Miniot Wheel 3 record player with optical pickup puts vinyl on display
Miniot is re-launching one of the most unusual record players on the market by giving the third-generation Wheel a sleeker, more modern design and a range of technical improvements. The record player can be set up vertically, placed on a table, or mounted on a wall, which means that records can be played both vertically and horizontally.
The linear tonearm sits behind the record. Technically, the optical pickup is the most notable feature of the Miniot Wheel 3. Instead of using a magnet or coil cartridge like almost all other record players on the market, Miniot has developed a new type of optical pickup. This is not only designed to deliver great sound, but it should also be gentle on records since they are scanned by light.
Miniot further puts a high-quality preamplifier directly into the Wheel 3, which is necessary as third-party preamplifiers don't support optical pickups. A small display on the top can be used to adjust settings and playback volume. The motor's speed is controlled by an optical sensor to ensure the 33 1/3 or 45 revolutions per minute are maintained as precisely as possible.
Price and availability
The Miniot Wheel 3 record player is now available for preorder from the manufacturer's official online store for $3,355. First deliveries are expected to arrive in early August. A special edition with a real wood back is planned for the future.
Source(s)
