Cambridge Audio Alva ST vs Pro-Ject X1 B

Side-by-side specifications and a plain-English account of the recorded differences. Full profiles: Cambridge Audio Alva ST · Pro-Ject X1 B.

Comparison of Cambridge Audio Alva ST and Pro-Ject X1 B
Specification Cambridge Audio
Alva ST
Pro-Ject
X1 B
PriceHighlighted difference. $699$1,399
CategoryHi-fiHi-fi
Statuscurrentcurrent
Years2021–present2023–present
Drivebelt drivebelt drive
Speeds33/45 rpmHighlighted difference. 33/45/78 rpm
Operationmanualmanual
Cartridge suppliedAudio-Technica AT-VM95EPro-Ject Pick it S2
Phono stageHighlighted difference. YesNo
USB outputNoNo
BluetoothHighlighted difference. YesNo
Platteraluminium20mm thick, 1.5kg acrylic
Tonearmone-piece aluminium8.6" carbon-aluminium
Wow & flutter

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 Pro-Ject X1 B by $700 — $699 against $1,399.

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 a built-in phono stage and Bluetooth streaming. Skip the phono stage and you'll need one built into your amp, or a separate box, to play through normal speakers.

Bottom line: the Cambridge Audio Alva ST has the lower reference price; the table shows which documented features change with the $700 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.

Retailers selling Cambridge Audio Alva ST
RetailerTypeShippingProduct 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 Pro-Ject X1 B…

Retailer searches

12 US retailers stock Pro-Ject — linked directly to the product page where we have one, otherwise to a site search for the deck.

Retailers selling Pro-Ject X1 B
RetailerTypeShippingProduct link
Sweetwater music retail Free shipping on almost every order, no minimum. View at Sweetwater ↗
Turntable Lab hifi independent Free shipping to the continental US on most orders (bulk/oversized items excluded). View at Turntable Lab ↗
Upscale Audio hifi independent Free USA shipping on orders over $99 (exclusions for oversized items). View at Upscale Audio ↗
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 ↗
Elusive Disc hifi independent Free shipping on orders over $79. Search at Elusive Disc ↗
Reverb used marketplace Shipping set per seller; many listings ship free within the US. Search at Reverb ↗
World Wide Stereo hifi independent Free shipping on all orders. Search at World Wide Stereo ↗

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