Waiting for Ideas, the Paris-based design house, has unveiled a sleek turntable that’s all about simplicity. Their new PP-1, short for “Plug and Play,” strips away the usual clutter and keeps just a play button and a volume control on the deck. Crafted from a single block of anodized aluminum, it spends about 12 weeks in production, which partly explains its €5,800 (approximately $6,012) price point.
The real magic is in the hidden tonearm. Waiting for Ideas joined forces with Miniot to integrate an inverted cartridge that disappears when not in use. A subtle door mechanism keeps it out of sight until a record is placed on the platter. The system automatically detects whether your vinyl should spin at 33 or 45 RPM and constantly fine-tunes the motor speed for consistent playback. One caveat: records need to go on upside down if you want to hear the correct side.
Setting up the PP-1 doesn’t take much. Power runs through a 5V USB-C port, and there’s a lone 3.5-millimeter audio jack for hooking it up to your existing setup or a separate amplifier. If you’re craving a full experience, the studio has also introduced a set of passive speakers with matching dimensions. Rated at 85 decibels and 80W, they’re ready for preorder at €3,200 (about $3,320). You’ll still need to source your own amplifier because one doesn’t come with the package.
Waiting for Ideas, which has been teasing a move into high-end lifestyle tech, is carving out a space for people who want fuss-free design that meshes with the vinyl renaissance. The PP-1 shows their knack for transforming everyday devices into statement pieces without any excessive frills. Vinyl culture has its faithful devotees, and this system seems poised to attract them with an obsessive eye for detail and a back-to-basics approach.
