Tag Archives: turntable

Vinyl turntable concept uses industrial materials and design

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As much as I love my music streaming services, I’m also a fan of playing analog music. Well, at least in theory. I have several CDs at home already but I don’t have a CD player (still researching about what’s the best one that my wallet can afford). I also want to have a vinyl player soon although that will take more of an investment both for the player itself and the vinyls I’ll buy afterwards. So I am always interested when I see concepts or designs for turntables as it can be references for what I’ll buy in the (hopefully) near future.

Designer: Antoine Brieux / NAK Studio

This concept for a high end industrial design linear vinyl turntable will probably not fit into my budget if it ever gets made but it’s still pretty interesting to look at. It will be made up of full machined aluminum and magnesium parts but also uses glass and recycled Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) so you get an industrial but minimalist look. The platter assembly has conical bearings shaft and actually looks like those old 35mm film projectors but placed horizontally.

In keeping with its industrial theme, you get an industrial drive belt driving system but with an air cushion linear arm to make it more interesting. The tonearm is Bluetooth embedded so you can connect it to Bluetooth speakers directly but you can also use the regular plug system if you prefer that. It also has a brushless motor and constant drive controller while it uses capacitive sensors to manage the start and end position of the arms which can use either an automatic or manual lift system.

The product render, including a video sample of what it might look like, makes it really look like a high end kind of vinyl player. But it also looks a bit heavy based on the materials that will be used so if you’re looking for something that can be portable or at least easy to move within your space, this might not be it. As for the quality when you actually play your vinyls on it, that remains to be seen.

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nubia Music phone has two headphone jacks and a large speaker on its back

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Once upon a time, music was played to be enjoyed by an audience. While that still happens today, most of the time we have become enclosed in our own little audio bubble thanks to smartphones. Earphones and earbuds keep the music to our ears, and smartphone speakers can’t get too loud without losing the music’s quality and clarity. Even worse, the venerable headphone jack that audiophiles use and love has been banished from mobile devices. In an effort to bring back that social listening experience, nubia is launching what could be its most distinctive smartphone yet, one that is a clear ode to a golden age of music that brings together features and design elements that will let you share your favorite tunes with ease.

Designer: Nubia

There may be no room for a thick 3.5mm port inside extremely thin phones, but what if thinness was never a problem in the first place? Aiming for a different priority, the nubia Music doesn’t just bring back the headphone jack but actually adds an extra one. Yes, there are two headphone jacks on this phone, and it’s a clear indication that this device is meant for listening to music. In fact, it’s designed to let you share that music with another person, a friend or a partner perhaps, provided they also have wired earphones.

There might be times you’ll want or even need to play music that everyone can hear. That’s where the nubia Music’s ultra-loud speaker comes in, promising 600% more volume without the distortion. That’s already a huge improvement over your typical smartphone loudspeaker, but what’s even more interesting about it is the way it’s added to the phone’s design.

As if dual headphone jacks weren’t odd enough, the nubia Music even has that ultra-loud speaker on its back. But rather than just simply slapping it on like what some other rugged phone manufacturer did, nubia opted to add a charming design to this unusual feature. The circular speaker and the two cameras are set opposite each other on a raised rectangle, recreating the appearance of a turntable that music lovers will be able to immediately identify. It’s a very nice touch that should tickle the hearts of audiophiles of all ages.

The entire phone is designed with that vibrant, lively, and youthful character, presenting a device that loves to party as much as you do. With mid-range specs and a price tag that starts at only $149, it is clearly targeting a younger crowd, though any music lover will surely find the nubia Music something worth looking at and, of course, listening to.

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Korg pays tribute to classic vinyl turntable with Handytraxx Play

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I’ve never DJ-ed in my life, although I’ve touched a turntable or two in passing. But even though I don’t listen to much of their music, I’ve always found those who use that “instrument” to be fascinating since I have no idea how it really works. One of the more popular tools for DJs who wanted to be portable was the Vestax Handy Trax. Now a brand that has been producing gear for the modern DJ is paying tribute to that particular vinyl player.

