JBL recently did something a little out-of-the-box and experimental: launching its first wireless turntable.it’s known Spin BTand was released a few weeks ago, just in time for the holidays.
The BT Spinner has what JBL calls a “modern yet retro feel.” The device is designed to “elevate your space” and targets Gen Z and Millennials. It attempts a modern interpretation of the turntable and emphasizes how it will significantly up your home decor game.
Design aside, the Spinner’s Bluetooth capabilities give it a modern edge over most other turntables in the industry, as well as those we’ve seen over the past few decades. It has Bluetooth 5.2 capabilities to wirelessly connect to your speakers, soundbars, and headphones. There’s also an analog output for wired connections.
JBL is a bit over-exaggerating about the device’s aesthetics, especially as one of its biggest selling points. It’s billed as “stylish,” but if anything, the Spinner’s construction is actually a bit bulky. It takes up more space on the TV console than I expected (and liked) and doesn’t match the speaker I paired it with (the gorgeous Authentics 300) (another recently released speaker from JBL that I’ve been using for a few weeks). Compared to that, it pales in appearance.
Featuring sharp edges and a giant slab of matte MDF, the Spinner’s base is far from what most would consider flashy or stylish.Weighs 11.7 pounds, much heavier than the Sonos’ 8 pounds T1 project Phono SB turntable. The textured look on the front of the base looks to be the only area where the company has tried to incorporate some aesthetics. The rest of the body feels like it’s been hastily made. The Spinner isn’t so unpleasant that it will make your living room look bad, but it probably won’t “enhance your space” as it claims.
spinner It’s so simple to use and designed that any turntable beginner can get the hang of it in seconds. It has a relatively simple control panel on the back and two buttons on the front. The rear control panel has two ports for wired/analog output (left and right), a preamp toggle switch, a small protruding pairing button, an auto-stop/start toggle switch, a power input port, and a Power button. I like that each button has a completely different feel, making the panel very easy to use. After a few uses, I got used to the feel of each button and could navigate them without looking at their backs.
Likewise, setup is easy. Well, or at least that’s the case for the relatively tech-savvy Generation Z. It comes with everything you need, all you have to do is follow the six-step assembly process in the manual. I find following manuals a chore, but this one doesn’t feel like it. No unnecessary or excessive jargon. Everything is short, to the point, and accompanied by helpful pictures.
The calibration process is a little more complicated than the setup process, and I needed more than just the manual (video tutorial) to complete it, but it’s not difficult either.
I listened to everything from Mozart’s symphonies to Gillian Welch and Declan McKenna for several days and really enjoyed my experience. The raw, rough texture of the sound is very apparent. I like that even a wireless connection doesn’t cause enough audio quality loss to take away the essence of the vinyl feel. This is a legitimate fear on my part, seeing as how Spinner works solely through external audio peripherals. My roommate, a professional musician, was also quite disappointed to learn this and was surprised that the record player itself didn’t make any sound. It also doesn’t have a 3.5mm jack, which is a real shame for those who like to fall asleep listening to music on their record player through wired headphones.
Thankfully, the connection to the speakers is seamless and smooth. Because it amplifies the Spinner’s original sound, it preserves the vinyl playback you’d need to spend $400 on. I love the dramatic feel it brings to the Mozart repertoire. I also learned some beginner scratching techniques from a guy in the process. DJ teaching On YouTube, it’s fun to practice doodling and dragging.
spinner It did a great job and sparked my interest in record players, which is a huge win for me. As a newbie to turntables, I went into this product with a lot of expectations and I was very impressed. I can easily set it up and calibrate it without having to read long, boring online tutorials. The controls are intuitive and simple, and the device barely felt foreign to me.
What’s more, the sound has a classic, retro feel that record player enthusiasts can’t stop talking about. Subtle hisses and whirrs make the listening experience such a pleasure. It’s like incorporating a unique vintage experience into modern, contemporary architecture.
I will add, though, that I still don’t see myself spending $399 on this, considering that rival brand Audio Technica has quality products for well under $300. And I find it harder to justify the additional cost of Bluetooth, considering the omission of a wired 3.5mm connection feels more like a limitation than the benefit of including Bluetooth. This also won’t please hardcore audiophiles, who prefer onboard sound rather than the slight loss in audio quality that comes with connecting the Spinner to a Bluetooth speaker.
spinner That’s not bad for JBL’s first foray into turntables, but the company will have to offer more incentives to justify the high price point of its next record player (if that happens).
