Calliope: A Symphony of Sound and Design

Deniz Karasahin's Hi-Fi Turntable Marries Mid-Century Futurism with Modern Acoustics

Deniz Karasahin's Calliope turntable is a masterful blend of design and technology, inspired by the physics of sound and mid-century futurism. This article explores the unique properties, realization technology, and design challenges of this award-winning piece.

The Calliope turntable, designed by Deniz Karasahin, is a testament to the power of design and technology. Inspired by the physics of sound and mid-century futurism, this hi-fi turntable is a sculpture of sound, designed to recreate the purest and uncontaminated of sounds.

What sets the Calliope apart is its unique form and design aspects. It is among the best performing hi-fi turntables available, and its unparalleled performance is both indicated and amplified by its unique form. The design is a spiritual union of form and function, embodying the essence of sound.

The Calliope is made up of approximately 160 pieces, including hardwood, brass, and stainless steel components. These materials were chosen for their acoustic capabilities, ensuring superior audio performance. The components are either CNC milled or lathed, with the wooden pieces infused with a blend of mineral oils to prevent cracking and turning. The metal components undergo stress relief to standardize the product's acoustic signature.

The turntable is highly customizable, with a wide variety of materials and finishes available to suit the customer's taste. The engine housing, control unit, and main body are all meticulously crafted, with the product supporting SME and Rega mouth tone arms between 7 to 10 inch mounting distances.

The control unit is a marvel of design and technology. It allows the user to turn the product on/off, choose between 33.3 and 45 rpm, fine-tune the turning speed, and provides instant rpm data. The control unit is designed to be a standalone unit, visually connected to the engine housing and main body, yet distinct in its function.

The Calliope turntable is a testament to Karasahin's dedication and passion for design and technology. The project, which started as a graduation project in 2008, took over seventeen months to complete, with numerous acoustic tests, component optimizations, and assembly processes taking place in workshops in France and Turkey.

The design was awarded the Golden A' Design Award in 2013, a testament to its outstanding design and technological prowess. The Calliope turntable is a marvel of design and technology, embodying the essence of sound in a beautifully crafted product.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Deniz Karasahin
Image Credits: Deniz Karasahin
Project Team Members: Deniz Karasahin
Project Name: Calliope
Project Client: Deniz Karasahin


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