JBL recently ventured into a new territory by introducing their first wireless turntable, named the Spinner BT. Launched just before the holiday season, it represents a bold move for the brand.
The Spinner BT is designed with a blend of contemporary and vintage aesthetics, aiming to enhance living spaces with its style. It specifically targets younger generations like Gen Z and millennials, offering a fresh perspective on classic turntables while also focusing on its potential to elevate home decor.
One of the key features of the Spinner is its Bluetooth capability, setting it apart in a market traditionally dominated by wired turntables. It boasts Bluetooth 5.2 technology, enabling wireless connections to speakers, soundbars, and headphones, while also offering traditional analog outputs for those preferring a wired setup.
However, JBL’s emphasis on the aesthetic appeal of the Spinner BT might have been slightly overstated. Described as ‘sleek,’ the turntable, in reality, presents a somewhat bulky design, occupying more space than anticipated. This contrasts with the elegance of other JBL products like the Authentics 300 speaker. The Spinner’s design, featuring sharp edges and a matte finish on its MDF base, doesn’t quite achieve the sleekness advertised. Weighing at 11.7 lbs, it’s heavier compared to alternatives like Sonos’ 8-pound Pro-Ject T1 Phono SB turntable.
Despite its bulky appearance, the Spinner BT is exceptionally user-friendly, particularly for those new to turntables. It features a simple control panel and intuitive buttons, with distinct tactile feedback that aids in easy operation. The setup process is straightforward, accompanied by a clear, jargon-free manual with helpful illustrations.
While its calibration requires a bit more effort, possibly needing a video tutorial for guidance, it isn’t overly complicated. The Spinner’s sound quality, even over Bluetooth, retains the authentic vinyl feel, which was a significant concern initially. However, the absence of a 3.5mm jack was a notable drawback, limiting the options for wired listening.
The seamless connection to speakers and the preserved vinyl playback effect are commendable. The device also sparked a newfound interest in record players, offering a satisfying experience for beginners with its intuitive controls and classic sound quality.
That said, the $399 price tag feels steep, especially when considering competitors like Audio Technica, which offers premium models at lower prices. The inclusion of Bluetooth, while innovative, doesn’t fully compensate for the lack of a 3.5mm connection, a feature that might be more crucial for some users.
In conclusion, while the Spinner BT is a solid first attempt by JBL in the turntable market, it may need to offer more value to justify its high price in future iterations.
