The TD-1 vertical turntable is the first product from Ruka Studio, a design studio led by Sam Kapor, an industrial designer who previously worked on Apple products. The aluminum-bodied TD-1 gives listeners a better view of their vinyl as it spins, holding the record vertically and locking it in place via magnetic clamp.
The TD-1 measured 12 x 3 x 1.6-inches, and can be wall-mounted or viewed as a piece of decor using an optional floor- or table-stand. In addition to a traditional analog connection using RCA outputs, the TD-1 can connect wirelessly to speakers or headphones using built-in Bluetooth. It features mechanical controls on the side of the turntable, and uses a straight tonearm with a swappable magnet cartridge. A belt drive keeps the motor’s vibrations from reaching the platter, while a rubber-coated plate is used in the mounting process to reduce any excess noise.
The first run of the Ruka TD-1 will be made up of only 500 units, with a build time of up to one year. The TD-1 is currently available for preorder for $1,399.
