If you’re short on time and just want the highlights of this article, here it is:
The Andover Audio SpinBase is a great way to enjoy Bluetooth audio streaming at home, with the convenience of connecting any turntable with its built-in pre-amp and two stereo RCA inputs. Its four-driver stereo design produces a wide 270° soundstage, though it may not be enough to fill a large room. The sound quality is good, but it is not on par with more expensive speaker systems.
The IsoGroove technology ensures no audio-disruptive noise occurs when a turntable is placed next to the speaker system, producing a clean and accurate playback, though the adjustability of the bass and treble EQ controls is limited. Its design is attractive, with a durable perforated metal grill, textured top surface, and large knob for improved ergonomics.
Overall, the Andover Audio SpinBase is a good option for music lovers who are looking for good sound quality and easy connectivity in a minimalist design. It is easy to hook up, with connections for most popular large turntables, streaming devices, CD players, subwoofers, and more. However, it may not be the best choice for those looking for an audiophile-grade experience or who are looking to fill a large room with sound.
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Now let’s get to its bolts and nuts.
Andover Audio SpinBase Review: Sound quality
Let me tell you something right off the bat.
The sound quality performance you'll end up getting from a speaker will always depend on your room acoustics - particularly room dimensions and speaker positions.
The impact of the combination of these two is actually so strong that in most cases, it doesn't even make sense to utter a single word on sound quality without speaking of them.
This is also why it's not unusual to see completely different reviews of the same speaker.
In one case the speaker might be placed in a sweet spot inside the room and hence the user might be satisfied. In other cases the same speaker might be ill placed and hence user might even have returned it.
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The point most people miss here is that it mostly isn't even about the engineering behind the speaker itself. It's about where you place the speaker inside which room.
So, in order to solve this problem, I've partnered with Acoustics and Audio Engineering PhD Andrea Cicero from AC Acustica and created Soundton - a simple, 2D, browser accessible online speaker placement calculator.
With Soundton, now there's a way to figure the sound quality of most speakers before you buy them.
Read more about its working principles at soundton.com.
The end colormap provides you the locations with the best (green) and worst (red) acoustics.