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The Evolution of the Sondek LP12: Jony Ive’s $60,000 Turntable Redefines Iconic Design

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.

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.

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 design prowess beyond the realm of technology.

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 the intersection of art, technology, and music.
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What advancements, such as Linn’s Bedrok™ plinth technology, have been incorporated into the Sondek LP12-50 to improve its signature sound while maintaining its iconic design

Jony Ive, the former chief design officer at Apple, has surprised many by embarking on a new project. Through his firm LoveFrom, Ive has teamed up with Linn to design a special edition turntable called Sondek LP12-50, commemorating the 50th anniversary of Linn’s iconic Sondek LP12.

The Sondek LP12-50 is a departure from the original design, featuring sleek industrial lines instead of the wood design of the 70s. Ive’s influence is evident in the minimalistic aesthetic, reminiscent of Apple’s iconic products.

In an interview with Fortune, Ive discussed the challenge of redesigning an iconic product. He explained that while elements of the original design are familiar and respected, it doesn’t mean they can’t be improved upon. LoveFrom had the task of maintaining the Sondek LP12’s signature sound while incorporating modern advancements. They achieved this through Linn’s new Bedrok™ plinth technology, offering superior isolation and minimal resonance.

Only 250 units of the Sondek LP12-50 will be produced, making it highly exclusive for audiophiles and design enthusiasts. Priced at $60,000, it showcases Ive’s design expertise beyond technology.

The Sondek LP12-50 is expected to ship between August and March of the following year. Its limited availability and unique design make it a desirable collector’s item for those who appreciate the convergence of art, technology, and music.

2 thoughts on “The Evolution of the Sondek LP12: Jony Ive’s $60,000 Turntable Redefines Iconic Design”

  1. “The article highlights how Jony Ive’s remarkable redesign of the Sondek LP12 turntable sets a new standard in iconic design. With a price tag of $60,000, it’s clear that this masterpiece combines cutting-edge technology with timeless aesthetics. A true evolution of audio excellence!”

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  2. “The Sondek LP12, crafted under the expertise of Jony Ive, sets a new benchmark for iconic design in the turntable industry. With its mind-blowing price tag of $60,000, this evolution embodies innovation, elegance, and unparalleled sound quality. A true masterpiece for audiophiles and design enthusiasts alike.”

    Reply

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