Cambridge Audio Alva ST vs Denon DP-450USB
Side-by-side specifications and a plain-English account of the recorded differences. Full profiles: Cambridge Audio Alva ST · Denon DP-450USB.
| Specification | Cambridge Audio Alva ST |
Denon DP-450USB |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Highlighted difference. $699 | $799 |
| Category | Hi-fi | Hi-fi |
| Status | current | current |
| Years | 2021–present | 2018–present |
| Drive | belt drive | belt drive |
| Speeds | 33/45 rpm | Highlighted difference. 33/45/78 rpm |
| Operation | manual | semi-automatic |
| Cartridge supplied | Audio-Technica AT-VM95E | MM (CN-6518 stylus) |
| Phono stage | Yes | Yes |
| USB output | No | Highlighted difference. Yes |
| Bluetooth | Highlighted difference. Yes | No |
| Platter | aluminium | die-cast aluminium |
| Tonearm | one-piece aluminium | S-shaped |
| Wow & flutter | — | 0.10% WRMS |
Practical differences
Highlighted cells show a lower reference price, support for more listed speeds, or the presence of a convenience feature. They are not an overall score.
The Cambridge Audio Alva ST undercuts the Denon DP-450USB by $100 — $699 against $799.
Both are belt-drive, so that part of the experience should feel similar on either deck: a motor that's mechanically isolated from the platter by an elastic belt, which is the usual route to a quieter noise floor — the default choice across most of hi-fi.
The Cambridge Audio Alva ST has Bluetooth streaming, while the Denon DP-450USB has a USB output for ripping vinyl.
Operation differs: the Cambridge Audio Alva ST is manual, the Denon DP-450USB is semi-automatic.
Bottom line: the Cambridge Audio Alva ST has the lower reference price; the table shows which documented features change with the $100 gap.
Live retailer offers
Checking current in-stock offers for Cambridge Audio Alva ST…
Retailer searches
3 US retailers stock Cambridge Audio — linked directly to the product page where we have one, otherwise to a site search for the deck.
| Retailer | Type | Shipping | Product link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turntable Lab | hifi independent | Free shipping to the continental US on most orders (bulk/oversized items excluded). | View at Turntable Lab ↗ |
| Amazon | marketplace | Free shipping on $35+ orders (free on most items with Prime, often same/next day). | Search at Amazon ↗ |
| eBay | marketplace | Shipping set per seller; many listings ship free within the US. | Search at eBay ↗ |
Live retailer offers
Checking current in-stock offers for Denon DP-450USB…
Retailer searches
11 US retailers stock Denon — linked directly to the product page where we have one, otherwise to a site search for the deck.
| Retailer | Type | Shipping | Product link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turntable Lab | hifi independent | Free shipping to the continental US on most orders (bulk/oversized items excluded). | View at Turntable Lab ↗ |
| Amazon | marketplace | Free shipping on $35+ orders (free on most items with Prime, often same/next day). | Search at Amazon ↗ |
| Audio Advice | hifi independent | Free shipping on most orders. | Search at Audio Advice ↗ |
| B&H Photo Video | electronics chain | Free expedited shipping on most orders in the contiguous US. | Search at B&H Photo Video ↗ |
| Best Buy | electronics chain | Free shipping on orders $35+; free store pickup at most locations. | Search at Best Buy ↗ |
| Crutchfield | electronics chain | Free shipping on nearly all orders, with free 2-day delivery on most gear. | Search at Crutchfield ↗ |
| eBay | marketplace | Shipping set per seller; many listings ship free within the US. | Search at eBay ↗ |
| Music Direct | hifi independent | Free shipping on orders over $49. | Search at Music Direct ↗ |
| Reverb | used marketplace | Shipping set per seller; many listings ship free within the US. | Search at Reverb ↗ |
| Walmart | department store | Free shipping on orders $35+ (free with Walmart+); store pickup available. | Search at Walmart ↗ |
| World Wide Stereo | hifi independent | Free shipping on all orders. | Search at World Wide Stereo ↗ |