What is up with Audio-Technica’s new turntables?
Image credit: Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica are putting their reputation for high quality record players to the test with bizarre new designs – but are they functional?
Someone in Audio-Technica’s product development department is having a lot of fun lately. Two of their most recently announced turntables offer not just superior vinyl record playback but new designs sure to grab the attention of any guests.
Image credit: Audio-Technica
In April, Audio-Technica revealed their glowing, floating turntable: Hotaru. It’s as close to a UFO as record players have gotten, but it’s not just aesthetic novelty. The Hotaru’s floating design allows it to minimise vibrations whilst the colour-changing glow responds to the sounds of the record.
A limited number of Hotaru players are available for reservation at $9,999 until May 30th. For those griping at the price of possibly Audio-Technica’s most striking turntable, they have another unique offering that is now available.
The AT-LPA2 features a more familiar turntable design but is immediately set apart at first glance, because it is entirely transparent. It has obvious similarities to their 60th anniversary turntable, the transparent AT-LP2022, but they say this is their “finest turntable ever developed”.
Their new player is made from transparent acrylic and to ensure consistency of design, it plugs into a seperate unit for power supply and playback controls. The acrylic isn’t just visual however, as with the Hotaru its design boosts its sound as well. The acrylic helps dampen vibrations, improving clean playback.
The AT-LPA2 features an updated tone arm made from carbon fiber, making it lightweight for gentle performance. The player comes with interchangeable counterweights so that users can change the cartridges and maintain the right balance.
Unlike the mesmerising Hotaru and their anniversary player, the AT-LPA2 is not offered in limited supply. Record lovers can grab themselves one of these striking designs for $2,000 with no worries of missing the boat.