JBL Spinner BT Review
The undisputed leader in Bluetooth speakers, JBL, is now making a turntable. Naturally, the Spinner BT supports Bluetooth, even in aptX-HD encoding. But how does it perform overall?
by Alexander Rose-Fehling
First, a thanks to JBL’s PR department: they avoid the cliché of describing the “pleasant crackling sound” that only vinyl can produce. Let me add: only worn or dirty vinyl. Honestly? I expected that. Even more honestly: I had a pretty clear idea of what the JBL Spinner is and can do before I even held it in my hands. Spoiler: I was quite wrong.
A complete package
The Spinner is currently JBL’s only turntable. The young target group I associate with this product probably knows JBL primarily for Bluetooth speakers. It only makes sense, then, that the Spinner can transmit its signal via Bluetooth, and even in premium aptX-HD encoding. We’ve already encountered this feature in the Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2 turntable, where it worked brilliantly.
This only works because, under the hood, alongside an analog-to-digital converter, there’s also a phono preamp that smooths out the weak and non-linear frequency response signal from the cartridge and amplifies it to line level. Afterward, the signal is digitized and becomes “understandable” to a Bluetooth receiver. With Bluetooth and the built-in phono amp, the most important features are covered, leaving the auto-stop feature. When the auto-stop button on the back is activated, the platter starts spinning as soon as you move the arm near the record’s lead-in groove.
At the end of the LP side, the platter stops. This is convenient and protects the stylus in case you forget that the turntable is still running. If you return the arm to the armrest (which is not part of the arm lift, something I personally like) before the end of the LP side, the platter also stops automatically.
The Spinner also comes with orange accents instead of gold as an option.
With the two large buttons on the front, you can start and stop the motor.
All this technology is housed in an MDF chassis resting on very well-isolated, height-adjustable feet. A dust cover is included, as well as a thick felt mat that provides all the necessary damping for the aluminum platter (and does so quite satisfactorily). The screws holding the motor inside the chassis are decoupled by thick rubber rings, preventing motor vibrations from affecting music playback. While this is standard, it shows that JBL knows what they’re doing (or outsourcing).
The headshell is removable, making cartridge replacement easier.
The cutout in the platter simplifies belt installation.
The arm, like the platter, is made of aluminum. The headshell is removable, the counterweight is adjustable, and there’s an anti-skate mechanism. The best part: everything feels solid and secure; this is a well-made tonearm that’s enjoyable to use. This level of quality is far from guaranteed at this price point.
In the box, there’s a regular stereo cable—not a dedicated phono cable with a grounding wire. This suggests that the device is mainly intended for Bluetooth use or at least for use with the internal phono preamp. For this purpose, the included cable is perfectly adequate. However, if you want to use an external phono stage, you should get a phono cable with a grounding wire.
As for Bluetooth: pairing with a speaker is very easy. There’s a pairing button on the back of the Spinner. Press it for two seconds to establish the first connection, and the turntable will pair with the speaker. For future connections with the same speaker, a quick tap of the pairing button is sufficient. Holding the button for five seconds will clear the pairing memory, for example, if you want to pair with a different speaker.
Cartridge and Sound Test
The Spinner sends its signal to a Bluetooth speaker (shown here with the JBL Authentics 500), creating a compact yet powerful setup.
What’ll it be? Ortofon or Audio-Technica? In the entry-level market, these two manufacturers dominate. The JBL uses an Audio-Technica cartridge, specifically the AT 3600L. The system costs about 30 euros separately and sounds far better than its price and appearance suggest. This is undoubtedly thanks to large-scale production. The moving magnet (MM) system can be used with the built-in phono preamp or an external one. It requires three grams of tracking force, provides high output voltage, and is a true all-rounder in terms of sound. The highs and lows are slightly understated, which gives it a pleasant charm.
