By: Dipin Sehdev
In an era where streaming dominates and turntables are still revered for their analog soul, one question continues to challenge new and returning vinyl enthusiasts: How do you get great sound from your records without the maze of amps, cables, and speaker matching?
Andover Audio may have just dropped the answer with the SpinBase MAX 2, a wireless speaker specifically engineered to simplify—and seriously upgrade—your vinyl listening experience. Priced at $549, the MAX 2 delivers 100 watts of power, houses six high-performance drivers, and is packed with all the inputs (and outputs) you need, including two-way Bluetooth, optical, USB, and phono. But more importantly, it’s plug-and-play, making it the most hassle-free way to enjoy vinyl—no receiver, external preamp, or cable spaghetti required.
Here’s how the SpinBase MAX 2 is changing the vinyl game.
Vinyl, Meet Simplicity
Let’s get one thing out of the way: the MAX 2 is not just a speaker. It’s a complete audio hub engineered around the idea of minimalism—for both space and setup.
While most hi-fi rigs require pairing a turntable with a standalone amp, speakers, and potentially a phono preamp, the SpinBase MAX 2 condenses all of that into one sleek platform. Literally. The MAX 2 is designed to sit under your turntable, acting as a powerful base that supports your gear physically and sonically.
It’s like a soundbar for vinyl—but with real hi-fi guts under the hood.
Andover's plug-and-play approach is a breath of fresh air in the vinyl space. Whether you're spinning a limited-edition reissue or queuing up lo-fi beats on Spotify, the MAX 2 makes the transition between analog and digital effortless.
What’s New in the MAX 2?
The SpinBase MAX 2 is the top-tier model in Andover Audio’s Spin Series, an ecosystem that includes the SpinDeck 2 turntable, SpinStand rack, and SpinSub subwoofer.
Compared to the SpinBase 2 ($349) and the now-discontinued SpinBase MAX ($499), the MAX 2 is a significant evolution in sound, power, and features.
1. Upgraded Power and Amplification
At the heart of the MAX 2 is a Dual Direct-Drive Class D amplifier that pushes a total of 100 watts—a notable jump from the 70W of the SpinBase 2 and 60W of the original MAX.
This new amp structure bi-amps the speaker: each of the four 3.5-inch woofers gets 35 watts, while each of the two 3/4-inch silk-dome tweeters gets 15 watts. The result? Clearer highs, tighter bass, and enough volume to fill a medium to large room without distortion.
2. Acoustic Suspension for Better Bass
The MAX 2 also ditches the vented design of previous SpinBases in favor of a sealed Acoustic Suspension enclosure, which gives it deeper, more controlled bass.
According to Bob Hazelwood, Andover’s Director of Engineering and Product, the sealed design “offers a more gradual low-frequency rolloff, with the benefit of richer, more extended bass and improved tonal accuracy.” Translation: you’ll hear (and feel) more of the music, especially at low volumes.
Specs That Matter
Here’s a detailed breakdown of what the SpinBase MAX 2 is working with:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Drivers | 2 × ¾” silk-dome tweeters, 4 × 3.5” woofers |
| Amplifier | Dual Direct-Drive Class D, bi-amped |
| Power Output | 100 watts total |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz–20kHz |
| Connectivity | Phono, Aux (Line-in), Optical, USB (MP3, WMA, WAV), Bluetooth (In/Out) |
| Outputs | Subwoofer out, Headphone jack |
| Bluetooth | 2-way Bluetooth with dedicated transmit/receive chips |
| Remote Control | Included (adjust volume, bass, treble, inputs) |
| High-Pass Filter | Selectable 100Hz to better integrate subwoofer |
| IsoGroove™ Anti-Feedback Tech | Yes |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 18" × 13.5" × 4.25" |
| Colors | Black or White |
| Price | $549 |
What Makes This Plug-and-Play?
Andover took everything that’s annoying about vinyl setups—ground loops, vibration feedback, space constraints—and said, Nope. Not here.
Built-in Phono Preamp
This alone cuts out the need for an external amp or receiver. If your turntable lacks a built-in preamp, you're covered. If it has one, simply switch to the AUX input.
