The Audio-Technica Hotaru Floating Turntable stands out for its stunning illuminated design and a price of $10,000.

Recently, during Milan Design Week, Audio-Technica unveiled a new turntable that has garnered attention for its innovative and futuristic design. It is called the Hotaru, a limited edition turntable that stands out for its floating platter, which uses magnetic levitation, and its built-in speaker base. Only 1,000 units will be produced worldwide, making it both an artistic and high-end item.

The name "Hotaru," which means "firefly" in Japanese, is fitting considering the device's impressive lighting features. Audio-Technica describes that the platter and floating base are made of high-precision acrylic, enhancing the beauty of the lighting. This lighting system offers a variety of 20 colors and three lighting modes: Basic, where a static color is selected; Gradation, which allows for a continuous color change; and Link Mode, which synchronizes the light with the rhythm of the music, creating a unique atmosphere that deepens the listener's connection to the music and environment.

In terms of specifications, it is still unclear whether the $10,000 price tag of the Hotaru is justified. However, it is known that the floating base houses a speaker system consisting of two 2.5-inch full-range speakers and two 0.75-inch tweeters, with a frequency range of 60Hz to 20kHz. To limit resonances, the speaker base is kept separate from the platter via a floating design. The housing frame is made of high-quality aluminum, supported by solid brass feet that further enhance its anti-resonant capabilities.

The platter is driven by a DC servo motor that acts on a sub-platter via a hidden belt. Through the interaction of magnets located in the turntable and speaker sections, the platter is made to float, isolating it from vibrations that could affect sound quality. The static-adjustable tonearm, made of carbon, is mounted on the sub-platter and is equipped with a specifically designed VM cartridge (VM cartridges are among Audio-Technica's most expensive). Additionally, the Hotaru features an RCA output for connection to external audio systems and a subwoofer output, allowing for enhanced depth in the lower frequencies.

Pre-orders for the Hotaru will be open until May 30, 2025, with deliveries scheduled for October. For those seeking more information, Audio-Technica has details available on its website.