Andover Audio has not taken its foot off the gas for almost 18 months and the budget hi-fi brand has yet another new component to add to the lineup. Multiple members of the ecoustics team use an Andover Songbird Streamer and SpinBase Wireless Speaker System at home so we’re more than just a little familiar with the products.
The budget turntable category is very competitive and the entry-level Andover Audio SpinDeck faces a lot of competition from U-Turn Audio, Pro-Ject, Rega, Fluance, and Music Hall.
I’ve run multiple turntables through the SpinBase and with relatively good results. It is a solid option for a second system in an office, bedroom, or even home gym.
Andover understands that its customer base desires affordability, usability, and solid sound quality for the money.
$599 is not inexpensive considering the available alternatives, but Andover have decided to offer a second turntable option as part of its Spin Collection.
The SpinDeck MAX
With its fully automatic operation, flick the start/stop switch, and let SpinDeck MAX do the rest. The tonearm will automatically lift from its rest position and start playing at the beginning of the record; at the end, it will lift up automatically and return to rest again. The design also easily allows the user to change turntable speeds or raise the tonearm with damped action.
The highly respected Ortofon OM10 cartridge features an elliptical stylus and light 1.5g tracking force. The cartridge comes pre-mounted with all tonearm settings pre-set for optimum performance.
The belt drive system is based around a rubber-isolated, low-vibration DC motor with internal electronic servo regulation for accurate speed and inaudibly low Wow and Flutter.
The machined aluminum platter and tonearm are isolated from its dense MDF plinth by elastomeric cones to absorb vibration, and to assure stable playback, even on unstable surfaces.
The main chassis of the turntable is made from engineered particle board, which is sturdy yet lightweight. An ultra-quiet synchronous motor with a silicone belt is housed underneath the chassis that drives a low-resonance platter made from MDF.
The SpinDeck MAX is now shipping and is available in either black or white finish to seamlessly integrate with Andover’s Spin Collection and to match with other audio equipment. A separate phono preamp is required if you decide to use the SpinDeck MAX with something other than the SpinBase.
Price & Availability
Andover Audio SpinDeck Max is available direct for $599 at andoveraudio.com and from participating dealers. Also consider:
- SpinDeck 2 – $299 at andoveraudio.com
- SpinBase – $299 at andoveraudio.com
- SpinSub – $299 at andoveraudio.com
- SpinStand – $199 at andoveraudio.com
Main Features:
- Fully Automatic Operation
- Pre-Mounted Ortofon OM10 Cartridge
- Low-Mass Tonearm with Precision Bearings
- Pre-Set Counterweight
- Acrylic Lid Included
- Available in Black or White
- Made in Germany
Specifications:
- Nominal Speeds: 33.33 / 45 RPM
- Wow and Flutter: <0.04% RMS
- Signal to Noise: -65db Weighted
- Signal Cable Capacitance: 160pF
- Tonearm Effective Tonearm Length: 211mm
- Tonearm Overhang: 19.5mm
- Weight: 6kg/13lbs
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 420 x 119 x 360 mm (16.5 x 4.7 x 14.1 in)
- Power: 12V DC / 1.5W
- Power Adapter: Suitable for USA/Canada
Ortofon OM10 Cartridge
- Frequency Range: 20-20,000Hz
- Channel Separation: 22dB/1kHz
- Output Voltage: 4.0mV
- Recommended Load Impedance: 47kohms / 200-600pF – MM – Input
- Compliance/Stylus Type: 20μm/mN / Elliptical
- Recommended: Tracking Force:1.25 – 1.75 Grams
- Weight: 5g
- Replacement Stylus: OM10
Related reading: Andover Audio’s SpinDeck 2 Turntable Unveiled for $299
