Oh boy, do I want one of these!

[Kico]

Fascinating...first Mag-Lev for trains and now turntables...beautiful.

http://www.designboom.com/technology/mag-lev-audio-the-first-levitating-turntable-10-13-2016/

 

[malden]

Awesome!
They've come up with an innovative way to degrade the sound of a record by breaking one of the most basic rules of turntable design, i.e., the platter spindle and tone-arm spindle must be perfectly coupled so that when one moves, so does the other.

 

[ConradH]

So they're seeking funding- do they have a fully functional design, or are those photos/renderings of what it might look like when finished?

 

[boza]

That just looks mad as pants. Very cool though if it works as intended.

 

[El Pee]

OK, so the guy loves music that much but his chair isn't even in the sweet spot? Please.....

So, while the 'uncoupling' of the spindle/platter/tone arm might have it's disadvantages; there are, I would imagine, advantages to not having the spinning platter in contact with a motor/idler wheel/belt etc.... regardless, i applaud them for innovating and coming up with something different than all the other TTs on the market. And, it looks cool.

 

[nkorah]

How does it keep the platter centred?

 

[woofmytweets]

OK, so the guy loves music that much but his chair isn't even in the sweet spot? Please.....

So, while the 'uncoupling' of the spindle/platter/tone arm might have it's disadvantages; there are, I would imagine, advantages to not having the spinning platter in contact with a motor/idler wheel/belt etc.... regardless, i applaud them for innovating and coming up with something different than all the other TTs on the market. And, it looks cool.

and then there's that huge glass wall.

this does not give the appearance of a product that is designed for serious consumers (of music)

 

[Bill Ashton]

Looks like a Project/Music Hall with the addition of anti-matter!

 

[malden]

I certainly recognize that arm!

I think my wife would want one of these to use to display dessert at family gatherings.

 

[ETLS]

Can they make it play off center records?

 

[Blue Shadow]

OK, so the guy loves music that much but his chair isn't even in the sweet spot? Please.....

Can you not see the advertising in allowing the entire system to be seen without the guy's head in the way? You gotta take some of the stuff with a grain of salt. And salt grains can grow very large.

 

[MRL_Audio]

Very cool looking... not so sure I want one just for looking cool though... I have an Empire 598 for that.

 

[elcoholic]

It's not the 1st. The Clearaudio Statement's main platter is magnetically supported and driven by the subplatter without contacting it.

 

[Sam Cogley]

The Pickering Gyropoise 800 had a magnetic bearing in 1959.

 

[Jadran]

Can you not see the advertising in allowing the entire system to be seen without the guy's head in the way?

Exactly!

 

[Jadran]

How does it keep the platter centred?

The drive system in this turntable is where all the magic is. It is completely different than anything else on the market. 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.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/245727224/mag-lev-audio-the-first-levitating-turntable

 

[marcmorin]

a large magnetic field under the platter.........ummmmmmmm, bet my Grado's would just love that

 

[nkorah]

"Magic" - now I'm convinced...

 

[marcmorin]

"Magic" - now I'm convinced...

Oh Ye of little faith..........

 

[marqueemoon]

What problems with conventional tables does this actually solve?

This reminds me of how some designer tries to re-invent the bicycle every 6 months.