Photo credit: www.theverge.com
A creative studio based in Paris has unveiled a sleek turntable, designed with a minimalist aesthetic that reduces controls to a simple play button and a volume knob. The PP-1, which stands for Plug and Play, boasts a design that eliminates the visible tonearm and is constructed from a solid block of anodized aluminum. This attention to detail contributes to a manufacturing process that spans approximately 12 weeks, explaining its premium price of €5,800 (approximately $6,012).
While some brands, like ELP of Japan, have pioneered turntables that utilize laser pickups in place of traditional needles and tonearms, the PP-1 integrates conventional record player components. The studio collaborated with Miniot, a company known for a similarly designed turntable that hides the tonearm from view. By adapting Miniot’s technology, the PP-1 features an inverted cartridge and stylus, cleverly concealed behind a door mechanism, which remains closed when no record is placed on the platter.
Notably, the turntable does not include a speed control dial. Instead, Miniot’s technology autonomously detects whether a record should be played at 33 or 45 RPM, continually adjusting the motor’s speed to guarantee optimal playback performance.
Beyond its eye-catching design, the PP-1 is engineered to deliver high-quality sound. However, avid vinyl collectors should note that records must be placed upside down on the platter for the desired tracks to play.
Powering the device is straightforward, requiring only a single 5V USB-C connection, and for audio output, the PP-1 includes one 3.5-millimeter audio jack that can be linked to either active or passive speakers, although additional amplification is necessary for the latter.
For those seeking a comprehensive audio setup, Waiting For Ideas has also introduced a pair of passive speakers, engineered to produce sound at 85 decibels with a power output of 80W, designed to complement the dimensions of the PP-1. These speakers are available for preorder at a cost of €3,200 (around $3,320) and will also take 12 weeks to be manufactured. It’s worth considering that customers will need to procure a separate amplifier, as the studio does not offer a compatible model.
Source
www.theverge.com