Designer: Korg

Korg worked with the former president of Vestax, Toshide Nakama (who passed away before completion of the project) to come up with the Handrytraxx Play, a tribute to the original Vesta Handy Trax. It is able to bring what made the original a favorite among DJs together with Korg’s more modern features in a lightweight product that the musician can easily bring along wherever they need it.

Original Vestax Handytrax

The turntable comes with built-in 3-W speakers and you can choose to spin at either 33.3, 45, or 78 rpm. It is powered by AAA-sized batteries or if you can connect to an outlet, a USB-C cord. It also has a built-in looper that has variable playback speed, a crossfader with reverse mode, delay and scratch effects and several “unique and creative filters”. You can of course monitor playback through headphones and it also has a detachable control panel.

It looks like pretty much a normal vinyl turntable except that it is pretty portable and lightweight. A non-playable prototype of this gadget is expected to make an appearance at the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Show where Korg will be unveiling several other products.

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This is the Transparent Turntable, a high-end modular turntable with minimalist style

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Stockholm-based Transparent makes a lot of minimalist audio tech. For the first time, they’ve released their very own turntable, and it’s mouthwateringly gorgeous. The transparent tempered glass cover lays atop an aluminum body (“meticulously crafted” in either black or white), and it looks like it comfortably fits right along with Transparent’s lineup of high-end speakers — which use similarly minimalistic design elements.

From a technical standpoint, it’s also just a really nice, modern turntable with plenty of gadgetry for today’s hi-fi enthusiast. The preinstalled Elliptical Diamond Ortofon OM Stylus 5E provides warm and rich sound quality, though it can also be swapped out for fancier stylus models or replaced once it wears out. In fact, the entire build is designed for modularity, including its SME-compatible headshell mount.

Designer: Per Brickstad (via Transparent)

The tech specs are pretty impressive on the performance front as well. Its low speed variance means it should play vinyl records more accurately for a smoother sound. It’s geared up with digital optical and analog inputs as well as Bluetooth 5.0 support via its Qualcomm CSR8670C chip, which basically translates to high-fidelity audio output at a low latency even when playing MP3 files directly from your phone.

The built-in 20-25,000Hz +3 / -3 frequency range is also reasonably wide for a hi-fi audio component of the Transparent Turntable’s caliber, meaning it can process rich, deep bass and bring out the crispness of higher frequencies. For instance, when playing a song containing a mixture of low bass, high woodwinds, and additional sounds placed further out to the edges of the soundstage, the Transparent Turntable should be able to accurately reproduce all of that detail without crunching the mid-range.

It looks like everything from its groovy (literally) tonearm right down to its gold-plated contacts are built with high-quality materials and peculiar attention to detail. The unit is also relatively low-profile, weighing only 14 lbs and using a maximum of 15W of electricity per hour. That makes it easy to stick into an eco-friendly household, or even take with you on the road in a minimalistic tiny home.

The Transparent Turntable costs $1,300 on the Transparent website, and you can order it now — ahead of its estimated shipment window in mid-November.

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This metallic record player concept blends music and architecture to create harmony

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Record players are en vogue again, and thanks to interest in the product, we’ve seen quite a few designs that go beyond the simple task of playing a vinyl record. There’s a wide variety of designs, ranging from minimalist to eccentric, from utilitarian to decorative. The requirements for a record player design aren’t many, as long as it’s able to actually produce the audio quality unique to the medium and have usable controls that don’t get in the way. Thanks to that, there’s plenty of leeway in how to interpret a record player design, and this particular concept takes advantage of that in order to create a fusion of an audio device and architecture, presenting a unique visual and tactile experience for audiophiles.

Designer:

The standard record player design involves a box with a circular plate on top, a tonearm that holds the head reader, and controls on the top or side of that box. There’s no hard rule for that design, of course, just that it’s the most efficient way to cram components and mix shapes. When it comes to space and shape efficiency, however, nothing is more precise than architecture, which is exactly the source of inspiration for this distinctive concept design for a record player.

