REVIEW： JBL Spinner Turntable! Is It For Audiophiles？
United States of Analog | January 7, 2024
🎙️ Early Video Analysis
What is this video about?
This is a review of the JBL Spinner Bluetooth Turntable ($399 USD), where host Bob evaluates whether it’s suitable for audiophiles. He plans to examine the turntable’s form factor, functionality, features, and lifestyle fit, with an unboxing segment planned for the end of the video.
What gear, products, or brands are discussed?
- JBL Spinner Bluetooth Turntable [00:00:31] – $399 USD, belt-drive turntable with aluminum orange platter, built-in preamp, auto-stop feature, Bluetooth connectivity, detachable metal headshell
- AT3600 cartridge [00:05:06] – Audio-Technica cartridge included with the JBL, described as common on starter turntables
- Audio-Technica SoundBurger [00:05:09] – Referenced as another turntable Bob previously reviewed that uses the same cartridge
- JBL L100 speakers [00:02:42] – Vintage JBL speakers with orange Quadrex foam grills that Bob coveted in his youth
- Bose 901 speakers [00:02:31] – Mentioned as popular in the 70s-80s but now difficult to sell
- Sony Quadraphonic system [00:02:54] – Bob’s first hi-fi purchase, complete with reel-to-reel
What are the host’s main opinions or takes so far?
- Build quality concerns [00:04:41]: The turntable has “a cheaper feel to it” with mostly plastic construction and “not the good kind of plastic”
- Design criticism [00:06:46]: The frosted plastic dust cover with round edges is his “least favorite part” and doesn’t match the turntable’s squared-off design
- Component assessment [00:05:42]: Describes the lifting arm as “loosey-goosey” and transport hook as feeling like “it could just pop off at any minute”
- Mixed feelings [00:04:36]: Acknowledges it has “nice lines” but overall feels cheap
- Cartridge expectations [00:05:19]: Suggests users will “probably want to detach” and replace the included cartridge
Were there any strong recommendations or warnings to viewers?
- Cartridge replacement hint [00:05:19]: Bob suggests viewers will “probably going to want to detach” the included AT3600 cartridge, implying it should be upgraded
Were there any funny moments, strong opinions, or memorable quotes?
- Opening sarcasm [00:00:10]: “Who am I kidding? No one’s being congratulated here” after reading the congratulatory message from the JBL manual
- Christopher Nolan comparison [00:00:51]: Compares his video structure (shooting unboxing first but placing it last) to “a Christopher Nolan movie”
- Audiophile terminology [00:05:00]: Creates the humorous “official audiophile term, pingy-ringy” to describe the aluminum platter’s resonance
- Logo size observation [00:04:13]: “Man, they’re proud of themselves. That’s the biggest turntable logo I’ve ever seen”
3-Paragraph Summary
Host Bob from United States of Analog begins his review of the $399 JBL Spinner Bluetooth Turntable with immediate skepticism, sarcastically dismissing the congratulatory tone of the product manual. He shares his nostalgic connection to the JBL brand, recounting how he first discovered and coveted JBL L100 speakers as a teenager at an Air Force base audio store in England, where his father was stationed. This personal history with JBL creates context for his evaluation, as he notes the brand’s wide range from professional studio monitors to discount store Bluetooth speakers.
Bob’s physical examination of the turntable reveals mixed feelings about its design and construction. While he acknowledges some positive elements like the traditional four-foot design, aluminum orange platter, metal headshell, and metal counterweight, he’s critical of the overall build quality. He describes the turntable as having “a cheaper feel” with predominantly plastic construction, including non-adjustable feet, plastic speed buttons, and what he considers low-quality plastic components throughout the tonearm assembly.
The most significant criticism emerges regarding the turntable’s dust cover, which Bob identifies as his “least favorite part” due to its frosted plastic construction and round edges that don’t match the turntable’s angular design aesthetic. His assessment of the included AT3600 cartridge suggests it will likely need upgrading, and his description of various components as “loosey-goosey” and prone to breaking indicates concerns about the turntable’s durability and precision—key factors for audiophile consideration.
⏱️ Mid-Video Analysis
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this portion?
