Tag Archives: style and design

New Flagship Turntable From Audio-Technica Delivers

STOW, OH, September 30, 2024 — Our friends at Audio-Technica are pleased to announce the introduction and availability of its AT-LP8X Semi-Automatic Direct Drive Turntable.

The AT-LP8X is Audio-Technica’s new flagship turntable and its first-ever semi-automatic model.

It is designed to deliver exceptional vinyl record playback, with features including a VM95 Series cartridge (included), adjustable VTA (vertical tracking angle), a newly-designed motor, and additional refinements.

In addition to delivering outstanding sound from 33-1/3, 45 and 78-RPM records, the Audio-Technica AT-LP8X offers the convenience of semi-automatic operation, where the tonearm raises itself off the record and the motor stops at the end of a side. The AT-LP8X comes with a pre-mounted high-performance AT-VM95E Dual Magnet phono cartridge with an elliptical stylus, for superior resolution, stereo imaging, and tracking. The cartridge is pre-mounted on Audio-Technica’s new AT-L10 removeable headshell (also available separately) for easy installation. The AT-VM95E is compatible with any VM95 Series replacement stylus.

Adjustable Vertical Tracking Angle VTA

The J-shaped aluminum tonearm is inspired by classic Audio-Technica designs and has adjustable VTA, enabling it to be optimized for virtually any phono cartridge. In addition, the AT-LP8X provides adjustments for anti-skating and tracking force, and comes with a sub-counterweight that enables the use of cartridges with a weight range from 14 to 23.5 grams.

The AT-LP8X incorporates a new low-torque direct drive DC motor, with a speed sensor system that ensures accurate speed stability. It features a 1-inch-thick (25 mm) rubber-damped, anti-resonance, die-cast aluminum platter and a rubber mat, the most substantial platter ever offered on an Audio-Technica turntable, for reduced resonance and more accurate and uncolored vinyl playback. It also features a new internal switching power supply that is optimized for audio use, ensuring minimum noise in the signal chain. The AT-LP8X comes with a detachable RCA cable, removeable hinged dust cover, and 45-RPM adapter.

The Audio-Technica AT-LP8X Semi-Automatic Direct Drive Turntable is now available, at a suggested U.S. retail price of $999 / CAD $1,348. For the Silo, Frank Doris.

Audio-Technica was founded in 1962 with the mission of producing high-quality audio for everyone. As we have grown to design critically acclaimed headphones, turntables and microphones, we have retained the belief that great audio should not be enjoyed only by the select few, but accessible to all. Building upon our analog heritage, we work to expand the limits of audio technology, pursuing an ever-changing purity of sound that creates connections and enriches lives.

— For further information regarding product availability and pricing in Europe, contact Tanya Williams (TWilliams@audio-technica.eu) please mention The Silo when contacting.

Zakistar Flip-Flops With Pebbles That Simulate Barefoot Walking

Summer is almost here and so is the time for everyone’s favorite footwear: flip-flops. Let me introduce you to the world’s first flip flop that turns a summer stroll into a unique beach experience. How? Zakistar flip-flops have beach pebbles attached the sole so you can take the beach with you wherever you go.

image: emargo.com See supplemental section below.
There are benefits to walking on pebbles.  See supplemental section  below.  Image: emargo.com

We love walks along sandy beaches and we’re positive you do too. The pebbles on Zakistar flip-flops increase the blood circulation in your feet and are therefore very beneficial for your wellbeing. The massage effect with every step also helps reduce the strain of stress in your everyday life.

You do not have to give up style to get maximum comfort. Zakistars are designed to grab attention. They are simple and elegant and go well with everything. Wear them to work, beach or your next shopping trip.

What are they made of?

Quality was our first priority at Zakistar, and we only use the best quality materials. The Vibram sole is used by many outdoor sport footwear brands because it does not slip on any surface. The straps are genuine leather which offers support and durability.

Kickstarter, we’re coming!

Every Zakistar flip-flop is a unique piece. They are hand made with love and care. To keep the quality at its best, we require molds and special tools for the production of our flip-flops. This is why we have decided to apply for a Kickstarter campaign. Kickstarter is an internet platform for collecting funds for innovative ideas. If our campaign is as successful as we hope, it will give us a chance to expand our production and bring new ideas to life as well.

Health in your feet.

We all know that walking barefoot is the healthiest option. There are countless pressure points and nerve endings on the soles of our feet and by pressing on those correctly, you can benefit from reflexology. This is something that is already integrated into the Zakistar flip flops.

Who is the face behind Zakistar?

A young ambitious Aljaž Pazlar from Bled is a man of many original ideas, and Zakistar is only one of them. More than 20 people have joined in and helped him with this project. Their aim is to improve our everyday life with pure and simple means.

Origin of the idea.

Aljaž spent some of his free time walking along the shorelines of the Sava river, contemplating about his ideas. After he paid a visit to one of our greatest inventors Peter Florjančič, the seed was planted and it grew into an amazing idea which has now become a reality. For the Silo, Lojze Žust.

Supplemental-  Self-Reflexology and Benefits of Walking on Pebbles