Right off the bat, you will notice the slats that run across a section of the aluminum chassis that’s not covered by the platter. This design is reminiscent of many architectural forms, but it serves more than just a visual function in this design. One of those slats is actually the tonearm, giving this important part of the record player a home when not in use and preventing accidents due to leaving it exposed.

Three gaps between those slats also hide the machine’s controls in plain sight. While most record players use buttons and dials, the RYTM record player uses less ambiguous sliders for volume, speed (denoted by RPM or rotations per minute), and power. The sliders integrate so seamlessly into the design that you might not even notice their presence unless you look closely. At the same time, however, they offer a somewhat novel way to engage with the machine.

RYTM’s anodized aluminum body gives it a bit of a unique and almost industrial character. It’s not difficult to associate the motif with robot arms, similar to those used in automobile manufacturing plants, on a smaller scale, of course. In an age of mostly digital consumption of music, this interesting record player design concept offers a different and perhaps more memorable way to enjoy your tunes, creating a ritual that involves physical engagement to elevate your listening experience.

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This digital – analog hybrid turntable brings the retro gadget to the modern age

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Parties with DJs spinning aren’t exactly my cup of tea. I prefer to listen to a band or to have the music just be in the background while I get to talk and relax with people. But of course there are a lot of people who prefer to have a DJ spin some tunes and dance along to various songs that they’re mixing. Nowadays, most DJs prefer using digital tools and platforms but there are still some that prefer the feel and sound of analog tools. What if you could have the best of both worlds in one device?

Designer: Pioneer

Pioneer has been a, well, pioneer in the DJ world with its various turntables and analog decks. Even with the advent of digital tools, they’re still pushing analog turntables but now they’re also adding something to the mix, so to speak. The PLX-CRSS12 is a hybrid turntable that brings the best of both worlds with its digital-analog option. It is actually the world’s first turntable that offers analog record playback as well as tone-arm-free DVS control. These are important features for DJs who want to still use “old school” vinyls but also some of the convenience that digital platforms employ.

When a DJ uses the Digital Vinyl mode, the Magvel clamp holds the record in place so you won’t scratch the record and at the same time control the digital music file. They say that the experience is actually similar to using the other vinyl platforms that Pioneer offers. You can also adjust the “weight” of the record without having to change slip mats or slip sheets, which is convenient if you’re in the middle of mixing or spinning.

The PLX-CRSS12 has a lot of other features that should be useful for the DJ who wants both analog and digital. You get things like a switch to adjust the timing of the turntable when you press stop, built-in MIDI-mappable Performance Pads, built-in OLED display, and high-quality sound reproduction. It comes in a matte black color with some color details in the buttons. It looks pretty classy and cool and has several customizable features as well so it should match what the DJ needs and what he would like his system to look like.

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A sustainably-designed turntable that is as thoughtful as it is powerful vinyl player

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Vinyl turntables have been enjoying a resurgence over the past years. For older people, nostalgia is the main reason and a desire to listen to music in its “purest” form. For younger people who were not alive in the heyday of record listening parties and vinyl records, it may be curiosity but also there’s something really different about listening to uncompressed music not on your phones or computers. This newest turntable from the House of Marley brings elegance, sound quality, and sustainability to your listening experience.

Designer: House of Marley

The Stir It Up Lux Bluetooth Turntable is a fitting tribute to the iconic Bob Marley. It has an improved sound quality from their other turntables with its bamboo plinth, glass platter, replaceable Audio-Technica 95E elliptical stylus, and a double-sided cork slipmat to make it more fun. It also has Bluetooth connectivity so you can partner it with speakers and other devices. The tracking ability has also been improved because of the lightweight aluminum headshell and tonearm.

