Jony Ive, Apple’s former chief designer officer, has ventured into a new project that may surprise many. Ive and his firm LoveFrom have collaborated with Linn to design a limited edition turntable called Sondek LP12-50. This special edition turntable celebrates the 50th anniversary of Linn’s iconic Sondek LP12, which was first introduced in 1972.
The Sondek LP12-50 is a departure from the original design, featuring clean industrial lines instead of the 70s-style wood design. Ive’s influence is evident in the sleek and minimalistic aesthetic, reminiscent of the iconic Apple products he helped create, such as the iPod.
In an interview with Fortune, Ive explained the challenge of redesigning an iconic product. He stated, “When it’s such a broadly recognized and respected icon, and elements of the design are familiar, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re optimal. Particularly when you have products that do assume that status of becoming iconic, and have that sort of cultural resonance, it’s easy to assume that they are beyond improvement. And this is a particularly challenging design problem to respectfully evaluate the product.”
LoveFrom had to balance maintaining the signature sound of the Sondek LP12 while incorporating modern advancements. The turntable features Linn’s new Bedrok™ plinth technology, which is made of orthogonal layers of beech under extreme pressure. This innovative material offers superior isolation for the turntable’s mechanism and minimal resonance, resulting in improved sound quality.
Only 250 units of the Sondek LP12-50 will be produced, making it a highly exclusive and sought-after item for audiophiles and design enthusiasts alike. Priced at $60,000, this turntable is a luxury item that showcases Ive’s passion for design and attention to detail.
The Sondek LP12-50 is expected to ship between August and March of the following year. With its limited availability and unique design, it is sure to become a collector’s item for those who appreciate both music and exceptional craftsmanship.
How does the Sondek LP12-50’s use of Linn’s new Bedrok™ plinth technology contribute to its improved sound quality and overall design
Jony Ive, the former chief design officer of Apple, has taken on an unexpected project that is sure to turn heads. Ive and his firm LoveFrom have teamed up with Linn to create a special edition turntable called Sondek LP12-50, commemorating the 50th anniversary of Linn’s iconic Sondek LP12.
This limited edition turntable takes a departure from the original design, featuring sleek industrial lines instead of the 70s-style wood aesthetic. Ive’s influence is evident in the clean and minimalist look, reminiscent of the iconic Apple products he played a major role in creating, such as the iPod.
In a recent interview with Fortune, Ive acknowledged the challenge of revamping such an iconic product. He explained that just because a design is recognizable and respected doesn’t mean it’s optimal. When a product becomes iconic, people often assume it’s beyond improvement. However, LoveFrom aimed to respectfully evaluate the original design and make enhancements where necessary.
Balancing tradition and innovation was a key part of the project. The Sondek LP12-50 incorporates Linn’s new Bedrok™ plinth technology, using layers of beech that are heavily compressed. This groundbreaking material provides exceptional isolation for the turntable’s mechanism, limiting resonance and ultimately improving sound quality.
Only 250 units of the Sondek LP12-50 will be produced, ensuring its exclusivity and desirability among audio enthusiasts and design aficionados. Priced at $60,000, this luxurious turntable showcases Ive’s dedication to design and meticulous attention to detail.
The Sondek LP12-50 is set to ship between August and the following March. Given its limited availability and unique design, it is sure to become a treasured collector’s item for those who appreciate exceptional craftsmanship and have a passion for both music and design.
Jony Ive’s LoveFrom has crafted an extraordinary labor of love with the Sondek LP12-50 Turntable. At $60,000, this stunning piece of design encapsulates a perfect blend of passion and precision. A true testament to the timeless beauty of music.