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الوسم: Turntable

  • Audio-Technica’s Floating Hotaru Turntable Costs $10,000

    Audio-Technica’s Floating Hotaru Turntable Costs $10,000

    If you have an extra $10,000 and strive to own the most visually stunning, illuminated, and gravity-defying centerpiece for your audio system, then look no further than the latest offering from Audio-Technica.

    Recently revealed at Milan Design Week, the Audio-Technica Hotaru is a limited edition all-in-one turntable that boasts a strikingly luminous, magnetically-levitating platter that floats above a built-in speaker base. With only 1,000 units available globally, this eye-catching device is both a work of art and a premium audio player.

    The Audio-Technica Hotaru floating, glowing turntable.
    Screenshot / Audio-Technica

    The name “Hotaru” translates to “firefly” in Japanese, which perfectly encapsulates its dazzling design. Audio-Technica explains that the platter and levitating base are crafted from high-precision acrylic to intensify the lighting, creating a stunning visual experience. Its lighting system offers a selection of 20 colors and features three different modes: a static color in Basic mode; a color transition in Gradation mode; and Link mode, which syncs to the music, transforming sound into light and enhancing the auditory experience. According to Audio-Technica, this multisensory approach enables listeners to engage more deeply with the music and its surroundings, fostering memorable moments.

    The Audio-Technica Hotaru floating, glowing turntable.
    Audio-Technica

    While the justification for the Hotaru’s $10,000 price point remains unclear, let’s delve into its specifications. The base housing the floating section contains a speaker system equipped with two 2.5-inch full-range speakers and two 0.75-inch tweeters, supporting a frequency range of 60Hz to 20kHz. This floating design isolates the speaker casing from the platter, effectively reducing resonance. Constructed from premium aluminum and resting on solid brass feet, this setup enhances its ability to manage vibrations. Audio-Technica claims this system delivers a rich and refined sound quality with exceptional clarity and dynamic expression.

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    The platter is driven by a DC servo motor that rotates the sub-platter via a concealed belt, with the entire assembly floating as a result of magnets in both the turntable and speaker sections that repel each other, effectively isolating it from disruptive vibrations.

    The Audio-Technica Hotaru floating, glowing turntable.
    screengrab / Audio-Technica

    Featuring a static balanced carbon straight tonearm mounted on the sub-platter, the Hotaru utilizes a specially designed VM cartridge, known for its high quality. Additionally, it includes RCA line outputs for connecting to your own hi-fi setup, along with a subwoofer output for enhanced bass performance.

    Pre-orders for the Hotaru will be available until May 30, 2025, with expected deliveries in October. Interested buyers can reserve their piece via the official website. More details can also be found on Audio-Technica’s Japan site.

  • Audio-Technica Unveils Gold Edition Turntable for Record Store Day

    Audio-Technica Unveils Gold Edition Turntable for Record Store Day

    This weekend marks the eagerly awaited Record Store Day 2025, and vinyl fans are likely diving into this year’s special editions to enhance their collections. If you find yourself stepping into the vibrant world of vinyl and are in search of an exceptional beginner turntable, look no further—Audio-Technica has rolled out a dazzling exclusive just for you: a golden version of its top-selling model.

    Indeed, everything that glitters is gold! The Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT has consistently topped the charts as a go-to choice for novices (it held the top spot on our list until being succeeded by the upgraded AT-LP70X). For this Record Store Day, the renowned audio brand has made a limited run of the AT-LP60XBT-GD (that’s gold, of course) available at independent record shops across the U.S., priced at just $199, which is $40 less than the standard model. “This special edition aims to encourage music lovers to support the independent record stores that are essential to the vinyl community,” remarked Kurt Van Scoy, Audio-Technica’s Vice President of Products, Business Alliances, and Marketing. “These shops are crucial for maintaining the vinyl culture, and we’re proud to be part of this initiative, highlighting their ongoing importance.”

    The Audio-Technica AT-LP60XBT-GD gold edition for Record Store Day 2025.
    Audio-Technica

    The AT-LP60XBT has attracted many newcomers to vinyl due to its affordability and ease of use. This belt-driven turntable is a breeze to put together and operate. With features like auto start and stop, a speed-selection button for switching between 33 1/3 and 45 RPM records, and a simple tonearm lift and lower button, there’s virtually no learning curve.

    Equipped with a built-in phono preamp (which amplifies the low signal from the needle for a richer sound), this turntable connects effortlessly to any stereo integrated amplifier or powered speakers. Additionally, if you prefer wireless listening, the AT-LP60XBT-GD offers Bluetooth capabilities with support for both SBC and aptX codecs.

    As per Audio-Technica’s official site, the AT-LP60XBT-GD will reach approximately 90 independent record stores nationwide (find the full list online), though it’s advisable to call your local store beforehand to check availability.

  • Dirty Deeds for AC/DC Turntable by Pro-Ject Audio

    Dirty Deeds for AC/DC Turntable by Pro-Ject Audio

    Are you ready to spin some vinyl with style? Pro-Ject Audio has just introduced a striking limited edition turntable inspired by AC/DC, designed to amp up your listening experience. Featuring a lightning-bolt plinth and a host of impressive audiophile attributes, this turntable is bound to electrify any music enthusiast.

    This meticulously crafted turntable is part of Pro-Ject’s acclaimed Artist Collection, which has also featured dazzling models celebrating iconic artists such as Pink Floyd (the Dark Side of the Moon model) and The Beatles (the Yellow Submarine edition), along with a recently released turntable dedicated to Metallica.

    The tonearm of the AC/DC Turntable from Pro-Ject Audio.
    Pro-Ject Audio

    The AC/DC Turntable features an innovative zero-resonance design, complete with a heavy glass platter and an illuminated acrylic sub-platter glowing with red LEDs. The theme shines through on the tonearm as well, which boasts a new 8.6-inch red acrylic design that minimizes resonance and incorporates spring-loaded anti-skating. At its tip rests a pre-adjusted Ortofon 2M Red MM (moving magnet) cartridge, tailored for delivering that legendary rock sound from the Australian band—just connect it to top-tier speakers and an integrated amplifier for optimal performance.

    The AC/DC Turntable from Pro-Ject Audio.
    Pro-Ject Audio

    Additional anti-resonance measures include an MDF plinth and a silicone belt driven by a whisper-quiet, precision AC motor. The turntable stands on height-adjustable spiked feet for stability and leveling. While it lacks Bluetooth connectivity, discerning audiophiles may find this intentional simplicity enhances their listening experience.

    There’s currently no information regarding the availability of the Pro-Ject AC/DC Turntable in the U.S., but it will launch in Europe and the U.K. this March, priced at 1,149 pounds/1,299 euros (approximately $1,448). Stay tuned for updates, and explore further details on the Pro-Ject Audio website.