Audio-Technica’s floating Hotaru turntable exudes $10,000 of radiant style.

Audio-Technica’s floating Hotaru turntable exudes $10,000 of radiant style.

      Screengrab / Audio-Technica

      If you happen to have an extra $10,000 and you’re looking for the most stunning, illuminated, and gravity-defying centerpiece for your high-fidelity stereo system, then Audio-Technica has just revealed the perfect turntable for you.

      Recently introduced at Milan Design Week, the Audio-Technica Hotaru is a limited edition all-in-one record player featuring a glowing, magnetically-levitating platter that floats above a built-in speaker base. With only 1,000 units available globally, this eye-catching device serves both as an artistic piece and a high-end turntable.

      Screenshot / Audio-Technica

      "Hotaru," which translates to "firefly" in Japanese, is a fitting name. Audio-Technica notes that the platter and floating base are crafted from precision acrylic designed to "enhance the beauty of the lighting," creating a remarkable visual effect. The lighting system includes a range of 20 colors and offers three modes: Basic, where you select a single static color; Gradation, which cycles through various colors; and Link mode, syncing with the music to "utilize the music itself as a design element while transforming sound into light, crafting a unique atmosphere," as stated in Audio-Technica's press release. “This multi-sensory design encourages listeners to connect more deeply with the music — and the overall environment — creating lasting memories.”

      Audio-Technica

      Though it’s unclear if the Hotaru’s price tag of $10,000 is justified, here’s a brief overview of its features. The floating base is equipped with a speaker system that includes two 2.5-inch full-range speakers and two 0.75-inch tweeters, boasting a frequency range from 60Hz to 20kHz. The structure of the floating base is intentionally separated from the platter to avoid any vibrations. Made from premium aluminum and resting on solid brass feet, it enhances anti-resonance capabilities. “This system radiates a rich and sophisticated vibe while delivering sound with unmatched clarity and dynamic range,” remarks Audio-Technica.

      The platter is powered by a DC servo motor that drives the sub-platter using a concealed belt, allowing the entire assembly to float due to the “magnets in both the upper turntable and lower speaker sections [that] repel each other, causing the turntable section to levitate, effectively isolating it from vibrations that degrade sound quality,” as explained by Audio-Technica.

      Screengrab / Audio-Technica

      The static balanced carbon straight tonearm is attached to the sub-platter and includes a specially-designed VM cartridge (noted for being one of Audio-Technica's most premium) and headshell. The Hotaru also features an RCA line output for those who wish to connect it to their own hi-fi system, as well as a subwoofer output for deeper bass enhancement.

      Reservations for the Hotaru will be accepted until May 30, 2025, with deliveries scheduled for October and can be placed through its website. Additional details about the Hotaru are available on Audio-Technica's Japan website.

      Derek Malcolm is a contributing editor and evergreen lead for the A/V and Home Theater section of Digital Trends. Derek…

      The Sound Burger is back. Audio-Technica revives its vinyl Walkman for a new generation

      Update, November 8: That was quick. Before you could say "I'd like fries with that," the newly revived Sound Burger has sold out entirely. Within just a week, Audio-Technica received orders for all 7,000 units of the retro record player. Digital Trends will update this article if the company decides to restock due to popular demand.

      If you remember the introduction of the first portable cassette players, you might also recall Audio-Technica's AT727/770, a unique portable record player better known as the Sound Burger. After not being produced for decades, Audio-Technica (A-T) is reintroducing the Sound Burger in all its retro charm as a $199 limited edition model, marking the Japanese audio brand's 60th anniversary.

      Audio-Technica is celebrating its 60th birthday with a $9,000 phono cartridge

      I don’t spend much time listening to vinyl, but if I did, I would be excited to receive a $9,000 phono cartridge as a birthday present. Luckily, this is now a (very limited) possibility for those with extra cash. Audio-Technica has produced a small batch of these extremely costly cartridges, which feature a lab-grown diamond tip.

      Everything about the AT-MC2022 moving-coil stereo cartridge appears to be a collector's dream. The gold-tone finish is achieved through handcrafted ion plating for durability and a stunning, reflective sheen. The integrated stylus and 0.22 mm cantilever are made from a single lab-grown diamond created through a chemical vapor deposition process, with the body made from titanium and aluminum and covered with an elastomer.

      Own

Audio-Technica’s floating Hotaru turntable exudes $10,000 of radiant style. Audio-Technica’s floating Hotaru turntable exudes $10,000 of radiant style. Audio-Technica’s floating Hotaru turntable exudes $10,000 of radiant style. Audio-Technica’s floating Hotaru turntable exudes $10,000 of radiant style. Audio-Technica’s floating Hotaru turntable exudes $10,000 of radiant style. Audio-Technica’s floating Hotaru turntable exudes $10,000 of radiant style. Audio-Technica’s floating Hotaru turntable exudes $10,000 of radiant style. Audio-Technica’s floating Hotaru turntable exudes $10,000 of radiant style.

Other articles

Industry experts believe that quantum utility is no more than 10 years away. Industry experts believe that quantum utility is no more than 10 years away. An impressive 83% of professionals in quantum computing believe that the industry will achieve quantum utility in the upcoming ten years. This 75-inch Sony TV is currently on sale for 50% off — you can save $650. This 75-inch Sony TV is currently on sale for 50% off — you can save $650. The Sony 75-inch X850K Series 4K LED is currently priced at $650 at Walmart. This model isn’t frequently available brand new, and today it's being offered at a 50% discount. New poster released and tickets now available for the 20th anniversary of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith. New poster released and tickets now available for the 20th anniversary of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith. Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith is making its way back to theaters later this month. Take a look at the new poster and see how to preorder tickets. Yale Assure Lock 2 vs. Lockly Vision Elite: which smart lock is superior? Yale Assure Lock 2 vs. Lockly Vision Elite: which smart lock is superior? Should you consider installing the Yale Assure Lock 2 or the Lockly Vision Elite on your door? Here’s an overview of these two smart locks. Three PBS programs you should check out in April 2025. Three PBS programs you should check out in April 2025. In April, there are three PBS shows to catch: two international mystery series and a tribute to funk music. Our choice for the top budget earbuds has just received a pleasant price reduction. Our choice for the top budget earbuds has just received a pleasant price reduction. The Earfun Air Pro 4 are available for $80 on Amazon. These in-ear headphones demonstrate that you can find excellent wireless earbuds for under $100!

Audio-Technica’s floating Hotaru turntable exudes $10,000 of radiant style.

Audio-Technica has unveiled the limited edition Hotaru turntable, priced at $10,000, which boasts a luminescent, magnetically levitating platter.