Jony Ive Collaborates on a Subtle Redesign of a $60,000 Turntable

Former design chief of Apple, Jony Ive, has ventured into the world of vinyl by working on a new project—a $60,000 turntable.

Jony Ive Collaborates on a Subtle Redesign of a $60,000 Turntable

Considering that the average turntable today falls within the $150 to $1,000 range, the question arises as to what makes this product so extraordinary that justifies its high price tag.

In essence, the beloved turntable has undergone minimal changes. Its overall appearance remains largely the same, with minor alterations such as slightly rounded corners and an aluminum power button replacing the plastic rocker. Ive refrained from making significant modifications, as he was concerned about potentially affecting the sound quality. The only notable alteration is an improved hinge that allows the dust cover to stay open at any angle more effortlessly.

In an interview with FastCompany, Ive stated that LoveFrom identified several areas where minor enhancements and subtle refinements could be made to the existing design. He emphasized, "When a product is widely recognized and highly respected, and certain design elements are familiar, it doesn't necessarily mean they are optimal. It's easy to assume that iconic products with cultural significance are beyond improvement. Evaluating this product with respect presented a particularly challenging design problem."

Ive clarified that the pricing decision was made by Linn, emphasizing that LoveFrom contributed to the LP12-50 project pro bono, without signing any financial agreements or contracts with Linn.

Linn's CEO, Gilad Tiefenbrun, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration in an interview with FastCompany, highlighting the initial conversation with Ive as a moment of great excitement.