Futuristic Vinyl: Miniot Wheel 3 Vertical Turntable with Optical Needle and Space-Age Design

Experience the future of vinyl with Miniot Wheel 3’s sleek vertical design, optical needle tech, and retro-futuristic vibe for your modern living space.

A Turntable Straight Out of Sci-Fi Dreams

Growing up in the late '70s and early '80s, I used to daydream about what music gear would look like in 2025. I imagined a sprawling lunar apartment filled with friendly robots, holographic TVs, and—of course—vinyl spinning vertically. Well, while my moon base is still a work in progress, the Miniot Wheel 3 vertical turntable brings that retro-futuristic vision to life right here on Earth.

As its name suggests, the Miniot Wheel 3 marks the third generation in Miniot’s lineup of vertical vinyl players. But this isn’t just a gimmick—it’s packed with smart tech that perfectly matches its sci-fi aesthetic.

The Miniot Wheel 3 looks ready to blast off into the future of vinyl.

A Turntable That Looks Absolutely Stunning

Vertical turntables aren’t new—various models have floated around since the 1980s. Today, you’ll find offerings like Pro-Ject’s VTE vertical turntable and last year’s eye-catching Kickstarter from Fuse Audio. However, Miniot’s Wheel 3 steps up as a premium player, and that shows in its price tag: a hefty €2,900 (roughly $3,100 USD).

What sets it apart is the optical needle. This isn’t a laser gimmick; it’s a diamond stylus that avoids traditional magnetic or coil-based vibration detection. Instead, it uses an optical sensor to convert groove vibrations into audio signals. Talk about next-level tech!

The needle pairs with a direct-drive motor controlled by an optical sensor, alongside a built-in preamplifier. Beneath the platter, a hidden tonearm travels vertically from bottom to top. You can lay the Wheel 3 flat, mount it on a wall, or place it on a stand—flexibility meets futuristic flair.

The Sound and the Style

Pre-orders for the Wheel 3 began in May, but so far, reviews are scarce. Some YouTube reviewers, like Techmoan, have checked out the previous model. His take? It’s a striking design that stands out in a sea of conventional turntables but might not satisfy audiophiles who crave traditional setups at a friendlier price point.

But let’s be honest—this player isn’t about pure audiophile specs. It’s an art piece, a conversation starter, and a statement for your home. It’s exactly the kind of thing you’d want filling the walls of your imagined moon apartment.

The Miniot Wheel 3 is available now at miniot.com, with shipments expected roughly 10 weeks after ordering.

Where Retro Meets Tomorrow

The Miniot Wheel 3 captures a unique blend of nostalgia and innovation. It harkens back to the bold design visions of the past while incorporating cutting-edge optical technology. It’s fascinating how this vertical player invites us to rethink vinyl listening—not just as an auditory experience but as a visual and spatial one.

“It was an impressive design specimen, unlike anything else on the market.” — Techmoan

Whether you’re a vinyl enthusiast or a futurist at heart, Miniot’s Wheel 3 encourages you to reimagine how music merges with space and style.

FAQs

• What makes Miniot Wheel 3’s optical needle different from traditional ones?
  Instead of magnets or coils, it uses an optical sensor to read the grooves, offering a fresh approach to sound conversion.
• Can the Miniot Wheel 3 be mounted on a wall?
  Yes! It’s designed to be versatile—you can place it flat, stand it up, or hang it on your wall.
• Is the Miniot Wheel 3 suitable for audiophiles?
  While it offers solid sound quality, it’s more of a design statement than a purely high-end audiophile setup.
• How long does it take to receive the Miniot Wheel 3 after ordering?
  Expected shipping times are about 10 weeks post-order.
• Does the Miniot Wheel 3 come with a built-in preamplifier?
  Yes, it includes a built-in preamp for convenience and compatibility.

If the Miniot Wheel 3’s blend of futuristic design and vinyl nostalgia speaks to you, why not bring that vibe into your own space? Shop your favorite album cover poster at our store and let your walls tell the story of music’s past and future. Explore our collection here.