The Sondek LP12-50 in painted white finish. — Linn
Former chief design officer for Apple Jony Ive has announced his latest product, a limited edition turntable priced from a whopping £50,000 (RM298,749).
Hi-fi and audio equipment manufacturing company Linn said its Sondek LP12-50 turntable was developed with LoveFrom, Ive’s design collective that he co-founded after leaving Apple. Only 250 units will be made and it’s being released in conjunction with the company’s 50th anniversary.
Linn said LoveFrom applied its design expertise on the power/speed control button and hinges to deliver “precise and enjoyable interaction with the turntable”. It also made some “aesthetic refinements” to the classic LP12 form.
Under key features, the company said the device features the look of “machined aluminum power/speed control button and hinges” and space grey aluminum base.
Buyers will also see an aluminum plaque featuring details of the individual unit’s number in the planned series of 250 and the builder’s name. It will be available in natural wood or painted white finish.
According to Linn CEO Gilad Tiefenbrun, Ive reached out to express his admiration for the brand and products via LinkedIn back in 2022.
“Jony said that if Linn ever needed help on a project, LoveFrom would love to get involved,” Tiefenbrun said, mentioning that the company is celebrating a major milestone in 2023.
The next day, Tiefenbrun said he received an email from Ive expressing his desire to help Linn design a special edition turntable to celebrate Linn’s 50 anniversary.
Ive spent 27 years at Apple where CNET reported that his focus on minimalism and simplicity helped to shape the company’s design language.
Some of his notable works include the redesigning the iMac into colourful translucent computers back in 1997. He also designed the first iPhone (2007) with Steve Jobs and later launched the development of the Apple Watch in 2011.
When he left the company in 2019 to form LoveForm, Apple said that it will continue to work with Ive’s firm on exclusive projects. It was announced that the partnership ended last year.
