Product Strengths

• Delivers a lively and immediate sound that is exciting and engaging
• Offers a wide variety of color options and finishes to suit different tastes and home decors
• Includes electronic speed control for easy switching between 33⅓ and 45 RPM records
• Has a well-made and solid build quality that inspires confidence
• Has quiet operation with negligible motor noise

Product Considerations

• The power switch underneath the plinth is slightly fiddly
• There's no in-built VTA adjuster
• Might lack a certain refinement
• Finishes are sheen colors rather than gloss (preference)

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Rega Planar 2/Nd3, it counters with a beautifully fluid delivery and a particularly lovely and sweet-toned midrange
• Vs Rega Planar 3, it looks and feels like huge value, even when the price increase over the original Evo is taken into account
• Vs Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO, the new Debut Evo 2 improves on it in a number of ways—yet only costs a little more than its predecessor

Takeaway: The Pro-Ject Debut EVO 2 offers great sound and is easy to use, making it a fantastic way to enjoy vinyl records. With several color options and potential upgrades, it's a solid choice for anyone wanting a stylish and capable turntable.

Product Strengths

• Detachable headshell, defeatable preamp, and ability to disable the Bluetooth feature provide usability and upgradability
• Built-in phono preamp is based on the more expensive Duo and is dead quiet, providing great power filtering internally
• Has a sleek and contemporary look
• Good speed regulation system
• Can be easily upgraded with a better stylus tip when it's time for replacement
• Has Bluetooth aptX HD functionality

Product Considerations

• With the Audio-Technica cartridge, the soundstage was not as wide as a digital source
• An upgraded power supply did not make any audible difference in sound quality
• There is no azimuth or tone arm height adjustment
• The tonearm bearings could be better adjusted for less play
• Connecting the Alva ST using Bluetooth is like other units where there's no visual system to decide what to connect to

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Alva ST has a simpler moving magnet AT95E cartridge, a die-cast aluminum platter, and is belt-driven instead of direct drive, making it half the cost, compared to the Alva TT V2
• The Dual CS 618Q costs a little more than the Alva ST, has no Bluetooth, but does come with an Ortofon 2M Blue pickup and is fully automatic
• The Pro-Ject Debut PRO undercuts the Alva in price and spec, offers a similar minimalist design, and 78 rpm, but lacks Bluetooth and the overall heft

Takeaway: The Cambridge Audio Alva ST turntable is a well-built, flexible turntable that offers both classic analog connectivity and modern Bluetooth streaming. It is a great buy for those looking for a belt-driven table with a built-in preamp that can be upgraded later on.

Product Strengths

• Solid build gives a sense of confidence when operating it
• Fantastic anti-vibration feet
• Digs down deep and cleanly, and doesn't struggle with low notes
• Presents a holographic image and a wide soundstage

Product Considerations

• The dust cover is a smoky color, obscuring the view of the turntable components
• The record clamp is essential and is not part of the standard package

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Compared to the Technics SL-1500C, the StudioDeck offers a weightier and more compelling sound
• Compared to the Rega P3 (2000) with the Nagaoka MP-110 MM Cartridge, the MoFi StudioDeck offered greater detail and clarity throughout the frequency range

Takeaway: The StudioDeck+U is a great turntable that offers a solid and detailed performance. It is easy to set up and use, making it a great choice for people looking to get started with vinyl or upgrade from a midrange player.

Product Strengths

• Resonance mitigation is a key focus, with a solid plinth and thick glass platter to minimize vibrations
• The tonearm tested 'perfectly' and performs at a level expected on more expensive units
• The T2 Superphono has a well-designed built-in phono stage that is comparable to Pro-Ject's entry-level phono stage, the Box S2
• The T2 comes with high-quality E-Series RCA cables, not flimsy generic cables
• The T2 Super Phono comes with a pre-aligned Sumiko Rainier cartridge

Product Considerations

• The T2 W's phono stage cannot be disengaged, so the turntable shouldn't be connected to the phono input of the amplifying component
• The T2 Super Phono table's lack of absolute separation of singers and instrumentalists was consistently evident
• When streaming from the T2 W simultaneously to multiple devices, the streams were out of sync by a second or more
• The feet on the T2 W are not height-adjustable, so the turntable must rest on a level surface
• The T2 W does not stream lossless audio to all UPnP devices

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• The T2 Superphono's built-in phono stage was surprisingly similar to the Pro-Ject 2 Box S2, with the Tube S2 being a little warmer
• The Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2 was more incisive and provided greater insight into Jarrett's playing, low notes were thuddier and less authoritative on the T2 W, and everything was a little more blurred
• The T2 has a thicker glass platter, longer and more rigid tonearm, spring-based anti-skating compensation, and electronic speed control
• The Pro-Ject Debut Line is a higher-level series than the T Line, therefore, it had more bite and texture

Takeaway: The T2 is a turntable with a focus on reducing unwanted vibrations and resonances, which makes it a worthwhile upgrade for those seeking better vinyl playback quality. With its tonearm and included cartridge, the T2 provides great value.

Product Strengths

• Focuses on resonance mitigation, using a solid plinth, thick glass platter, and vibration absorption feet
• Features a 9-inch aluminum tonearm that performs exceptionally well—testing 'perfectly' on horizontal forces and static friction
• Includes a Sumiko Rainier cartridge that is a 'perfect pairing' with the tonearm
• Equipped with a built-in phono stage with a dual-stage split passive design comparable to Pro-Ject's 2 Box S2 phono stage
• Comes with high-quality E-Series RCA cables

Product Considerations

• Lacks ultimate detail, separation, soundstaging, and tonal proficiency of more expensive turntable/cartridge combinations
• Soundstage could be small at times, and the lack of absolute separation of singers and instrumentalists was consistently evident
• There is no way to adjust VTA or azimuth

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Compared to the Pro-Ject 2 Box S2 phono stage, the built-in phono stage was surprisingly similar, though the Tube S2 was a little warmer
• Compared to the Music Hall Classic, Rega Planar 2, Rega Planar 1, and the Music Hall MMF 1.5, the T2 Super Phono provides much to consider and experience
• The T2 Super Phono is said to have a Rega-esque tonearm design
• While a Thorens TD 124 turntable/Korf tonearm/Ortofon SPU GE MkII cartridge setup offered a larger soundstage and greater sonic authority, the T2 Super Phono delivered the music with equal rhythmic drive and musicality

Takeaway: The Pro-Ject T2 Super Phono is an entry-level audiophile turntable that offers solid performance and a focus on resonance mitigation. It is a 'super bargain' that delivers an engaging and musical experience.