The Rebirth of an Icon: Sondek LP12-50
A Confluence of Masterful Design and Superior Sound
In the world of high-fidelity audio, history and innovation have come together in the form of the 50th-anniversary edition of Sondek LP12, an emblematic milestone for the iconic turntable from Linn. This stunning limited edition is the love child of an unexpected, yet meaningful collaboration between Linn and LoveFrom, the renowned creative collective led by former Apple design chief, Sir Jony Ive.
Commemorating Legacy, Crafting the Future
The genesis of this turntable is a story of mutual admiration and shared values. Gilad Tiefenbrun, Linn CEO, relished his encounter with Sir Jony Ive, leading to a confluence of their mutual appreciation for beauty in design, exceptional performance, user experience, and meticulous detail. The approaching golden anniversary of Linn made for an opportune moment to collaborate, reimagining the product that started it all, the Sondek LP12.
A Sonic Leap Forward
The LP12-50 takes a leap forward in terms of vinyl playback performance, thanks to Linn’s innovative Bedrok™ plinth technology. This new feature is the outcome of intense pressure applied on orthogonal layers of beechwood, resulting in an ultra-dense material with negligible resonance. This advanced innovation provides a superior isolating housing for the turntable’s mechanism, improving sound quality and precision.
Melding High Design and High Fidelity
LoveFrom’s aesthetic touch is apparent in the turntable’s precision-machined power/speed control button and hinges, adding a delightful precision to the user interaction. They’ve revamped the classic form of the Sondek LP12 while maintaining a deep respect for its original essence. This collaboration has resulted in an artefact of historic significance, merging unbeatable sonic quality with a timeless aesthetic appeal.
A Symbol of Singular Collaboration
A limited run of just 250 units of this extraordinary model will be manufactured, each graced with an embossed aluminium plaque that celebrates this unique collaboration. The premium price tag of $60,000 speaks to the value of the exquisite craftsmanship and design brilliance encapsulated in each turntable.
Echoes of the Past, Vision of the Future
Sir Jony Ive brings his well-recognized design philosophy to this project, drawing on his experiences with Apple. The Sondek LP12-50 exudes Ive’s signature minimalist aesthetic, characterized by smoothed off aluminium edges and circular elements. This venture allowed Ive to reconnect with his long-standing passion for music, recalling the journey from designing the first iPod to this premium turntable.
Passion Fueling Creation
The collaboration with Linn was a project of love and respect for Ive and his team at LoveFrom, who completed the work pro bono. Despite no contractual or financial arrangements, LoveFrom embraced this opportunity as a testament to their dedication to creating impactful design. It signifies the design firm’s ethos of undertaking projects purely for the passion, relying on long-term contracts with clients like Airbnb and Ferrari for financial sustenance.
“This project has been so life-affirming and so joyful to work on… LoveFrom has worked together with brilliant, kind people at Linn who share our obsessiveness to make something wonderful and without compromise. And at the same time, we have been able to play a small part in celebrating fifty years of an icon.” – Sir Jony Ive, LoveFrom
An Audible Ode to Timeless Design
The Sondek LP12-50 stands as an homage to five decades of an audio icon, while simultaneously envisaging the future of hi-fi design. This project, marrying music, technology, and design, is an embodiment of a shared passion for excellence. With only 250 units produced, this record player is not just a device; it’s a treasured piece of history.
So, here’s to the Sondek LP12-50, a testament to enduring craftsmanship, impeccable design, and an unparalleled auditory experience, a collaboration that has truly struck a chord.
