The HARMAN Luxury Audio Group was on hand at CES 2023 with several product debuts including the JBL TT350 Classic Turntable and five new JBL Soundbars. As part of their Harman Explore exhibit, they also introduced the JBL SPINNER BT Bluetooth Turntable.
Bluetooth-enabled turntables have been available from Cambridge Audio, Audio-Technica, and Victrola for the past few years and there is increasing interest in the category as more consumers invest in active and wireless loudspeakers.
SPINNER BT Overview
What makes the JBL SPINNER BT practical is that it can pair with portable speakers, soundbars, and headphones via Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless vinyl playback; the SPINNER BT supports the aptX HD codec as well.
For a wired connection, the turntable features a built-in preamp and an analog output with a switchable moving magnet phono stage perfect for use with traditional component audio systems or active loudspeaker systems.
The SPINNER BT has a sleek design consisting of a belt-driven aluminum platter, aluminum tonearm, a black MDF plinth with JBL orange accents, a contemporary front panel, and a hinged dust cover.
The SPINNER BT playback speeds include 33 1/3 rpm for LPs and 45 rpm for EPs and singles. There is a speed sensor that makes sure playback stays in perfect pitch.
The tonearm features a pre-installed high-quality Audio-Technica moving magnet cartridge (exact cartridge model not identified) mounted in a removable headshell for easy replacement or upgrading.
The turntable’s feet are damped to reduce vibration.
From Jim Garrett, Senior Director, Product Strategy and Planning, HARMAN Luxury Audio: “The JBL SPINNER BT is a testament to the joy of music and vinyl, and we couldn’t be more excited to introduce it at HARMAN Explore…With Bluetooth 5.2 technology, the turntable provides listeners with an instant wireless connection to their record collections — allowing them to enjoy their albums in any way they wish without losing the signature sound of vinyl — while its sleek design makes a bold statement in any system. And with its analog output and integrated phono preamplifier, the SPINNER BT is equally at home with purists who prefer a wired connection.”
Availability and Pricing
The JBL SPINNER BT will be available in the third quarter (Late Summer) of 2023 with a manufacturer-suggested retail price of $399 USD.
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