The Japanese company Audio-Technica chose to celebrate its 60th anniversary by doing something totally sober and rational: releasing a transparent record player. The platter and 30-mm-thick chassis are made from heavy, high-density acrylic that keeps sound-degrading vibrations to a minimum. The spin and signal collection are handled by a belt drive and a carbon-fiber tonearm. It sounds fantastic, thanks in part to its ultra-squishy shock-absorbing feet. The limited-edition model (only 3,000 are being made) is an especially fine way to showcase colored or clear vinyl as a sort of sonic artwork. If you're not quite flush enough to spring for one of these rarities, or if you're just terrified of smudges, Audio-Technica also sells the AT-LP7 ($849), which has nearly the same fidelity and looks almost identical, albeit in simpler black. $1,200.
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