We started our sound test using the Spinner as a complete package, with its built-in phono stage. Raul de Souza’s “Sweet Lucy” (ATR) sounded dynamic and punchy, and Billy Joel’s “Vienna” (MFSL) demonstrated the Spinner’s excellent speed consistency. Only the reverb on Joel’s voice was a little less clear compared to more expensive turntables. The music had plenty of energy and impact! Sibilants occasionally sounded slightly distorted, but never overly harsh. On Queen’s “Brighton Rock,” it lacked a bit of brilliance, but Freddy’s voice remained easy to listen to.
The relatively low 35 dB gain needs to be compensated for at the amplifier, but overall, this is a great-sounding combination that delivers the joy of vinyl playback.
Out of curiosity, we also connected it to the Aurorasound VIDA Prima, though these two devices are unlikely to meet in reality. Lo and behold: bass depth, speed, and resolution improved, enhancing the overall musical experience. The small Audio-Technica cartridge is capable of more than the internal preamp can reveal. You don’t need an expensive phono preamp either.
Even with the Edwards Audio MM4, the sound headed in the right direction. But don’t rush to upgrade: the JBL Spinner is excellent right out of the box, and you’d have to search hard to find any significant flaws in its sound. The overall package is cohesive, user-friendly, and delivers lots of vinyl enjoyment—especially via Bluetooth!
“Sweet Lucy” sounded dynamic and punchy, Billy Joel’s “Vienna” showed the Spinner’s excellent speed consistency.
The tonearm is straightforward, with a good cartridge and smooth lift.
Specifications
| Type | Turntable |
| Drive Type | Belt Drive |
| Operation | Semi-Automatic |
| Speed Options | 33⅓ and 45 RPM |
| Speed Control | Electronic |
| Cartridge | Audio-Technica AT3600L (Moving Magnet) |
| Phono Stage | Built-in, defeatable MM Phono stage |
| Bluetooth | Yes, supports aptX HD |
| Wireless Output | Bluetooth 5.2 |
| Analog Outputs | 1x Stereo (RCA) pair |
| Plinth Material | Black finished MDF |
| Platter Material | Die-cast Aluminum |
| Tonearm Material | Aluminum |
| Tonearm Features | Removable headshell, adjustable counterweight, adjustable anti-skate |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | >65 dB |
| Power Supply | 12V DC 1A |
| Dimensions (with lid down) | 6.1″ H x 17.1″ W x 14.5″ D (155mm x 435mm x 368mm) |
| Weight | 11.7 lbs (5.3 kg) |
| Shipping Dimensions | 10″ H x 21.5″ W x 17.9″ D (254mm x 545mm x 455mm) |
| Shipping Weight | 18.8 lbs (8.5 kg) |
| Included Accessories | Turntable, drive belt, aluminum platter, felt mat, headshell with cartridge, dust cover, power supply |
Measurement Report
Turntable with cartridge, preamp, and Hi-Res Bluetooth transmitter (aptX HD). The drive offers excellent speed consistency of 0.11% (IEC 386, 2-Sigma). However, the high self-noise with the amplifier turned off is worth noting, achieving only 59 out of 74 dB rumble ratio. The amp with 34 dB gain adheres to the RIAA curve and improves the noise ratio to a decent 67 dB.
In the noise spectrum (bottom, red), there’s an 18-Hz peak. The Audio-Technica AT3600L cartridge plays with a flawless frequency response (top) and good channel separation, but slightly distorts in the highs (0.28/0.18% L/R). Good: Even with very loud signals, the Bluetooth sound remains distortion-free.
Test Result
| Sound Cinch/XLR | 10/10 |
| Features | Outstanding |
| Usability | 9/10 |
| Build Quality | 8/10 |
| AUDIO BENCHMARK | |
| Overall Score | 10/10 |
| Price/Performance | Outstanding |
Verdict
The Bluetooth turntable Spinner BT is a great addition to JBL’s portfolio, especially in terms of quality. It offers more than you might expect at this price point. The features are excellent, the operation is simple, and the sound is great.
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