Audio-Technica has revealed Hotaru, an extraordinary all-in-one record player that brings together sound, light, and motion in one seamless design. First introduced at Milan Design Week 2025, the world’s largest design festival, Hotaru represents the company’s ongoing commitment to its “analog ~ naturally” philosophy. Limited to just 1,000 units worldwide, this innovative turntable blends cutting-edge engineering with timeless Japanese aesthetics.
Floating Platter Technology That Redefines Vinyl Playback
At the heart of Hotaru lies its magnetic repulsion-based floating platter, which allows the record to hover in midair. This design isn’t just visually striking; it also minimizes vibration transmission, ensuring a pure, distortion-free listening experience. The integrated amplifier and speakers are carefully tuned to deliver warm, natural sound while maintaining a compact, sculptural form.
Sound-Reactive Lighting: Where Music Shapes the Atmosphere
Hotaru transforms every listening session into a multi-sensory experience. Its sound-reactive lighting system offers three lighting modes and a palette of 20 colors, allowing the device to harmonize with the music’s tone and rhythm.
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Basic Mode sets a consistent mood with a single color.
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Gradient Mode smoothly transitions between hues.
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Link Mode dynamically reacts to the music, adapting in real-time.
This vivid interplay of light and sound mirrors the magic of fireflies, “Hotaru” in Japanese, symbolizing fleeting yet unforgettable moments.
Elegant Craftsmanship: Function Meets Beauty
Hotaru’s structure embodies Audio-Technica’s six-decade legacy of analog precision. Its chassis is crafted from high-quality aluminum with solid brass feet to ensure stability and refined resonance. The lightweight carbon fiber tonearm and a special edition of the AT-VM740xML cartridge, finished in black and equipped with a microlinear stylus, deliver superior tracking accuracy and detail.
A concealed sub-platter belt-drive system further isolates motor vibrations, preserving sonic purity while maintaining the minimalist aesthetic.
A Celebration of Analog Artistry
Every Hotaru is presented in a faux-alabaster stone box and wrapped in Kyoto furoshiki cloth, emphasizing Japanese tradition and craftsmanship. The experience of using Hotaru extends beyond audio; it’s a ritual of light, motion, and sound that captures the essence of analog in its purest form.
Key Features of Audio-Technica Hotaru
- All-in-one turntable with integrated amplifier and speakers
- Magnetic levitation platter for vibration-free playback
- Reactive lighting with 3 modes and 20 colors
- Carbon fiber tonearm with AT-VM740xML microlinear cartridge
- Concealed belt-driven sub-platter design
- Aluminum body with brass feet for stability and resonance control
- Compatible with both MM and MC cartridges via built-in phono switch
You can find the Audio-Technica Hotaru at Audio46.
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