Vertical turntable marries micro-living with the vinyl revival

CONVENIENT AND ARTY: The space-saving, vinyl-showcasing Floating Record.

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 on the crowd-funding site and has already earned more than US$300,000 (RM1.1mil) 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-fiber 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 Britain, 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 (RM1,315), while supplies last, or order one of each for US$668 (RM2,516). All are expected to be shipped worldwide in December. — AFP Relaxnews