Firefly All-in-one Turntable Reacts To Music With a Dancing Light Show

Interest in vinyl records has been growing steadily in recent years, and for those looking for something unique to play their analog treasures on, Audio Technica might have the perfect answer—especially if you missed the chance to grab one of Brian Eno’s limited-edition models.

Debut at Milan Design Week: Meet the Hotaru

Recently unveiled at Milan Design Week, the Hotaru (ホタル, which means “firefly” in Japanese) closely resembles the aesthetic of Eno’s Turntable II from 2024. The good news is that Audio Technica’s model will be produced in larger quantities and offered at a significantly lower price.

That said, it’s still far from affordable: each of the 1,000 planned units will retail for US$9,999.99. In return, though, the Hotaru delivers a visually stunning experience. Its translucent platter appears to float above a speaker-integrated base and lights up in sync with the music, creating a true light show.

But the floating look isn’t just for show. According to Audio Technica, magnets positioned in the base and in the turntable itself repel each other, causing the platter to levitate and thus minimizing vibrations that could degrade sound quality.

The lighting system features 20 color shades and three different modes: the Basic mode keeps a single color throughout playback; Gradation transitions smoothly between hues; and Link responds dynamically to the character of the music.

Technical Specs and Audio Performance

On the technical side, the straight tonearm with a VM cartridge promises to capture every detail from the vinyl and sends the signal to the built-in amplifier, which outputs the sound through integrated speakers—although the company hasn’t shared many technical specifics about the sound system.

The Hotaru is currently available for pre-order, but interested buyers need to register first for a chance to reserve one. If accepted into the purchase process starting in August, be ready to shell out nearly ten grand. Shipping is expected to begin in October.

Now, if exclusivity isn’t your main concern and you’d rather spend your money elsewhere, you can still enjoy Audio Technica’s brilliant design at a much lower cost — the compact and stylish Sound Burger sells for just a few hundred dollars.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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