Is Cambridge Audio’s $699 Alva ST The AUDIOPHILE TURNTABLE Worth Saving For？

ByChris

United States of Analog | June 15, 2025

🎙️ Early Video Analysis

What is this video about?

This video is a review of the Cambridge Audio Alva ST turntable, priced at $699. The host Bob is evaluating whether this turntable is worth saving up for, positioning it as an “audiophile turntable” in the enthusiast category. He provides a framework for different types of turntable buyers and discusses the Alva ST’s features, build quality, and design philosophy.

What gear, products, or brands are discussed?

  • Cambridge Audio Alva ST turntable – $699, belt-driven, aptX HD Bluetooth-enabled, built-in phono preamp based on Cambridge Audio’s standalone preamps, described as entry-level Cambridge Audio turntable with good engineering
  • Audio-Technica VM95E cartridge – Pre-installed, elliptical stylus, approximately $70 value when bought separately
  • Cambridge Audio standalone phono preamps – Mentioned as reference for the built-in preamp design

What are the host’s main opinions or takes so far?

  • Many people lose interest in turntables when prices exceed $300 [00:01:05]
  • The Alva ST fits in the “enthusiast” category ($500-$1,200) for people with more than passing interest in vinyl [00:01:44]
  • This turntable is designed to be one you can “live with for a while” without needing to upgrade too soon [00:03:02]
  • Spoiler alert: “most of the things about this turntable are going to be on the plus side of the page” [00:03:20]
  • The design is “reserved” and “stoic” which may not appeal to everyone, but will blend well with other components and stand the test of time [00:05:23]
  • Weight in turntables is preferred for providing a solid foundation for playing vinyl [00:05:49]

What are the host’s main opinions or takes so far?

  • Categorizes turntable buyers into four groups: budget/beginner ($200-$500), enthusiast ($500-$1,200), pro ($1,000-$5,000), and sky’s the limit
  • The $699 price point will immediately “run a lot of people out of the room” but encourages viewers to find value [00:03:32]
  • Emphasizes getting a turntable you can afford and enjoy, regardless of category
  • Heavy aluminum platter with rubber mat creates a “throwback to the 70s turntables” vibe [00:04:18]
  • Appreciates the top-mounted power and speed controls for convenience [00:05:02]

Were there any funny moments, strong opinions, or memorable quotes?

  • “All right, I’ve already run a lot of people out of the room, but hang in there. You might find some value here.” [00:03:32] – acknowledging the $699 price point
  • When discussing the “sky’s the limit” turntable category: “It’s not a place I’m ever going to visit, more than likely, except for maybe at an audio show or a dealer” [00:02:39]
  • Describing pro-level turntable users: “They’re making those little micro-adjustments before they play a record. They’re looking for all kinds of complications in their turntable” [00:02:21]

Summary

In this opening portion of the review, host Bob from United States of Analog introduces what he’s declared “Turntable Day” and “British Rock Day” to review the Cambridge Audio Alva ST turntable. He begins by acknowledging the common challenge he faces when discussing turntables with listeners – most people lose interest once prices exceed around $300, which sets up the tension around the Alva ST’s $699 price point.

Bob provides a useful framework for understanding different categories of turntable buyers, from budget-conscious beginners ($200-$500) up to “sky’s the limit” exotic buyers. He positions the Alva ST squarely in the “enthusiast” category ($500-$1,200), designed for people who have moved beyond casual interest in vinyl and want better build and sound quality. His key selling point is that this turntable is designed to be one you can “live with for a while” without needing to upgrade soon.

The review then dives into the technical specifications and build quality of the Alva ST. Bob highlights its belt-driven design, aptX HD Bluetooth capability, built-in phono preamp derived from Cambridge Audio’s standalone units, and the included Audio-Technica VM95E cartridge. He praises the heavy aluminum platter with rubber mat, the convenient top-mounted controls, and the overall solid construction. While noting there are “a couple of little things” he’d change, he gives a spoiler that most aspects will be positive, describing the design as reserved and timeless, even if it might not appeal to those wanting flashier aesthetics.

⏱️ Mid-Video Analysis

What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this portion?

