Chicago Company Designs Turntable That Plays 'Floating Records'

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Recognizing a resurgence of vinyl records, a Chicago-based company has created an unusual all-in-one turntable with a high-tech, modern design.

Gramovox has developed a "vertical" player, which inverts the traditional position of a turntable, allowing an album to appear as if it is suspended in a gravity-defying position as the record plays.

The company's design and engineering team has essentially taken what was once a clunky eyesore and turned it into a work of art.

The effect is not only mesmerizing, but it turns the turntable into three-dimensional, moving canvass.

The Floating Record is available on the crowd-funding site Kickstarter for $349.

The unit is essentially ready to plug and play, right out of the box. It includes an Audio Technia AT95E cartridge along with two integrated speakers built into a wooden base.

Users who prefer to add their own speakers and components have that option--although how many people have gotten rid of those things over the years as they migrated to an all digital, bluetooth experience?

Gramovox's other creation--a wireless, old-fashioned gramophone--also was funded through Kickstarter.

Gramovox is on a mission to reimagine vintage audio design and combine it with modern technology. The company was founded just two years ago by Jeff Parrish and Pavan Bapu and is based at 1871 in the Merchandise Mart.

Vinyl has made a comeback in recent years, both among serious audiophiles, who grew frustrated with lower-quality digital audio formats, and baby-boomers looking for a bit of nostalgia. Independent record stores are thriving in Chicago.

The Floating Record player plays at both 33 and 45 rpm. The album spins on a belt drive and is secured into place with clamp.