If you ask any audiophile today about sound quality, they’ll almost always say digital files don’t come close to the quality of vinyl from decades ago. LOVE Turntable is a new device that aims to put a modern spin on vinyl (pun not intended) by enabling users to play records using their smartphones.
The device turns counterclockwise on a still record. It can be controlled via smartphone to play records, skip and repeat tracks, alter the volume, and select different RPM speeds. There’s also database connectivity which enables it to display album details and cover art. It is Bluetooth and Wi-Fi compatible, allowing it to connect to a variety of audio systems. There’s also a plug & play audio dongle (Bluetooth aptX) which is designed to plug into nearly any receiver.
In addition to being compatible with traditional audio players, LOVE also supports Sonos sound systems along with any DLNA source.
Unlike traditional turntables which are cumbersome and require significant amounts of space, LOVE is designed to fit on nearly any flat surface in the home. It’s also easy to move from room to room. After placing the device on a flat surface, users can change the speed of the player using the companion mobile app. The device then analyzes each vinyl, automatically playing it at the required speed of 33 ½ or 45 RPM.
LOVE is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can be recharged via USB cable. The battery is designed to last through over 15 complete sides of 12″ LP records and takes roughly 1.5 hours to recharge.
In order to minimize wear and tear on vinyl, the entire weight of LOVE is supported by a large rotating foot pad which sits securely on the label of the record. The stylus is the only component which touches the record. It’s designed specifically to provide the same engagement as a traditional record player.
For the audiophiles out there, the technical specs of LOVE are as follows:
The general record base is 7” round and weighs ~225g (8oz).
It serves as a platform to hold the record and doesn’t rotate.
The top portion contains the playing cartridge, all moving parts, and electronics.
It mounts to the record base via the spindle and rotates the stylus/needle around the record.
There’s also buttons for basic operations.
The arm is sized 10” x 3.5” (w) x 2” (h) and weighs ~450g (16oz).
So far the makers of LOVE have raised over $700,000 via Kickstarter with an estimated shipping date of October 2017. Pricing for the device starts at $329, including free shipping to the US and Canada.
Each purchase includes the LOVE device, two record bases, an aptX Bluetooth adapter, seven-inch vinyl record adapter, power cable, and a charger.
