This Modern Turntable Is a Monolith That Can Play on Its Side

Turntables are having a moment. Vinyl continues to see a massive resurgence, and with it, turntables have begun to diversify, both in form and function. One of the most striking new designs comes from Paris-based design studio Waiting For Ideas. Their latest creation, the PP-1, is a radical reimagining of the traditional turntable, combining extreme minimalism with innovative technology.

The PP-1 is a turntable like no other. Carved from a single block of aluminum, its monolithic design eliminates the conventional tonearm and extraneous controls. The result is a striking, almost barren block of metal, free from the dials, buttons, and switches, except for two, typically associated with vinyl players. This streamlined approach enhances both the aesthetic appeal and the user experience, reducing the act of playing a record to its most essential gestures.

Instead of a traditional tonearm, the PP-1 features a built-in needle that reads the vinyl directly from its body. To play a record, users simply place it upside down on the player. The turntable automatically detects the size of the record and adjusts accordingly, ensuring optimal playback without requiring manual calibration. This intuitive design blends digital convenience with the tactile satisfaction of analog music.

Despite its minimalist exterior, the PP-1 does include essential controls. A discreet button allows users to adjust the speed between 33 and 45 RPM, while a multipurpose button controls playback and volume. Output options include a 3.5mm mini-jack and a USB-C connector, offering compatibility with modern audio setups.

One of the PP-1’s most unique features is its ability to function in both horizontal and vertical orientations. The turntable securely holds the record in place, enabling users to mount it upright for a striking display. This flexibility not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also introduces a new way to interact with vinyl records.

To complement the PP-1’s groundbreaking design, Waiting for Ideas has also developed a bespoke speaker system. These speakers, designed as twin monolithic blocks wrapped in fabric, seamlessly integrate with the turntable. They can be stacked to create a sleek, tower-like structure or placed side by side for optimal sound diffusion. The result is a fully immersive listening experience that emphasizes the depth and texture of analog audio.

In an era dominated by digital streaming, the PP-1 reinvents the ritual of music listening. By stripping away unnecessary elements, it encourages a deeper engagement with sound, allowing listeners to experience the weight, texture, and even the silence of their records in a new way. It transforms music consumption into a tactile, contemplative act – an experience rather than mere background noise.

Waiting for Ideas is a Paris-based design studio founded in 2021 by Jean-Baptiste Anotin. Specializing in the intersection of art and design, the studio crafts visually arresting and thought-provoking objects, installations, and spaces. Their work spans collaborations with renowned brands like Kith, Lacoste, Reebok, and Shinzo, as well as projects for France’s Mobilier National. By blurring the boundaries between art and industrial design, Waiting for Ideas continues to challenge conventional aesthetics and redefine the way we interact with everyday objects.

The PP-1 is made to order and is available for € 5,800 with worldwide delivery scheduled for June 2025. To learn more or to order, visit waiting-for-ideas.com.

Photography by Mathilde Hiley, courtesy of Waiting For Ideas.