Japanese audio manufacturer Audio-Technica has announced the Hotaru. Hotaru, Japanese for “firefly”, is a turntable that can change colour and will be released in a limited edition of a thousand units worldwide. No, it is not cheap and after ordering, delivery will take a while.
Audio-Technica didn’t unveil the Hotaru at an audio show, but at Milan Design Week 2025. That says something about its target audience. According to the designers, the Hotaru combines magnetic levitation, responsive lighting and refined analogue reproduction to deliver a visually striking vinyl experience for both ear and eye. The Hotaru (Japanese for firefly) will be released in a limited edition of just 1,000 units worldwide. Sound and light come together harmoniously as a record plays.
Inspired by the Japanese appreciation for fleeting beauty, the Hotaru is named after the firefly, a symbol of transience and wonder, according to the manufacturer. Audio-Technica describes it as an invitation to embrace each listening moment, just as you pause to admire the quiet beauty of a firefly in motion. We imagine Audio-Technica’s Hotaru will outlive the Japanese firefly.
The idea of Audio-Technica does not seem entirely original. Brian Eno has previously launched two turntables, the first rectangular and the second round , which change colour while playing. The Horatu by Audio-Technica comes in a somewhat larger edition for a lower price and in any case gives the impression of being technically more advanced than the models by Brian Eno.
Floating turntable
At the heart of Hotaru’s design is an innovative floating structure driven by magnetic repulsion. The platter floats above the main unit, effectively isolating the stylus and tonearm from external vibrations for clearer sound. In addition to the engineering, the floating effect creates a striking visual presence that gives the illusion of music floating above the system.
But the Hotaru’s appeal doesn’t stop there. A responsive lighting system with a palette of 20 colors syncs with the music in real time. Listeners can choose from three different modes: 1. Basic mode for a steady glow, 2. Gradation mode for smooth transitions between tones, and 3. Link mode, where the lighting pulses in accordance with the character of the music. The result is a vibrant interplay of light and sound that transforms every listening session into an atmospheric experience that invites deeper immersion in the music and space. A bit like light organs and lava lamps in the 1970s and ’80s.
Built-in two-way speakers
Built with a minimalist carbon tonearm and a custom-spec VM stereo cartridge, the Hotaru remains focused on audio quality. A DC servo motor drives the belt mechanism, which spins records at either 33 1/3 or 45 rpm. Music comes out via a RCA connection, but the Hotaru also has built-in two-way speakers. Each channel has a 63.5mm full-range driver and a 19mm tweeter. The speakers’ stated frequency response is 60Hz to 20kHz.
The Hotaru’s chassis combines aluminum and acrylic, materials chosen for their durability and contribution to acoustic performance, and sits on solid brass feet for improved resonance control. Weighing in at 12 kilograms and measuring 430 x 430 x 235 millimeters, it confidently takes up space, according to the designers, both sonically and visually. The user immediately has a topic of conversation when the guests arrive.
With only 1,000 units available worldwide, the Hotaru has the potential to become a coveted showpiece for collectors and design-conscious audiophiles alike. Orders can be placed from May 30, 2025. Orders will be processed in August, with shipping starting in October.
Price: $10,000
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