  • Cambridge Audio Alva ST turntable ($699) [00:05:59-00:06:43]
  • Audio-Technica VM95E cartridge with elliptical stylus [00:09:00-00:09:03]
  • Audio-Technica Micro-Line Replacement Stylus [00:09:08-00:09:13]
  • ISO-Acoustic Pucks [00:09:25-00:09:27]
  • ISO-Acoustics Zazen isolation platform [00:09:34-00:09:39]
  • Project Debut Carbon Evo (second generation) with carbon fiber tone arm [00:10:23-00:10:30]
  • Semico Rainier cartridge [00:10:32-00:10:37]
  • Ortofon Red cartridge [00:10:37-00:10:44]
  • Rega Planar One Plus [00:11:10-00:11:13]
  • Fluance RT85 [00:11:33-00:11:36]
  • Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge [00:11:45-00:11:52]

What are the host’s key findings, verdicts, or opinions?

  • Cambridge Audio Alva ST is “a great design” that offers good long-term value [00:05:59-00:06:10]
  • Built-in Bluetooth and phono stage provide valuable flexibility for different users [00:06:10-00:06:31]
  • Prefers Cambridge Audio’s build quality over the Project Debut Carbon Evo [00:11:02-00:11:06]
  • Believes the Fluance RT85’s build quality is not as strong as the Cambridge, but has a superior cartridge [00:11:39-00:11:45]
  • Wishes the Cambridge Audio came with an Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge instead [00:11:54-00:12:00]

Were there any price/value assessments?

  • $699 price point is “probably a little more than many people are willing to pay, at least when they’re starting out” [00:06:43-00:06:50]
  • Strong advocacy for saving money rather than buying cheaper $200-300 turntables or suitcase turntables [00:07:14-00:07:29]
  • Warns that cheaper turntables become worthless for resale and you’ll want to upgrade quickly [00:07:46-00:08:28]
  • Emphasizes this turntable will provide “years and years of enjoyment” making it worth the investment [00:08:28-00:08:37]

Any comparisons to other gear mentioned?

  • Project Debut Carbon Evo: Has carbon fiber tone arm but basic cartridge options, can add Bluetooth/phono stage but doesn’t come standard [00:10:23-00:11:01]
  • Rega Planar One Plus: British brand with minimalist aesthetic, no Bluetooth, no removable headshell, but “very good tracker” [00:11:10-00:11:31]
  • Fluance RT85: Widely reviewed, inferior build quality but superior Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge [00:11:33-00:11:52]

Any audiophile tips, advice, or how-to content?

  • Recommends saving money for a quality turntable rather than buying cheap options immediately [00:07:14-00:07:35]
  • Suggests upgrading to Audio-Technica Micro-Line Replacement Stylus after living with the elliptical stylus for “a few months, a year” [00:09:03-00:09:13]
  • Recommends adding ISO-Acoustic Pucks for isolation (doesn’t need to be immediate) [00:09:22-00:09:30]
  • Suggests considering ISO-Acoustics Zazen isolation platform as future upgrade [00:09:34-00:09:39]
  • Advises considering build quality and upgrade path when choosing turntables [00:12:10-00:12:12]

Any memorable quotes or strong takes?

  • “Any way you can get the sound into your ear holes is okay with me” [00:06:31-00:06:35]
  • “No, just give it some time because here’s the deal, when you do that instant gratification thing…” [00:07:42-00:07:46]
  • “I’m telling you, it’s been like that throughout my life with just about every hobby I’ve ever had. You get sophisticated real quick and you want to upgrade” [00:08:03-00:08:12]
  • “Not trying to influence you in any way, that’s just my personal opinion” [00:11:06-00:11:10]

Summary

In this portion of the review, the host makes a strong case for the Cambridge Audio Alva ST’s value proposition at $699, acknowledging it’s more expensive than entry-level options but arguing it’s worth saving for. He emphasizes the turntable’s built-in Bluetooth and phono stage as practical features that provide flexibility for different users and systems, even though these aren’t features he personally gravitates toward. The host advocates strongly against buying cheaper turntables in the $200-300 range, warning that buyers will quickly want to upgrade and lose money on resale.

The discussion includes detailed upgrade paths for the Cambridge Audio, including swapping the elliptical stylus for an Audio-Technica Micro-Line replacement and adding isolation accessories like ISO-Acoustic Pucks or the Zazen platform. He positions this upgradeability as a key advantage over cheaper alternatives, noting that the solid foundation makes these improvements worthwhile investments over time.

