Audio-Technica’s Hotaru turntable with dynamic lighting
Audio-Technica
Welcome to Record Roundup 33, a number that has special significance if you happen to be a record enthusiast. Technically, to fully hit the mark, I would need a 1/3 in there as well, but close enough… This time around, Audio-Technica has released what just might be the most visually spectacular turntable of all time, Sharp and QlearSoul have affordable entry-level releases and Technics finally adopts Bluetooth.
Audio-Technica Hotaru Turntable
I will admit to being a fan of light shows while spinning my records. I have Nanoleaf light tiles installed on the two of my office walls and nothing beats sitting back on the sofa at night, room lighting turned off, glass of wine in hand, listening to pretty much anything by Pink Floyd on the turntable, with the light panels pulsing in time to the music. It’s not quite “Laser Floyd” but having the lighting does really add to the experience.
It doesn’t just light up, the platter floats magnetically
Audio-Technica
Audio-Technica has a new turntable that incorporates a dynamic light show into the platter. Not only that, but the Hotaru turntable’s platter actually floats above its base using magnetic repulsion technology, eliminating mechanical vibrations. If you want a turntable that makes a visual statement, look no further. This audio, visual and engineering marvel is not cheap ($9,999) and it is limited to a run of 1,000 units.
Sharp RP-TT1000 Automatic Bluetooth Turntable
Sharp’s new entry level turntable
Sharp
After a $10,000 turntable, how about one that’s a little more wallet-friendly? Sharp has been making forays into the budget turntable market recently, after establishing a presence back in the 1980s. The RP-TT1000 is an automatic 2-speed model with an aluminum platter, an Audio-Technica AT-3600LA cartridge, a remote control, and Bluetooth 5.4 for streaming your vinyl to wireless speakers and headphones. There is also USB-C output for connecting to a PC to digitize records. The deck is matte black ABS plastic, but it looks pretty slim and modern. You should be able to pick one of these up for around $250.
Technics SL-40CBT Turntable
The Technics SL-40CBT in Terracotta Brown
Technics
With the new SL-40CBT, Technics has successfully (and finally) made the leap to digital. As the company’s first turntable with onboard Bluetooth support, the SL-40CBT is able to stream the vinyl you spin to a wireless BT audio system or headphones. You can still plug in physically, but now you have options.
Besides its embrace of wireless connectivity, the SL-40CBT features a coreless direct drive system, an MDF plinth for stability (available in black, gray and terracotta brown), an S-shaped tonearm, an Audio-Technica AT-VM95C cartridge with a conical stylus, a heavy die cast aluminum platter and a built-in PHONO pre-amp (with an MM equalizer tuned to the included cartridge).
The Technics SL-40CBT is priced at $899.
QlearSoul ONE-S
Finally, I promised last time around that a hands-on was coming with the new QlearSoul ONE-S, an affordably-priced and retro-styled all-in-one record player audio system. That post is now up if you want to learn more.
QlearSoul ONE-S in brown wood finish
Brad Moon
Missed the last edition of Record Roundup? You can catch up on number 32, featuring a very cool retro-style cassette boombox, the SpinBase MAX 2 and more here.