Vinyl

A lesser-known audio gear brand out of China is targeting design fans with a range of spectacular-looking products. It's come out of the gate swinging with a system of eye-catching analog music players that can go on your wall.

Esoteric's T-01 turntable spins its platter using magnetic fields instead of a belt, silencing motor noise entirely, then partly levitates it maglev-style, all chasing audio indistinguishable from the master tape.

Though streaming rules the listening roost, physical formats like vinyl are growing in popularity. If you want to wow your friends while spinning your latest album acquisition, vertical turntables are sure to fit the bill – such as the Ruka TD-1.

Tiny Vinyl’s budget-friendly Player gives four-inch records their own belt-drive turntable, with built-in speakers and Bluetooth, while crates and frames expand the collectible format into a miniature music ecosystem.

A few years ago, Teenage Engineering partnered with designer Yuri Suzuki for a cute lo-fi vinyl cutter. Now the Swedes are going pro with the limited-edition APC-2, a full-sized record cutter for churning out high-quality playback discs.

Vinyl records have been finding more and more new ears in recent years, and Mixx Audio has a novel turntable to help keep the groove moving – one that also rocks a CD player plonked right in the middle of the platter, as well as flexible connectivity.

I'm generally not the "crafty" type. I'm more into drills, saws, lasers and CNC-type stuff. My better half, however, is an old pro at cutting, plotting, and crafting. We tested out this Cricut alternative.

If you've been getting back into vinyl records lately, or need to upgrade your basic setup, I've got good news. Sony's returning to the turntable business with its first new models since 2019, and they do high-res wireless audio.

A Netherlands-based family business took minimalism to the extreme in 2017 with a Kickstarter for the striking Wheel turntable. Now the third iteration has rolled out with a more refined look, direct drive, optical stylus and improved sound.

Legendary British amp maker Orange has been at the heart and soul of music since the late 1960s. Your favorite artists have likely tapped into the iconic sound at some point. Now we can all get in a sonic spin with the O Turntable.

Music lovers keen to join the vinyl revolution will need to invest in hi-fi gear, such as a turntable. Many disc spinners require listeners to get hands-on before grooving. But Pro-Ject removes this finicky process with a new Automat model.

Though best known for its music gear, Korg scratched its way into new territory last year with a tribute to the Handy Trax portable turntable. Now more flavors have been added to its Handytraxx family, to meet the demands of DJs, rippers and audiophiles.