Hotaru Gramofon by Audio-Technica Corporation

Hotaru Gramofon by Audio-Technica Corporation is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Platinska nagrada A' Design Award in Audio i Zvučna Oprema Competition Category.

PlatinaAudio Proizvodi· 2025

Hotaru Gramofon

by Audio-Technica Corporation

Client: Audio-Technica

Platinska nagrada A' Design Award Winner in Audio Proizvodi Category

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Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #170557

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Hotaru Gramofon

Transformirajte svoj prostor ovim zadivljujućim gramofonom. Njegov plutajući tanjur besprijekorno spaja zvuk i svjetlost, stvarajući impresivno senzorno iskustvo. Minimalistička zvučna glava i tonoram pružaju besprijekoran zvuk i vizualnu eleganciju, dok skriveni pogon s remenom i podtanjurom minimizira vibracije za potpunu zvučnu jasnoću. Izrađen od vrhunskog akrilika, aluminija i mjedi, ovaj sustav ne samo da nudi iznimnu kvalitetu zvuka već također služi kao upečatljiv središnji element u bilo kojoj prostoriji.

The Recognition

About the Platinska nagrada A' Design Award

Hotaru Gramofon je pobjednik Platinske nagrade A' Design Award, iznimno prestižnog priznanja koje se dodjeljuje uistinu izuzetnim, elegantnim i veličanstvenim dizajnima. Platinski pobjednici čudesa su stvaranja, svjedočanstva granica intelektualne kreativnosti te pokazuju nenadmašan profesionalizam i genij svojih dizajnera. Očekuje se da ovi dizajni budu najpoznatiji radovi koji određuju estetiku jednog doba, doprinose dobrobiti društva i pomiču granice umjetnosti, znanosti, dizajna i tehnologije. Hotaru Gramofon pokazuje uzvišenu razinu izvrsnosti i nedvojbeno čini svijet boljim mjestom svojim korisnim i vrijednim karakteristikama. Hotaru Gramofon je rad koji je osvojio Platinsku nagradu A' Design Award i koji budi želje, nadahnjuje, oduševljava i pali veliku radost.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: This strikingly designed turntable features a floating platter that seamlessly integrates into any space, creating an atmosphere of harmony and depth. Its innovative design fuses sound and light for a captivating sensory experience. The minimalist cartridge and tonearm, paired with a concealed belt sub-platter drive, ensure both sonic clarity and visual elegance. Crafted from premium materials like acrylic, aluminum, and brass, the system delivers an unparalleled audio experience.
Dimensions & Packaging: 430mm x 430mm 235mm
Tags: analog, floating, turntable, record player, vinyl, music
Production Technology: The floating turntable, achieved through powerful magnetic repulsion, eliminates unwanted vibrations, unlocking the full potential of the cartridge. It also seamlessly blends function and aesthetics with a minimalist VM cartridge and carbon tonearm. Precision-crafted acrylic, a high-quality aluminum case with integrated speakers, and solid brass feet create a refined aesthetic. The meticulously engineered structure produces a depth and richness of sound that defies its compact size.
Design Challenge: The challenge was to make sure that the magnets used in the floating structure didn't affect the cartridge. This was especially important for cartridges, which contain strong magnets. If any magnetic energy leaked from the floating structure, it could directly lead to an unusual tracking force and sensitivity to movement. By using tools that analyze magnetic flux in product development and adding the right shielding materials to the case, we solved this problem.
Research: Speaker-integrated turntables typically use rubber or springs for vibration damping. But this time we considered a method of suppressing vibration by using magnetic repulsion to float the turntable from the speaker. Through repeated prototyping and signal analysis, we realized to achieve effects greater than existing structures. Generally, vibration suppression structures are internal mechanisms, but through these studies, we succeeded in sublimating this mechanism into an external design.
Inspiration: We envisioned a musical experience that transcends the ordinary. We believe that the moment of listening to an analog record holds the potential for more than just sound - it can be a captivating spectacle. With its floating analog record and ethereal glow, HOTARU is designed to stimulate the senses and create an immersive world where every moment becomes a cherished memory. This is our vision - to elevate the act of listening to an unforgettable sensory experience.
Project Duration: The project started in December 2022 in Japan and will be exhibited in Milan Design Week in April 2025.
Operation Flow: It is operated using three knobs.
The left knob selects the lighting mode, type, and brightness.
The center knob selects the turntable speed.
The right knob controls the speaker volume.
Team Members: Yuma Murakami
Yosuke Koizumi
Tomohiro Shiraga
Image Credits: Audio-Technica Corporation