Audio-Technica unveils Hotaru record player with illuminated floating turntable

The limited-edition Audio-Technica Hotaru (AT-FTT) illuminated vinyl record player was unveiled during Milan Design Week 2025, held from April 6 to 13 in Italy. The player blends art and sound, featuring lighting synchronized to music to create an engaging visual element that complements modern home interiors.

The Hotaru uses a magnetically-suspended acrylic turntable that floats above the speaker section below to help isolate the specially-crafted stylus from picking up unwanted vibrations. The sub-platter is driven by a belt hidden inside the aluminum case.

The turntable contains an illumination system capable of displaying colors from a palette of 20 shades with three lighting modes. The light color can remain constant in Basic Mode, change with the beats of the music in Link Mode, or smoothly transition among the colors in Gradation Mode. The Japanese name, Hotaru, means firefly, and the shimmering illumination of the spinning platter produces a similar magical glow.

Only 1,000 units will be available at $9,999, and readers interested in purchasing the Hotaru must first register their interest here. The reservation period will be open only from April 8 to May 30, 2025. Purchases are scheduled for August 2025, with deliveries beginning in October 2025.

Readers fascinated by illuminated turntables can read about Brian Eno's £20,000 limited-edition 2024 Turntable II. Those who simply want to listen to their records at home or on the go can try the Audio-Technica Sound Burger portable player sold here on Amazon.