Because it is made from solid bamboo plinth and there is a glass platter, the denser turntable is able to give a cleaner and more accurate sound since it is able to absorb motor and bearing noise. What’s also important is that the Stir It Up turntable has a focus on sustainability. It uses bamboo which is one of the fastest growing plants and aluminum and glass are “infinitely recyclable”. It also uses cork made from stripped-down bark.

Another unique thing for this turntable is that it has a double sided slipmat. One side is just a simple black cork but the other is a zoetrope side with vibrant color and mesmerizing graphics, reminiscent of Mr. Marley himself. It is priced at $399.99 but there are also bundles available that can include Bluetooth speakers. Every time someone buys one, the company will donate something to Project Marley which supports global reforestation with the One Tree Planted campaign.

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Jony Ive reimagines Linn’s Sondek LP12 turntable in his signature style for its 50th anniversary

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It’s been four years since Apple’s design head Jony Ive parted ways to start his own design firm “LoveFrom” and there’s not been any hardware project by the design genius ever since. That’s until now, as LoveFrom has collaborated with British audio brand Linn for the 50th-anniversary edition of its most revered Hi-Fi turntable.

Yes, we are talking of the Sondek LP12 turntable that sees a refreshing remake, and only 250 models of the music equipment will be manufactured. In its own rights, Linn’s Sondek LP12 turntable has witnessed half a century of continuous evolution with over a million units sold to date. Now, Apple’s design pro unearths his love for music with the perfect canvas to showcase his magic.

Pros:

  • Modern finishes
  • Refined design
  • White-colored variant
  • Well-tuned audio

Cons:

  • Eye-watering price tag
  • Only for serious collectors

Designer: LoveFrom and Linn

It all started over a meeting offer on Linkedin by Ive’s team, and the two companies eventually decided to collaborate. Initially, Linn thought an email by Ive was a spam message and deleted it. Thankfully he retrieved it from trash, and turned out to be the iconic Apple designer himself.

While the original makers heavily focus on the turntable’s sonic elements, LoveFrom takes a different approach with industrial design as the main focus. For instance, the design upgrade from the squared-off components including the top plate and arm board to have smoother edges. Also, the plastic rocker power button gives way to the aluminum circle. The two creative firms also updated the plinth that now is crafted out of a single block of unique wood. This elevates the look of the turntable while lending superior acoustic performance for a different sound signature.

The project is pro bono wherein Ive does it for the love of doing it. Just like a major percentage of their work that’s done because it’s their passion. During the design process, the team always had it in their subconscious to preserve the original’s silhouette while progressing the visual design to a more modernized look without compromising the quality. As Ive very cheerfully says, “life-affirming and so joyful to work on.” He added that his team loved to “play a small part in celebrating 50 years of an icon.”

As we said, only 250 numbered units of Linn’s 50th anniversary Sondek LP12-50 will be made with a price tag of $60,000. The iconic turntable will be available in a wood finish and the Apple-ish white color variant.

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Legendary DJ Console, the Pioneer CDJ 2000 Gets A LEGO Makeover With Moving Turntable and Tempo Fader

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If you’ve ever walked into a club playing dance music, attended an EDM festival, or just watched some of your favorite deejays perform online, chances are, they’ve used a Pioneer CDJ to play their mixes. Touted as one of the most famous turntables in the world, the CDJ is still preferred by a lot of electronic music artists for its features, its ubiquity, and just how incredibly resilient it is to accidental bumps, pushes, or even beer spills (some of those Boiler Room sets can get a little too wild). Designed as an homage to perhaps the greatest deejaying kit ever created, this LEGO build immortalizes the iconic Pioneer CDJ 2000… but here’s the kicker – it isn’t your average LEGO creation – it’s stunningly functional too, with a surprising amount of moving parts including a spinning disc, a moving tempo fader, an ejecting CD tray, a dynamic screen, and even a removable USB stick for the modern MP3 generation!

