JBL Spinner BT Turntable Review: A Modern Take on Vinyl for the New Generation?
JBL, a name synonymous with audio innovation, has ventured into uncharted territory with the release of its first-ever wireless turntable, the Spinner BT. Launched just in time for the holiday season, the Spinner BT represents a bold and somewhat experimental move for the company, aiming to capture the attention of Gen Z and millennial consumers. With its blend of modern features and a retro aesthetic, the Spinner BT promises to elevate your listening experience and your home decor. But does it live up to the hype?
The Spinner BT boasts a design that JBL describes as “modern yet retro.” The intention seems to be a fusion of classic turntable aesthetics with contemporary design elements. The turntable clearly aims to be visually appealing and integrate seamlessly into modern living spaces. It’s explicitly marketed as a device that can enhance your home decor, suggesting that JBL recognizes the importance of aesthetics in attracting its target demographic.
One of the key selling points of the Spinner BT is its Bluetooth functionality. This feature sets it apart from many traditional turntables and gives it a modern edge, making it accessible and convenient for users who prefer wireless connectivity. Equipped with Bluetooth 5.2, the Spinner BT can effortlessly connect to your favorite Bluetooth speakers, soundbars, and headphones, offering a hassle-free listening experience. For those who prefer a more traditional setup, the Spinner BT also includes an analog output for a wired connection.
However, the review highlights that JBL may have oversold the device’s aesthetic appeal. While marketed as sleek, the Spinner BT’s build is described as somewhat bulky. The reviewer found that it occupied more space than expected on their TV console and didn’t quite match the visual appeal of the speaker it was paired with, the JBL Authentics 300.
The plinth, made of a matte slab of MDF, is described as far from flashy or sleek, with sharp edges and a generally uninspired design. At 11.7 lbs, the Spinner BT is also noticeably heavier than competitors like the Sonos Pro-Ject T1 Phono SB turntable, which weighs in at 8 pounds. The only area where the design seems to have received some attention is the textured exterior on the plinth’s front. Overall, the reviewer suggests that while the Spinner BT isn’t unsightly, it might not live up to its promise of significantly elevating your space.
Despite its somewhat underwhelming aesthetics, the Spinner BT shines in its user-friendliness. It is designed to be extremely straightforward to use, making it accessible even to turntable beginners. The control panel on the back is simple and intuitive, featuring clearly labeled ports and buttons. The reviewer particularly appreciated the distinct feel of each button, making it easy to navigate the panel without even looking.
Setting up the Spinner BT is also a breeze, especially for those who are tech-savvy. The package includes everything you need, and the manual provides a clear and concise six-step assembly process. The reviewer, who typically finds manuals tedious, found this one to be surprisingly helpful, with brief and to-the-point instructions accompanied by helpful pictures.
The calibration process is slightly more complex than the setup, requiring the use of a video tutorial in addition to the manual. However, the reviewer found it manageable and not overly challenging.
When it comes to audio performance, the Spinner BT delivers a genuinely enjoyable listening experience. The reviewer listened to a variety of genres, from classical music to folk and indie rock, and was impressed by the raw and crude texture of the sound. Even with the wireless connection, the audio quality remained true to the essence of vinyl, preserving the warmth and character that vinyl enthusiasts appreciate.
The reviewer’s roommate, a professional musician, was initially surprised and disappointed that the Spinner BT doesn’t have built-in speakers. However, the seamless connection to external speakers allowed for a rich and immersive listening experience. The Spinner BT effectively amplifies the initial sound, retaining the vinyl playback effect. The reviewer particularly enjoyed the dramatic feel of classical music played through the Spinner BT.
The reviewer also experimented with beginner scratch tricks, highlighting the versatility of the Spinner BT and its potential for creative exploration.
Overall, the Spinner BT succeeded in sparking the reviewer’s interest in record players. As a turntable newbie, the reviewer was thoroughly impressed by the device’s ease of use, intuitive controls, and authentic vinyl sound. The subtle hisses and whirs that are characteristic of vinyl playback added to the enjoyment of the listening experience, creating a uniquely vintage feel in a modern package.
Despite its positive attributes, the Spinner BT faces some challenges. The price point of $399 is a significant hurdle, especially considering that competitor brands like Audio Technica offer premium turntables at lower prices. The inclusion of Bluetooth, while convenient, may not be enough to justify the extra cost, especially given the omission of a wired 3.5mm headphone jack. This omission feels like a limitation for those who enjoy listening to music through wired headphones.
Furthermore, hardcore audiophiles may not be entirely satisfied with the Spinner BT, as they typically prefer onboard sound over the potential audio quality loss associated with Bluetooth connections. While the loss is not significant, it can still be a concern for those who prioritize audio fidelity above all else.
In conclusion, the JBL Spinner BT is a decent first attempt at a turntable. Its user-friendly design, Bluetooth connectivity, and authentic vinyl sound make it an appealing option for beginners and casual listeners. However, its bulky aesthetics, high price point, and lack of a headphone jack may deter more experienced audiophiles. JBL would need to offer more compelling incentives to justify the premium price in its future turntable offerings. The Spinner BT is a good starting point, but there is room for improvement in terms of both design and value proposition.
