Here’s a simple equation for you. Tech brand, Linn, makes audio products which make music sound better. LoveFrom is a design firm – headed up by Apple’s famed former chief design officer, Sir Jony Ive – that makes products look better. Put them together to collab and you get the Sondek LP12-50.
To celebrate its 50th anniversary, Linn decided to release a special limited-edition run of its iconic Sondek LP12 turntable, by collaborating with the aesthetically-pleasing skillset of Ive’s independent design company, LoveFrom.
Originally launched in 1973 the Sondek LP12 is still revered for its superior audio quality and exquisite design. For high-end audiophiles it has been long-celebrated for its craftsmanship, attention to detail, and the exceptional sonic experience it offers. The turntable’s design, which has remained largely unchanged over the years, reflects a perfect blend of form and function, a principle that Ive also incorporated into his designs at Apple.
Jony Ive knows a thing or two about good design, during his stint at Apple (he left in 2019 after 22 years), he spearheaded the design revolution that introduced the world to the iPod, iPad, and iPhone. However, according to Ive, the roots of his industry-changing aesthetic began with the original Sondek LP12.
“I’ve always had a deep love of music, and have had the wonderful opportunity and privilege to design a number of different music players and headphones – most notably the multiple generations of iPods while I led design at Apple,” he said. “I have a particular affection for the mechanical-wheel iPod, with the hand polished and laser etched stainless steel back with white headphones. I saw in Linn an inspiring obsession with musical fidelity and beautifully made products.”
The new collaboration focuses on honing in on aesthetic and usability improvements of the Sondek LP12-50, taking its sonic performance to a new level. Linn has emphasized the sonic elements of the turntable, such as the plinth made from dense wood designed to minimize vibrations, while LoveFrom has focused on its industrial design.
Only 250 of the turntables will be made made (available in either a white or wood finish), each priced at AED200,000, the LP12-50 not only has the best vinyl playback performance and latest technological advances, it is a thing of beauty – featuring the immediately recognisable, iconic design language of Sir Jony Ive and his team.
Vinyl player, Sondek LP12-50, turntable, record-player, LP player, sound-system, audio-system, Linn music, cutting-edge-technology, LoveFrom, hi-fi, high-quality sound.