Andover Audio SpinBase MAX 2: Who Says Sequels Are Boring?

Forbes

7 days ago

Andover Audio's SpinBase MAX 2 premium turntable speaker system
Sequels often get a bad rap. In movies, they are frequently cited as being 'lazy' releases in an attempt to milk the cash cow of the original. However, there are exceptions where the sequel not only equals, but is truly better than the original movie. All of this is a lead up to the SpinBase MAX 2 from Andover Audio. This premium, under-turntable audio system is not just a sequel, but a sequel to a sequel (of sorts). And the SpinBase MAX 2 is one of those sequels that proves improving on the best features of the original can deliver impressive results.
A Little SpinBase History
Andover Audio made turntable owners very happy with the release of the SpinBase, which I reviewed in 2020. This unique audio system housed multiple drivers (two tweeters and two woofers) in an MDF enclosure just slightly larger than a turntable. The dimensions were no accident since the SpinBase was designed to sit beneath the turntable, saving space while still offering 270-degree sound. It also had a built-in PHONO stage, as well as Bluetooth wireless streaming. And to prevent speaker vibration from reaching the turntable perched above and causing feedback, the SpinBase employed Andover Audio's patented IsoGroove technology.
Three years later, I reviewed the SpinBase MAX. This sequel grew an inch taller but featured improvements such as larger woofers (3.5-inches), a power boost to 60W and the ability to also stream to a Bluetooth device, not just from.
SpinBase MAX 2
A slightly different top panel, but the SpinBase MAX 2 is instantly recognizable
Now we have the SpinBase MAX 2, which I have had connected to a turntable in my test system for the past several months. This latest version looks almost identical to the original SpinBase MAX, but now packs six drivers in that enclosure, gaining an additional pair of 3.5-inch woofers.
You'll see big differences compared to the original when you check the back panels.
It also gets a significant power boost, with 100W now on tap. Low end frequency response has dropped down to 50Hz. The brick is gone with the power supply now built in to the enclosure. But despite the new capabilities, the SpinBase MAX 2 retains the core of what made the original(s) so popular: a minimalist white or black cloth-covered enclosure with a single knob on front, the perfect size to perch a turntable on, IsoGroove to prevent feedback, a PHONO input, a range of inputs and outputs, adjustable bass and treble and 270-degree audio.
SpinBase MAX 2 Specs:
Hands On With the SpinBase MAX 2
The SpinBase MAX was already a very good audio system for the price and as you might expect, adding another pair of woofers and more power only improves that situation. In addition, the new optical input makes this system an option for plugging in your TV. Losing the power brick for a built-in power supply is a welcome upgrade that makes this system even more convenient to set up.
In terms of how well that 270-degree audio performs–a key factor in choosing a system like this instead of a pair of speakers–here's an anecdote from my experience with the SpinBase MAX 2.
Typically, I would start with the basics on a new audio system. However, since I was already quite familiar with the product (having tested both the SpinBase and SpinBase MAX), I decided to kick things off with an advanced configuration utilizing a pair of powered bookshelf speakers connected to the system to extend the sound depth and leverage their larger woofers for a little more bass oomph. The results were what I was hoping for: a wide soundstage with convincing stereo separation and plenty of low end. I listened through three full records until I noticed that I had forgotten to power up the bookshelf speakers.
I had been listening to the SpinBase MAX 2 solo the entire time. And that tells you everything you need to know about how well this system performs.
SpinBase MAX 2 is designed to make the most of your turntable without requiring additional space
Vinyl Fan Who is Short of Space And/Or Funds? Here's a Solution
Records continue to be the hottest-selling physical media for music. However, making the most of a record's sound is an investment and also requires physical space. Sure, you can just plug a record player into the AUX of a portable speaker, but the result is going to be disappointing. However, buying the components needed for a stellar setup–an amplifier, a pair of speakers and possibly a PHONO preamp as well–can be a budgetary stretch as well as taking up a lot of space. And that's on top of the turntable, which is neither inexpensive nor compact.
Andover Audio's SpinBase MAX2 is designed to address both of those issues. In terms of space savings, you get a multi-speaker system with 270-degree audio and an assortment of inputs and outputs in a single box that fits beneath the turntable. It takes up almost no additional space on a shelf, and Andover Audio's designers have made sure its minimalist design and white or black cloth cover will complement any decor. While the SpinBase MAX2 costs more than most portable Bluetooth speakers, its price is likely to save you money compared to a full component stereo setup as well.
The Andover Audio SpinBase MAX2 is available now, with an MSRP of $549.
Disclosure: Andover Audio provided a SpinBase MAX 2 for evaluation purposes but had no input into this article.