- JBL Spinner Turntable ($400) – main product being reviewed
- Audio-Technica AT3600 cartridge ($25) – included with the JBL turntable
- Schiit Mani phono preamp [00:09:17]
- McIntosh 50-watt amplifier [00:09:20]
- Klipsch Heresy 3 speakers [00:09:20]
- JBL Authentics speakers (mentioned as better match) [00:09:49]
- Fluance RT83 turntable with Ortofon Red cartridge ($349-399) [00:10:33]
- Project and Music Hall turntables ($399) [00:10:42]
- Hudson Hi-Fi acrylic mat [00:12:05]
- Fozzy Audio V3 amplifier [00:12:35]
- Sony SSC-S5 speakers [00:12:49]
- Audio-Technica VM95 cartridge (suggested upgrade) [00:13:31]
What are the host’s key findings, verdicts, or opinions?
- Main complaint: Poor control layout – all connections and buttons are on the back, inconvenient for front access [00:07:33]
- Not for audiophiles: “I don’t consider this turntable as a real audiophile product” [00:10:56]
- Poor value proposition: $25 cartridge on $400 turntable – “I don’t like that ratio” [00:10:21]
- Final verdict: “This is for kids. It’s not for me. This is going back” [00:13:37]
- Market positioning confusion: “It’s too expensive for a beginner and it’s too expensive for what you get if you’re an audiophile” [00:14:22]
- Prediction: “I’m going to guess that very soon this unit will be heavily discounted if not discontinued” [00:14:13]
Were there any listening tests or sound quality observations described?
- Sound quality assessment: “sound-wise, was a little muddy. The lower mids were very boomy. There was no sparkle in the highs” [00:11:11]
- Imaging issues: “separation and center image, kind of confused” [00:11:29]
- Basic sound quality: “It is just basic music, like you get off the radio, like you get off of portable cassette players” [00:11:46]
- Second listening test: Used turntable’s built-in preamp direct to Fozzy V3 amp and Sony speakers – “not really. Marginally better” [00:12:58]
- Slight improvement noted: Hudson Hi-Fi acrylic mat “deadened that platter considerably” [00:12:14]
Were there any price/value assessments?
- JBL Spinner: $400 with $25 cartridge – poor value ratio [00:10:21]
- Fluance RT83: $349-399 with Ortofon Red cartridge – better value [00:10:33]
- Upgrade cost analysis: Adding acrylic mat and VM95 cartridge would bring total to $500-550, making dedicated turntables more sensible [00:13:49]
Any comparisons to other gear mentioned?
- Direct competitors: Fluance RT83, Project, and Music Hall turntables at $399 price point offer better value [00:10:30]
- Better system match: JBL Authentics speakers would be “probably a perfect match” rather than high-end audiophile gear [00:09:46]
- System mismatch: Klipsch Heresy 3s “may be a little overkill for this table” [00:09:28]
Any vinyl records, albums, or music discussed?
- Test records used [00:08:43]: Alan Parsons Project “Eye in the Sky”, Dire Straits, Steely Dan, Asia, and Fleetwood Mac
- Record selection rationale: Used “bargain basement finds” rather than premium pressings like One Steps or Tone Poets [00:08:49]
Any audiophile tips, advice, or how-to content?
- Dust cover tip: “I normally don’t use the dust covers anyway because they can resonate while you’re playing records” [00:07:05]
- Cleaning tip: Use a makeup brush to dust off turntables [00:07:21]
- Cartridge value rule: “I feel like a cartridge should be maybe a third of the price of the turntable” [00:13:24]
- Purchase advice: “if that’s what you’re intending it for [audiophile use], I’m going to stop you right there and say, save your money and look elsewhere” [00:11:01]
Any memorable quotes or strong takes?
- “Alright, little tip from your old Uncle Bob there” [00:07:28] – regarding the dust cover maintenance tip
- “This is for kids. It’s not for me. This is going back” [00:13:37] – definitive dismissal
- “I don’t think JBL did their research” [00:14:20] – criticism of market positioning
- “I struggled long and hard to come up with a brand new audiophile term for, you know, a fuzzy center image” [00:11:33] – humorous critique of sound quality
Summary
In this portion of the review, the host conducts detailed listening tests of the JBL Spinner turntable using two different system configurations. Initially testing through high-end equipment including a Schiit Mani preamp, McIntosh amplifier, and Klipsch Heresy 3 speakers, he finds the sound quality disappointing with muddy bass, boomy lower mids, no high-frequency sparkle, and confused imaging. He uses classic rock albums from artists like Alan Parsons Project, Dire Straits, and Steely Dan as test material, deliberately choosing older, used pressings rather than audiophile releases.
