LONDON, June 26 — Gramovox — which specialises in creating functional art inspired by vintage audio-visual equipment — has both beauty and practicality in mind with its latest project, which has blazed past its Kickstarter goal.
The brand's Floating Record launched Tuesday on the crowd-funding site and has already earned more than US$300,000 (RM1.1 million) — six times its goal. The unusual turntable design essentially puts records on their side, showcasing them as they spin while freeing up precious surface area.
A hardwood base measuring in at 10" by 17" supports the turntable and carbon-fibre tone arm, which together make for a subtle design and let the vinyl serve as its own decorative element.
The player boasts ease of use — hardcore audiophiles welcome but not required — and high-quality playback despite its unconventional design. No additional amps, speakers or cables are needed to get it up and running.
Several low-profile, minimalist turntables are already on the market, although in taking its design vertical, the Gramovox moves into new territory, appealing to both the growing number of vinyl lovers — in the UK, sales hit a 20-year high in 2014, while in the US more albums were sold last year than any since 1991 — and to a current trend toward micro-living, as space-strapped city-dwellers get creative with their abodes.
Those who pledge now through the end of the campaign, which runs through July 28, can choose to receive a Floating Record in walnut or in maple for US$349, while supplies last, or order one of each for US$668. All are expected to be shipped worldwide in December. — AFP-Relaxnews
