AUDIO-TECHNICA HOTARU ALL-IN-ONE TURNTABLE UNVEILED AS LIMITED-EDITION ANALOGUE SYSTEM

The Audio-Technica Hotaru Turntable has been unveiled at Milan Design week and is an innovative all-in-one turntable limited to just 1,000 units globally.

This visually striking and technically ambitious product reflects the Japanese brand’s deep roots in analogue HiFi, blending traditional audio craftsmanship with contemporary design and sensory experience, Audio-Technica tells us.

AUDIO-TECHNICA HOTARU CONCEPT AND INSPIRATION

Hotaru—meaning “firefly” in Japanese—takes inspiration from fleeting moments of light and sound. The system aims to create a meditative atmosphere where analogue playback is elevated into an immersive, multi-sensory event. As a record spins, a synchronised lighting display transforms the listening space, invoking the ephemeral beauty of nature, light, and emotion. Audio-Technica describes this as a new stage in analogue evolution, designed to etch musical memories in both sound and sight.

FLOATING TURNTABLE MEETS MAGNETIC ISOLATION

The Hotaru features a levitating platter held aloft by magnetic repulsion, allowing the system to isolate vibrations both from within and outside the chassis. This floating design is not only engineered to enhance sonic accuracy but gives the Hotaru a commanding presence—appearing to hover mid-air as it plays. The carbon tonearm, minimalist cartridge, and sub-platter drive with concealed belt have been designed with both sonic purity and visual elegance in mind.

AUDIO-TECHNICA HOTARU IMMERSIVE LIGHTING SYSTEM

One of Hotaru’s most defining features is its 20-palette lighting system that reacts dynamically to music. There are three selectable modes: Basic, Gradation, and Link. In Gradation Mode, colours transition smoothly to create ambient mood lighting. In Link Mode, light pulses respond to the music’s energy and frequency. This fusion of lighting and sound turns each listening session into a vivid, immersive event. The light is diffused beautifully through its precision-cut acrylic housing, further elevating the experience.

AUDIO-TECHNICA HOTARU TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

At its core, the Hotaru uses a DC servo motor and belt-drive mechanism, supporting both 33⅓ and 45 RPM playback. The tonearm is a static balanced straight carbon type, equipped with a specially specified VM stereo cartridge. Output options include standard RCA line-outs and a dedicated subwoofer output.

The built-in speaker system features dual 63.5mm full-range drivers and dual 19mm tweeters, delivering a frequency response of 60Hz to 20kHz and sensitivity rated at 82dB. The chassis is constructed from aluminium and acrylic, mounted on solid brass feet for stability and resonance control.

Dimensions are 430mm x 430mm x 235mm, with a total weight of approximately 12kg. Power is supplied via a 100–240V adapter. Accessories include a platter, counterweight, cartridge, 45 RPM adapter, AC adapter, and power cable.

AUDIO-TECHNICA HOTARU AVAILABILITY AND PRICING

The Audio-Technica Hotaru is priced at $9,999 USD excluding VAT. Advance reservations are open until 30 May 2025, with purchases processed in August and deliveries expected from October. Only 1,000 units will be produced worldwide.

HiFi PiG Says: A stunning piece of design, it will be interesting to see and hear the Hotaru.