I wasn’t a turntable enthusiast all these years, but after spending time toiling with and writing about these vinyl-spinning wonders, I’ve totally caught the bug. I am unsure whether it’s the retro vibe, aesthetic appeal, bragging rights, or just the warm sound of a good record that has led me to like them. Whatever the case, I am planning to upgrade with a turntable from Audio-Technica (AT) by the end of this year. While my budget will get me an AT-LP60X or thereabout, if you’re a serious vinyl lover with cash to burn, I would recommend you Audio-Technica’s latest showstopper: the Hotaru turntable, which the Tokyo-based hi-fi company exhibited at the recently concluded Milan Design Week.
The most striking aspect of the Hotaru (Japanese word for firefly) is its glowing base, which somehow reminds me of Brian Eno’s turntable that also incorporates colourful LEDs. But this isn’t just about pretty lights. The Hotaru’s glow comes from 20 color palettes that shift in three modes: Basic, Gradient Mode, and Link Mode. “Utilizing 20 different color palettes, the lighting system reacts and harmonizes with the music, creating a truly immersive experience of both sight and sound,” states the company.
The lighting aspect is not the only similarity between the two record players. Both Brian Eno’s turntable and AT’s device can burn a hole in your pocket. $10,000 Hotaru turntable, limited to only 1,000 units, is only for deep-pocketed audiophiles. To put that into context, you could grab twenty Pro-Ject Automat A1.2 or 25 Handytraxx Play, both stellar turntables, for this price. But those won’t turn your living room into a glowing art gallery, Hotaru will.
Another factor that makes the Hotaru turntable stand out is its floating design. As evident in the pictures, the entire upper section, acrylic platter, carbon tonearm, and DC servo motor hover above an aluminum base thanks to magnetic repulsion. It’s not just a cool gimmick; the levitation keeps vibrations away from the stylus, so your music sounds crisp and clean. Unlike older floating turntables (like the MAG-LEV Audio, which only lifts the platter), the Hotaru suspends the whole setup. That’s some serious engineering flex from Audio-Technica.
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On the technical front, the belt-driven motor keeps things spinning smoothly at 33 1/3 or 45 RPM, and the custom VM stereo cartridge ensures every note is hit with precision. Other features include a pair of built-in 2.5-inch full-range speakers and dual 0.75-inch tweeters covering 60Hz to 20kHz. For an average salaried person like me, the Hotaru is a dream I’ll admire from afar while I stick to my budget-friendly AT-LP60X. If you’ve got the cash and a love for vinyl, this firefly-inspired beauty should be on your checklist!
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