In a previous report, we discussed LG’s presence at the recent Milan Design Week showing their Objet Lifestyle TVs. However, it looks like we missed something else of note for eCoustics readers: IKEA teased the forthcoming Obegränsad Turntable.
IKEA have finally confirmed to us that the Obegränsad Turntable will be released in mid-October along with a new version of the Kallax designed for record storage and DJs.
The IKEA Obegränsad might be their first turntable in many decades, but most people in North America are probably unaware that they released their first turntable in 1973.
Although no specifications were revealed, here is what we know so far.
The turntable is part of IKEA’s forthcoming Obegränsad Collection. The collection is a collaboration between IKEA and the Swedish House Mafia. The collection will include the turntable, as well as other audio-related products, including a music production desk, listening chair, and more to be revealed later.
The turntable includes an Audio-Technica Cartridge. So far we are unable to confirm the specific cartridge model, or whether Audio-Technica has made one specifically for IKEA.
The Obegränsad has both analog and USB outputs for flexible connection. It may have a built-in phono preamp for easier connection to stereo receivers and powered speakers, but this is not confirmed (although no ground connection associated with traditional analog turntable outputs is visible in the photos so far).
The Obegränsad Collection is expected to become available sometime in Fall 2022. As more details are revealed, they will be added to this article.
More To The Story
This is not IKEA’s first foray into audio products. In fact, in the ’70s and ’80s, the IKEA catalog contained several audio/video products for sale.
More recently, IKEA has partnered with Sonos on a line of lifestyle-designed smart speakers as well as offering up its VAPPEDY outdoor lamp speaker in partnership with Spotify.
Related reading: All turntable articles
Sorrel
June 29, 2022 at 5:07 pm
Thanks, Robert and Ian. Hmm, I’m sort of getting an original NAD 3020 vibe with the Obegränsad turntable. Really looking forward to hearing if the Obegränsad is a quality record player (‘for the price’).
ORT
June 30, 2022 at 1:29 am
Kinda-sorta cool lookin’ but…And here comes the big but for today: How much will they be axin’?!
It would also be nice if they at least included “auto-stop” as a feature butt they probably will not be doing so, citing total manualarity as a “phrAudiophilan pheature”.
“Sigh”…
ORT
sorrel
June 30, 2022 at 4:57 pm
Guessing the Obegränsad record player will be an exceptional value, similar to the Eneby speaker, Obegränsad desk and armchair. So, the Obegränsad record player seems to fit the line. Finns det hjärterum så finns det stjärterum.
Kevin Hart
July 4, 2022 at 8:22 am
Big issue with this is there is no perspex lid / top.
Turntables are dust magnets and you really need a top to protect it, even when not in use. Wouldn’t buy this.
Sorrel
July 6, 2022 at 11:48 pm
Yup, ditto, e.g., VPI Prime and Aries turntables. Hmm… how about a custom dust cover (~$360) or IKEA’s PÄRKLA Storage case ($2.99)?
JC
September 12, 2022 at 1:18 pm
If it has USB out it has to have a phono amp built in.
Regarding dust, I keep the lids off my Technics 1210s and Linn LP12, and have no dust issues. Try a HEPA air filter for the room you keep the turntable in, plus anti static inner sleeves for you records.
Mike Cornell
September 14, 2022 at 1:32 pm
Would have liked to see some more Scandinavian design baked into this (e.g. B&O) with some real wood to make it a little more stylish and decor-friendly.
Ian White
September 14, 2022 at 1:50 pm
And a clean record used in the photos.
Ian White
ORT
September 15, 2022 at 11:22 am
IKEA shoud get the “Swedish Chef” from the Muppets to be a spokesmuppet for them on this one. And then they could bring in those wisest of all sages “Statler and Waldorf” for added authenticity.
I humbly volunteer to compose (it reads cooler than even “write” and especially more so than the plebeian “type”) fAd Copy.
I eagerly await new news of the cost of this “Bit o’ Sweden”!
“NYUK! NYUK NYUK!” Jerome “Curly” Howard (Jerome Lester Horwitz!) is eternally the Gem of the 3Stooges! HUZZAH!
ORT