The host provides a competitive analysis comparing the Alva ST to three main rivals: the Project Debut Carbon Evo, Rega Planar One Plus, and Fluance RT85. While he expresses personal preference for Cambridge Audio’s build quality over Project’s offering, he acknowledges the Fluance RT85’s superior Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge, even wishing the Cambridge came with that cartridge instead. Throughout the discussion, he emphasizes considering build quality and upgrade path as key decision factors in this price range.

🏁 Final Thoughts & Verdict

What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this final portion?

  • Cambridge Audio Alva ST turntable [00:12:16-00:17:15]
  • Ortofon stylus scale (included with turntable) [00:12:54]
  • Audio-Technica VM-95E cartridge [00:15:28]
  • Nagaoka cartridges [00:16:17]
  • Samico cartridges [00:16:17]
  • Ortofon 2M cartridges [00:16:17]
  • VM-95 micro line stylus [00:16:29]
  • Rhino High Fidelity Recordings [00:13:40]
  • The Faces “Ooh La La” record [00:13:53]
  • Black Sabbath “Paranoid” and self-titled albums [00:14:07]
  • Vision Arcade test pressing from Third Man Records [00:14:45]

What is the host’s final verdict or conclusion?

[00:16:32-00:17:01] The host concludes this is an excellent turntable that “looks like a turntable, sounds like a turntable” and “isn’t going to become obsolete anytime soon.” He states “I can’t say enough about it” and emphasizes it provides a “solid foundation from Cambridge Audio.”

Were there any final recommendations — buy, skip, or consider?

  • Strong buy recommendation: “set it, forget it, have fun with it” [00:16:38]
  • Upgrade recommendation: Replace the VM-95E cartridge eventually, or at minimum upgrade to the 95 micro line stylus [00:16:29]
  • Alternative cartridge suggestions: Nagaoka, Samico, or Ortofon 2M cartridges [00:16:17]

Any final tips, caveats, or advice for viewers?

  • The included VM-95E cartridge sounds “a little rolled off” in the high end [00:15:44]
  • There is an upgrade path available for cartridges [00:16:16]
  • Minor criticism about lack of adjustable feet [00:16:38]
  • Emphasis on “music first” approach – not everyone needs to obsess over audiophile details [00:15:58-00:16:01]

How did the video wrap up?

[00:17:21-00:17:39] Standard YouTube outro thanking viewers for watching and being part of the “United States of Analog” community, with a recommendation to watch another video that YouTube’s algorithm has selected.

Any memorable closing quotes or strong final opinions?

  • “Sometimes it’s just about the music. Music first.” [00:15:58-00:16:01]
  • “enjoy the healing properties of music” [00:16:44]
  • “It’s good to see a turntable that looks like a turntable, sounds like a turntable, that isn’t going to become obsolete anytime soon.” [00:16:52-00:17:01]
  • “I can’t say enough about it” [00:16:50]

Summary

In this final portion, the host details what comes in the Cambridge Audio Alva ST box, praising the heavy-duty cables, separate ground wire, and the inclusion of an Ortofon stylus scale that he found surprisingly accurate despite its low cost. He demonstrates the turntable’s capabilities by playing various British records, particularly highlighting Rhino High Fidelity Recordings releases including The Faces’ “Ooh La La” and Black Sabbath albums, which he enthusiastically recommends for their quality and value at $40 or less.

The host addresses the turntable’s main weakness: the included Audio-Technica VM-95E cartridge, which he describes as sounding “rolled off” in the high frequencies. However, he contextualizes this criticism by emphasizing that not everyone needs to obsess over audiophile details, stating “sometimes it’s just about the music. Music first.” He recommends eventual cartridge upgrades to options like Nagaoka, Samico, or Ortofon 2M cartridges, or at minimum upgrading to the VM-95 micro line stylus.

The host concludes with strong praise for the Cambridge Audio Alva ST, calling it a solid foundation that “looks like a turntable, sounds like a turntable” and won’t become obsolete. His only other minor criticism is the lack of adjustable feet. He gives a clear buy recommendation with the advice to “set it, forget it, have fun with it” and enjoy the music, while noting that upgrades can be made down the line to build upon this solid foundation.

Analysis generated from archived transcripts. Channel: United States of Analog — hi-fi gear reviews, vinyl, and audiophile culture.

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