The host’s primary criticism centers on value and market positioning. At $400, the JBL Spinner comes equipped with only a $25 Audio-Technica AT3600 cartridge, which he considers an unacceptable ratio. He argues that for the same $399 price point, buyers could get superior options like the Fluance RT83 with an Ortofon Red cartridge, or turntables from Project and Music Hall. Even when he tests the turntable through a more modest system using its built-in preamp and Sony speakers, the improvement is only marginal.
Ultimately, the host concludes that the JBL Spinner falls into an awkward market gap – too expensive for beginners yet inadequate for audiophiles. He criticizes JBL for poor market research and predicts the product will likely be heavily discounted or discontinued. His final verdict is unequivocal: the turntable is going back, as he sees no viable upgrade path that would make financial sense given the superior alternatives available at similar price points.
🏁 Final Thoughts & Verdict
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this final portion?
- [00:14:49] JBL Spinner Bluetooth Turntable ($399)
- [00:14:53] JBL Bluetooth headphones
- [00:18:22] JBL L100 speakers (mentioned as aspiration – “I’ve always wanted some L100s with orange grills”)
What is the host’s final verdict or conclusion?
- [00:14:56] “It’s just okay” – lukewarm assessment of the turntable
- [00:14:18] “You deserved it though. You deserved it at $399” – criticism of the price point
- [00:18:45] “It’s not horrible looking” – backhanded compliment about aesthetics
- Overall negative verdict with some redeeming qualities noted
Were there any final recommendations — buy, skip, or consider?
- [00:14:44] Jokingly suggests “no one’s going to hit the affiliate link on this one” – implying it’s not worth buying
- [00:20:48] Advises not using “good vinyl” with this turntable due to poor cartridge quality
- [00:17:13] Suggests potential for modding and cartridge upgrades in future videos
Any final tips, caveats, or advice for viewers?
- [00:18:08] “Don’t forget, I always recommend you RTFM. Read the effing manual”
- [00:20:27] “Don’t be afraid to push that in” – technical tip about headshell installation
- [00:20:11] Notes that “the felt mat will help reduce” the ringing from the aluminum platter
- [00:20:16] Recommends using a digital scale to set proper tracking force
How did the video wrap up?
The video has an unusual structure – it ends with an unboxing segment that was filmed before the review but placed at the end. The host wraps up by completing the turntable setup and expressing hope that viewers enjoyed the review portion at the beginning of the video.
Any memorable closing quotes or strong final opinions?
- [00:14:18] “You deserved it though. You deserved it at $399”
- [00:14:20] “I could meditate to that ringing” – sarcastic comment about unwanted resonance
- [00:15:04] “We’ll see you next time. Hopefully with a better product”
- [00:18:51] “That JBL orange that just gets your heart racing” – acknowledging the appeal of JBL’s iconic styling
Summary
This final portion reveals the host’s overall disappointment with the JBL Spinner turntable, particularly given its $399 price point. While he acknowledges some positive aspects like the Bluetooth functionality working adequately and the iconic JBL orange styling being visually appealing, he concludes that the turntable is merely “okay” and jokes that no one will use his affiliate link to purchase it. The host is critical of the aluminum platter’s resonance issues and the low-quality cartridge, though he notes potential for future modifications.
The video concludes with an unboxing segment that was filmed before the review, where the host discovers both positive surprises (hinged dust cover, removable headshell, decent build quality) and expected compromises (lightweight construction, basic cartridge). Throughout the unboxing, he maintains his critical stance while acknowledging that JBL made some smart design choices, such as the well-packaged components and the availability of the classic orange colorway that evokes the brand’s heritage.
The host’s technical expertise shines through as he provides practical advice about turntable setup, from reading the manual to properly setting tracking force with a digital scale. His final assessment positions this as a beginner turntable that looks decent but doesn’t justify its price point, especially when compared to other options available in the same price range. The video ends on a hopeful note that future episodes will feature better products, underscoring his disappointment with this particular offering.
Analysis generated from archived transcripts. Channel: United States of Analog — hi-fi gear reviews, vinyl, and audiophile culture.