Designer: Megragadó Gladiátor Ezredes

Built to an awe-inspiring amount of detail, the LEGO recreation of the Pioneer CDJ 2000 is made from a stunning 2,628 bricks, featuring a true-to-reality aesthetic that includes controls on the top, input/output ports on the back, and even components under the hood. If you ever wanted to pull apart a CDJ without breaking a real one, this might just be the next best way.

Nearly every part of the LEGO CDJ is operable (the GIF above demonstrates the stunningly realistic build), including the obvious spinning disc and moving crossfader. However, the CDJ even has an actual CD tray with an ejector arm, and two types of display units that feature either a playlist view for selecting a track, or a waveform view for seeking the right part of the song. Depending on the display module, you can actually toggle through tracks, or move up and down along a waveform just like you would on an actual CDJ.

While most LEGO builds try to somewhat vaguely recreate an existing object, there are a rare few that go above and beyond by actually being functional (like this LEGO lawnmower from last year). However, a lawnmower is still a somewhat rudimentary gizmo when compared to something as complex as a digital turntable for deejaying.

The Pioneer CDJ 2000 LEGO build is currently just a fan-made concept on the LEGO Ideas forum. With more than 2,400 votes as of writing this piece, the LEGO build is on its way to the coveted 10,000 mark, following which, it heads to LEGO’s official review team for being converted into an actual retail box set. If you’re a fellow audiophile and EDM lover, head to the design’s LEGO Ideas page to cast a vote for it!

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Limited Edition Bang & Olufsen Beosystem 72-23 Nordic Dawn is a mashup made in heaven for collectors

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Renowned Danish luxury audio brand Bang & Olufsen has another captivating offering for enthusiasts and collectors that’ll be truly an object of desire. This is the Beosystem 72-23 Nordic Dawn edition – a meticulously crafted music system boasting cutting-edge technology with timeless design, showcasing the luxury brand’s long-standing commitment to delivering extraordinary audio experiences.

The Beosystem 72-23 Nordic Dawn is a tribute to the heritage and Scandinavian roots, drawing inspiration from the breathtaking Nordic landscapes. This is done with the use of a color palette reminiscent of the serene dawn skies and tranquil ocean waves. The design showcases a seamless fusion of sleek minimalism and elegant craftsmanship, making it a stunning addition to any modern interior.

Designer: Bang & Olufsen

At the heart of it is the revamped turntable, which serves as the centerpiece of the system. This iconic vinyl player is an embodiment of Bang & Olufsen’s dedication to delivering exceptional sound quality, with a precision-engineered aluminum platter and an advanced tonearm, ensuring optimal playback performance and audio fidelity.

The music system at its core designed for seamless connectivity and versatility. Offering various options for audio playback, including streaming services, vinyl records, and even analog radio. The Beosystem 72-23 Nordic Dawn version incorporates state-of-the-art technology, enabling wireless connectivity with other Bang & Olufsen products, allowing users to create a multi-room audio experience throughout their homes.

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the elusive music system boasts premium materials and finishes. The polished aluminum accents and oak woodwork add a touch of sophistication to the system, elevating its visual appeal. Bang & Olufsen’s commitment to sustainability is also evident in this limited edition release, as the company has made efforts to ensure eco-friendly manufacturing practices.

Furthermore, this Beosystem offers intuitive and effortless control. Users can navigate through their music library and adjust settings with ease using the Bang & Olufsen app or the touch-sensitive control panel. The system also includes a dedicated remote control for a traditional and tactile user experience.

As with all Bang & Olufsen products, the Beosystem 72-23 Nordic Dawn Limited Edition delivers an unparalleled listening experience. Whether it’s the rich and warm tones of vinyl records or the immersive sound of streaming services, this music system delivers crystal-clear, detailed sound that envelops the listener. The integrated speakers are well-tuned to ensure a well-balanced audio delivery.

Limited to a select number of 100 units worldwide, the Beosystem 72-23 Nordic Dawn edition is a collector’s dream. Compared to the regular Beolab 28, this one costs almost four times with a price tag of  EUR 60,000 (approximately $64,700).

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