Andover Audio just announced the launch of its new SoundBites Series with the first model, the Andover Audio SpinStage phono preamp (read the review here MSRP $249). Making an elegant style statement in a striking clear finish of bead-blasted, anodized aluminum, this SpinStage has been painstakingly engineered to deliver ultra-low noise to support virtually any moving-magnet (MM) or moving-coil (MC) cartridge. It’s a great addition to a system that lacks a phono input, or one that needs to add MC compatibility—or simply to improve on an existing preamp’s internal circuitry.
“We created the SoundBites Series to give our customers a gateway to a component system with a strong ratio of performance to price. The SpinStage delivers the flexibility and the sophisticated, nuanced performance of expensive phono stages at a very reasonable price. A sensible upgrade to the rudimentary preamp stages built into turntables or receivers, the SpinStage brings out the best of what the cartridge can deliver. For added value, the SpinStage will easily be a long-term solution, even as upgrades are made to the cartridges. And, finally, its classic styling is timeless.” Says Bob Hazelwood, Director of Engineering, Andover Audio
The SpinStage has two key features not commonly found in budget phono preamplifiers. First, by adding a separate MC gain stage with ultra-low-noise discrete transistors in a type of transconductance topology usually found only in more expensive designs, the SpinStage benefits from providing the necessary gain without added noise. Second, the addition of an Auxiliary input restores the input used by the SpinStage when it’s connected to an amplifier that has only a few inputs. For example, a system that includes a CD player or other device may need the input used by the SpinStage.
MM Cartridge Support
Phono-cartridge resistive and capacitive loading optimize the SpinStage’s high-frequency performance with any MM cartridge, while its ultra-high-precision resistors and capacitors deliver RIAA response typically accurate within ±0.2dB.
Selectable Subsonic Filter
The SpinStage’s selectable subsonic filter reduces the ultra-low-frequency noise of turntable rumble that can cause excess woofer pumping and waste amplifier power.
Isolated Dual-Mono Circuitry
Each channel’s signal path is completely separate from the other channels, with no signal crosstalk between channels. Maximizing separation results in solid aural images and precisely reproduced soundstages.
DC Servo Circuit
All electronic parts, even expensive ones, have some intrinsic inaccuracy. This is why all capacitors have been eliminated from the SpinStage’s direct signal path. Omitting these capacitors entirely eliminates their contribution to distortion, while the servo circuit prevents unhealthy DC voltage from being passed along to other components.
Bead-Blasted Aluminum Shell
The exterior of the SpinStage not only looks good, its metal enclosure and the metal shielding behind its front and back panels protect the circuitry from electrical interference.
Andover Audio’s SpinStage Series phono preamplifier is now available. Buy directly at www.andoveraudio.com or a participating dealer.
For added assurance, Andover Audio offers a 60-day home trial and free shipping/returns so that customers can audition the SpinStage in their own listening environments.
Specs on the Andover SpinBase Phono Preamp
RIAA Equalization Accuracy: ±0.1dB typ., 0.2dB max
Overall Frequency Response: 0.5Hz–50kHz, ±1dB
Signal/Noise Ratio (unweighted): MM, 78dB; MC, 76dB (referenced to 50 ohm source)
Input Impedance, MM (selectable): 8k ohm, 22k ohm, 47k ohm, 100k ohm
Input Impedance, MC (effective): 0 ohm
Input Capacitance, MM (selectable): 0pF, 22pF, 47pF, 69pF, 100pF, 122pF, 147pF, 169pF, 220pF, 242pF, 267pF, 289pF, 320pF, 342pF, 389pF
Nominal Gain, MM: 40.5dB
Nominal Gain, MC: 66.5dB (with 10 ohm source)
Subsonic Filter: 20Hz, 12db/octave, bypassable
Typical Output Level: 500mV RMS
Max Output Level: 8V RMS
Input Overload, MM: 120mV @ 1kHz
Input Overload, MC: 6mV @ 1kHz
Aux Input: Direct passthrough via relay, no active circuitry
Power Requirements: 15vDC/500mA
Dimensions: 71⁄4” W × 17⁄8” H × 41⁄2” D
Weight: 1.1 lbs. (500g)
Finish: Fine bead-blasted clear anodized aluminum
The History of Andover Audio
Andover Audio is a U.S.-based audio company founded in 2012 and headquartered in Massachusetts. The company was established by a group of audio engineers and designers with experience at well-known consumer audio brands, including Cambridge SoundWorks, Tivoli Audio, Bose, and Apogee Acoustics. Drawing on their combined background in loudspeaker design, digital signal processing, and industrial design, the team initially focused on providing OEM (original equipment manufacturing) and design services to other companies in the audio industry.
For several years, Andover operated primarily behind the scenes, developing audio technologies and product platforms for outside brands. This work included acoustic design, electronic engineering, and system integration across a variety of form factors. Their experience in both traditional hi-fi and lifestyle audio products laid the groundwork for the company to begin developing products under the Andover Audio name.
In 2019, Andover Audio introduced the Model One Turntable Music System, an all-in-one audio solution that combined a belt-drive turntable, built-in phono stage, Class D amplification, and an array of forward-facing speakers within a single unit. Aimed at vinyl listeners who wanted a simplified, space-efficient solution without the complexity of separates, the Model One also featured tone controls, Bluetooth connectivity, and optional modular components. Accessories like the Subwoofer One, Record Stand, and Model One Lower Stand were developed to expand the system into a complete audio solution.
Building on the success of the Model One, Andover expanded its product line to include a more modular approach. The Spin System series—featuring the SpinBase powered speaker, SpinDeck turntable, and SpinSub—was launched to provide affordable, easy-to-set-up options for entry-level vinyl enthusiasts. The SpinBase was particularly notable for its IsoGroove technology, which helps minimize acoustic feedback when placing a turntable directly on top of a speaker enclosure.
Andover Audio’s product design emphasizes modern industrial styling, compact dimensions, and ease of use. Most systems are designed to be plug-and-play, with minimal setup required, appealing to users who want analog sound without the learning curve often associated with traditional hi-fi gear.
Today, Andover Audio continues to operate as an independent company focused on home audio products that blend convenience with sound quality. While not positioned as a traditional audiophile brand, its products fill a niche for vinyl and lifestyle listeners seeking an integrated, design-forward approach to audio playback.
