-image-figure inline-layout" data-bordeaux-image-check ><div class='image-full-width-wrapper'><div class='image-widthsetter' style="max-width:614px;"><p class="vanilla-image-block" style="padding-top:56.35%;"><img id="6coz9WjbLUPd5LcdBkpBTB" name="CA Spira" alt="The Cambridge Audio Spira next to an orange speaker." src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6coz9WjbLUPd5LcdBkpBTB-1920-80.jpg" mos="" align="middle" fullscreen="" width="614" height="346" attribution="" endorsement="" class="inline"></p></div></div><figcaption itemprop="caption description" class=" inline-layout"><span class="credit" itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Cambridge Audio)</span></figcaption></figure><p>One of the perks of the Cambridge Audio Spira is that it can connect to basically anything, perfect to slot into an existing set-up, whether you own expensive floor-standers or a single Bluetooth speaker.</p><p>That means it has a a built-in phono preamp, or connects via Bluetooth (CA doesn't mention any other connection options in its press release). </p><p>The Spira has a pre-fitted Audio-Technica cartridge on its aluminum tonearm, and apparently it's easy to replace if you decide to make an upgrade. The platter is steel and there's a wooden plinth to house the motor, designed to remove unwanted resonance. </p><p>Just looking at the pictures, you can see they're pretty simple, without extra dials or levers that could overwhelm a novice. There is an rpm speed dial, but that's basically it. </p><p>The minimalism might put off die-hard record player users, who know exactly what they want and have thousands to drop on the right kit. But for most people, this'll be a perfect jack-of-all-trades device that slots into whatever audio set-up you own.</p> </article> ]]>