A “Levitating” Turntable Is in the Works, So You Can Spin Records in Mid-Air

A “Levitating” Turntable Is in the Works, So You Can Spin Records in Mid-Air

A Kickstarter campaign has been launched to bring “the first levitating turntable” into production, as the Vinyl Factory notes. Mag-Lev Audio, a Slovenian company, is hoping to raise $300,000 to manufacture the machines, which are “designed for people who appreciate high quality sound and innovative design.” The turntables will use a magnetic platter to suspend the vinyl record during playback, as the Slovenian Press Agency (STA) reports. The Kickstarter page claims, “By pushing the frontier of audio technology, we were able to integrate the uplifting experience of music into the turntable design itself, bringing the feeling of zero gravity into your living room.”

The Kickstarter campaign ends November 21, and the first deliveries have an estimated August 2017 arrival.

As for making that vinyl float, the Kickstarter page says: “By using our innovative and patented technology, we were able to achieve not only magnetic levitation, but we’ve also been able to maintain the incredibly precise turning of the platter with sensor regulating software. Air is the smoothest medium with least amount of friction, which further elevates this project into a truly unique listening experience.” The design also includes “feet” to support the platter in “off” mode, and a safety system in case of an unexpected power outage.

Mag-Lev says its product will be the “first levitating turntable,” but it may have some competition for that title. Much more expensive turntables, such as the McIntosh MT5, use magnetically suspended platters. Other manufacturers offering magnetic suspension systems to “float” the platter include Clear AudioHanss Acoustics, and Vyger.

Read our feature on “How to Buy the Best Turntable and Stereo System for Your Record Collection.”

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