It floats, it glows, it mesmerises – the Hotaru turntable is a design triumph in analog.

Audio-Technica unveiled its new $9,999 turntable at Milan Design Week recently, and it has some very eye-catching features. The Hotaru turntable has been designed with beauty and function in mind, and the thing that makes it beautiful is the thing that improves its function.

Using “powerful magnetic repulsion”, the upper section of the Hotaru levitates. The idea is that the floating structure isolates internal and external vibrations, making for a smoother and more defined playback. As pointed out by The Verge, this is not the first turntable to use magnets to levitate a record. The MAG-LEV Audio turntable featured a spinning plate, whereas the Hotaru lifts the entire upper section – including the tone arm and DC servo motor that actually spins the record.

Image Credit: Audio-Technica

This upper section is made from a translucent acrylic, which allows its other main feature to shine through. The Hotaru boasts a lighting system that reacts and harmonises with the music as it plays. 20 different colour pallettes allow for a fully immersive experience, and three different modes let users tailor their listening. Basic Mode gives a solid coloured glow, Gradient Mode offers a smooth, flowing transitions, whilst Link Mode gives off “dynamic illuminations that visualise soundwaves.”

As for the part of the turntable that stays firmly on solid ground, the base is made from a high-quality aluminium, with an integrated speaker system and solid brass feet. This minimal but sturdy design gives off a refined and luxurious feel, while providing exceptional clarity and dynamic expression.

Audio-Technica has said that it is only making 1000 units of the Hotaru, with shipping expected around October 2025. If you’re keen on this glowing, floating turntable – and your budget allows – you can reserve a unit on the company’s website up until May 30th.