The left side of the concept is the shiny turntable that looks cool and the other side has a dock that you can plug your iPhone into. The concept has tech that would take those vinyl records, encode them to MP3 format, and shoot them over to your iPhone to take with you on the go. The designer also would put an amp and speakers inside for room filling sound.

Presumably, you would be able to play your MP3 tunes back over the device too so you can jam to your iPhone if you want rather than your vinyl. The concept was designed by Oliver Meynard. I am sure he would like to see the thing come to stores near you, but as with all concepts that isn’t likely to happen. I wonder if the actual physical prototype the guy built works at all, or if it is just to look at.

[via YankoDesign]

When you take a look at numbers such as these, you can’t really blame them though: sales of analog decks today are roughly 5% what they were 10 years ago, while on a related note, Japan’s last remaining vinyl disk pressing plant pressed a tiny 400,000 disks last year, that number comparing to their peak 40 years ago at 70,000,000 disks a year.

The SL-1200, which I’m pretty sure I’ve got sitting in the basement of my mom and dad’s house, has been in continuous production since 1972, during that time having sold 3.5 million units. I’ve got another record player here, and have never had to go back to that one. Why? Because record players just don’t break. Especially Technics.

“I’ve been using these products for around 20 years and rarely suffered a breakdown,” explained Tatsuo Sunaga, DJ and author of “I’ll Take That Record!” “This type of excellence is something not seen globally, and I think the fact that one doesn’t need to purchase subsequent models as being the reason for forcing the move.” Makes sense, doesn’t it? Capitalism is harsh.

[Via The Tokyo Reporter]

The player is called the Crosley Revolution CR6002A. The thing looks nothing like that record player that my mom had as a kid. It reminds me of something that would have been inside an old Jukebox. The edges of the record look to be hovering over the center of the player and are exposed. The turntable is belt driven.

It has USB connectivity for connecting to a computer and has software that will allow you to turn those vinyl records into digital tracks. The Revolution has 33 1/3 and 45 rpm speeds and an integrated FM transmitter. Full range dynamic stereo speakers are integrated into the device as well. It sells for $149.99 and will be offered in several colors. you cna see a video of the turntable here, sadly embedding is blocked using Vimeo Plus.

From the side it does look a little like a stainless steel pan on top of a portable stove, but we’re guessing that’s not a comparison DaVinci would particularly like.  Underneath there are custom adjustable feet, and the company will also sell you an optional second tonearm.

Don’t expect any of this to come cheap, however.  DaVinci Audio Labs are asking 29,600 Swiss francs for the UniSon MK II, which works out to a heady $27,800.  You’ll also need a suitably rarefied amp and speaker system, of course.

[via Born Rich and via]

“It is a sad day today but due to low sales globally in analogue turntables a decision to stop production has been made on Technics Turntables.  For Australia this means we will receive our last shipment in March” Ian North, spokesperson, Panasonic Australia

We can’t find a copy of the statement on any of Panasonic’s region sites, nor their Technics pages.  It’s also unclear what the news means regarding the production of mixers and headphones under the Technics brand.

Recent years have seen a rise in the popularity of digital mixing systems, which either use CD or completely digital MP3-style mixing rather than classic vinyl.  These setups are generally easier to transport, less prone to damage and allow for more flexibility in post-processing.

[via InTheMix]

If you are the type that likes to play your old vinyl records and you need a new turntable that can be easily connected to your PC, Audio-Technica has a new high-end product for you. The turntable is called the AT-LP120-USB and has a direct drive motor with forward and reverse back-cuing capability. I take that to mean the thing can scratch DJ Jazzy Jeff-style.

The turntable can play records in 33-1/3, 45, and 78 RPM modes. The platter is made from cast aluminum and has a slip mat on top. The arm has soft damping control and adjustable tracking force. A USB cable for connecting to your PC is included. The turntable will be available this month for $429 and ships with software for Mac and PCs to convert vinyl records to digital tracks.

The two turntables are the CDJ-2000 and the CDJ-900 that are designed to work with digital files and allow the DJ to perform without needing a laptop. The turntables feature Pioneer rekordbox music management software.

Other features of the turntables include Pro DJ Link, Needle Search, USB, and SD connectivity. The SD card function is limited to the CDJ-2000, which also has a CD/DVD capability. Both devices support MP3, AAC, WAV, and AIFF audio files from CD and USB devices. The CDJ-2000 will ship in November for $2,150 and the CDJ-900 will ship in December for $1,600.

This clock can hang on your wall and add a bit of classic elegance to your design theme. the turnable sports “Minute by Minute” by the Doobie Brothers and requires just one AA battery to keep the hands turning.

Measurements are 17-inches by 14-inches and includes two hangers for quick and easy displaying. These clocks are handmade and will vary slightly from piece to piece. You can get your own Recycled Fischer Turntable Clock now for $89.

This device makes it easy. The turntable itself is powered by belt-drive and has a straight tone arm. It also has a RCA and USB output, making it easy to transfer your records to your computer. It works with both PCs and Macs and allows you to create MP3s or CD-appropriate files for later listening.

Software comes with the device that allows you to remove those annoying pops and clicks. DJs can get enjoyment out of this USB turntable as well. You can get the Stanton T.55 USB Turntable now for $199.

The Pacemaker is a compact, sleek device that features a beautiful display and easy to learn controls. I’m a music lover and musician myself, but I called in my DJ buddy to come and play with the device and show me some tricks. In just a few minutes, he was mixing and playing tracks off of the Pacemaker. The device is basically a very powerful, very portable DJ station. The audio out allows you to share your creation with others at a performance venue, or you can even publish your mixes online through the included Pacemaker song editor software. The functionality of this device so far is astounding. Tone modification, treble reducing, beat matching, and any other song-mixing function you can think of are all features of the Pacemaker.

Set up was a breeze, and in no time, I was being assaulted by trance beats and heavy bass. The Pacemaker is $499.00 out in the US now, and it includes all the fixings you’ll need to get started: cables, chargers and quick start guides. All you need to bring to the table is something better than the 30-second previews of techno songs you got off of iTunes and a pair of cans to hear your creations. I’ll be playing with the Pacemaker more in the coming days, and will have a full review for you soon.

To minimize any power inteference, the motor section is completely separate and battery-powered to avoid AC noise.  Inside there’s a 12V DC motor with precious metal brushes and sleeve bearings.  Multiple arm pods are available depending on your choice of musical style, and they’ll even make you a custom on if you’re still not happy.

Frankly, while the standard Model A looks pretty impressive in black, this red one is the one to have in my opinion.  Snatch it up while it’s hot, a snip at £10,500 ($15,399).

[via Born Rich]

The theory is that you can pick the most suitable arm and cartridge (all of which are sourced from different manufacturers, and prized for their individual sound qualities) based on the type of music you’re in the mood for.  No more manually swapping heads over, or tweaking equalizer settings to emulate other models.

As ever, the sting is in the price-tag: the modified turntable will cost you around $56,000.  Of course, you’re also stuck if you have five favorite cartridges; my advice would be to wait until the eight-arm version comes around, after all it pays to have some room for expansion.

[via Crave]