Vibration Isolation (IsoGroove™ Tech)
Turntables are sensitive beasts. Even minor vibrations can distort playback. The MAX 2 uses Andover’s patented IsoGroove™ technology, which decouples the internal components to eliminate vibration-induced feedback. That means even if your turntable is spinning directly on top of the speaker, you get pure sound—no hum, no rumble.
All the Inputs You Need
Want to stream from a laptop? Plug into the optical input. Still rock an old iPod? AUX has you. Playing music from a USB stick? Done.
Two-Way Bluetooth
This is where MAX 2 really blurs the line between vintage and modern. The speaker can receive Bluetooth audio from your phone and transmit vinyl playback to wireless headphones or Bluetooth speakers. That means you can cue up a Miles Davis LP and listen on your Bose or Sony cans, wire-free.
Sound Performance: Bigger, Richer, Cleaner
Thanks to the six-driver setup and increased wattage, the SpinBase MAX 2 sounds… well, bigger than you’d expect from such a low-profile box.
Bass is punchy without being overwhelming, mids are full-bodied, and highs are crisp with zero harshness. The 270-degree panoramic sound dispersion fills the room evenly, making it perfect for open-plan spaces, bedrooms, or small apartments.
Whether you’re spinning Radiohead, Sade, or Zeppelin, the MAX 2 handles everything with balanced detail. It’s not “audiophile-grade” in the traditional sense, but for its size, price, and simplicity, it’s shockingly close.
Design & Aesthetic: Modern Vintage Done Right
Visually, the MAX 2 is all about understated class. The heathered fabric grill (a departure from the older perforated metal) gives it a softer, more premium look. The oversized volume knob anchors the design, and the black or white finish fits easily into modern or vintage decor.
The unit is compact and low-profile, yet it feels substantial. Andover clearly designed this to be seen and used—not tucked away.
Vinyl Ecosystem Integration
If you're just starting to build your vinyl setup, Andover makes the process almost too easy. The SpinBase MAX 2 is designed to pair perfectly with:
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SpinDeck 2 Turntable ($299): A minimalist, belt-driven deck with Ortofon cartridge and built-in preamp.
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SpinSub ($349): A compact subwoofer with a down-firing design that matches the MAX 2’s footprint.
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SpinStand ($249): Holds up to 150 LPs and provides a secure, integrated platform for the whole system.
Bundle the whole system and you’ve got a modular hi-fi vinyl setup that looks cohesive and sounds far better than most entry-level solutions.
Who Is This For?
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New vinyl enthusiasts who want serious sound without diving into the hi-fi rabbit hole.
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Minimalists looking for one box that does it all.
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Apartment dwellers with limited space.
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Collectors who want a modern solution to spin their LPs without clutter.
In short: if you love vinyl but hate the mess that comes with traditional systems, this is for you.
Things to Consider
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No Wi-Fi / Multi-Room Support: If you're looking for Sonos-style multi-room playback, this isn’t it—Bluetooth is the extent of its wireless capability.
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No app control: All adjustments are via the included remote or manual controls.
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Bluetooth codec support not specified: Audiophiles may want to clarify whether the MAX 2 supports aptX or AAC.
Availability
The Andover Audio SpinBase MAX 2 is available now at:
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Andover Audio’s official website
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Amazon and select hi-fi retailers
Color options: Black or White
Price: $549 USD
Optional Add-ons:
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SpinDeck 2 Turntable: $299
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SpinSub Subwoofer: $349
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SpinStand LP Rack: $249
Together, they form one of the most elegant all-in-one vinyl setups under $1,500—no cable clutter, no amp matching, no guesswork.
The Verdict: A Vinyl Game-Changer
At $549, the SpinBase MAX 2 is a premium—but still affordable—gateway to better vinyl sound. It strips away the barriers of entry and replaces them with streamlined, high-performance audio that’s ready to go out of the box.
It doesn’t just make listening to vinyl easier—it makes it smarter, cleaner, and more satisfying. In a world crowded with confusing audio options, that kind of clarity is rare.
Whether you’re spinning dusty crates or just picked up your first LP at Urban Outfitters, this is the speaker that bridges analog and digital—without sacrificing the soul of your music. We look forward to the reviews and CE Critic Score.
