Turntables hit the mainstream


Just saw an ad in an upscale newspaper that Neiman-Marcus is selling the Shinola turntable for about $2500 or so. It makes me wonder whether they have salespeople trained to explain to a prospective buyer that it’s not a self-contained unit and they’ll need a cartridge, phono preamp and hifi system to make it work. But I do think it’s a good start.  Then again, if they carry Shinola, why not Wilson, Goldmund, etc?   There's a lot of profit in those products and stores like NM attract a weathy crowd.  Seems like a natural pairing.  
chayro
I'm a wristwatch geek and am hoping Shinola starts building mechanical watches as quartz seems just too easy and for watch snobs it just won't do…nice designs, but they can get automatic or wind up movements from Selitta or somebody and there ya go. 
lpretiring
I want to know how long do I have to wait for reel to reel to begin it's comeback?
It's already underway.
http://www.unitedhomeproducts.com
https://horchhouse.com/project-r2r/

Of course it's not likely to enjoy a resurgence equal to that of the LP.
I want to know how long do I have to wait for reel to reel to begin it's comeback?
I live in the metro Detroit area, and my family got me a Shinola Brakeman watch for Father's Day a few years ago. Fantastic product, and I've been very happy with it. I'm hopeful that they'll get me a Runwell turntable for this coming Father's Day, but there is a bit of a price difference (about $700 for the watch and about $2500 for the turntable). I agree the price seems high for what you get, but it is sexy and kinda local. All that said, I'll most likely be keeping my current rig.
BTW, as a watch collector I have not worn my watches after getting the Shinola Runwell, most comfortable and easiest to read watch I have ever owned.
Aha! So *somebody* knows the difference! :)
Shinola is a good sized company with over 120 employees, run by the former Fossil watch people, and an American gift to Detroit working people decimated by the car industry.  They are the best!

BTW, as a watch collector I have not worn my watches after getting the Shinola Runwell, most comfortable and easiest to read watch I have ever owned.

HW  
@johnnyb53 

Just googled Shinola. And I thought they just made shoe polish. Maybe I need to get out more...nah.
Which marketing genius came up with the name? Think he works for Schiit?

Shinola is a much bigger brand name than just for turntables. I think the idea behind the name is something like, "If you can't tell the difference between us and the other guys, you don't know s#!+ from Shinola."

They definitely place an emphasis on quality. And even though *you* may be able to think of a better turntable deal for $2500, for selling such an item to newbies, I think they've done a good job.
The Shinola 'table is an exercise in US manufacturing.  Designed by the Weisfelds of VPI fame.  It is sold as a full analog rig with a cart. and phono stage built in.  A luxury item from a US company that builds bicycles and back packs.  Millenials are the target buyers.  Built in Detroit " in full public view".  Great marketing for what looks to be a decent value in record spinners.
Here's how it looks on the NM website: Appears to have a built-in phono preamp, so the user can just plug it into their system.  I guess it could be plugged into a Bose Wave Radio as well - pretty cool. 
_________________________________________________

The Runwell turntable, a two-speed belt-driven table, comes with a low-friction tone arm, a pre-mounted and aligned Moving Magnet cartridge, and Shinola-designed phono preamplifier. Just plug it into any input on your preamplifier, integrated amplifier, or powered speakers, and enjoy the rich sound signature the Runwell will bring to your favorite records.
  • The Shinola "Runwell" tabletop record player/turntable, manufactured in a limited edition of 500 pieces.
  • Two-speed belt-driven manual turntable: 33-1/3 and 45 RPM.
  • Stainless steel precision low-friction tone arm and stand.
  • 300 RPM 24-pole AC synchronous motor.
  • Pre-mounted moving magnet cartridge.
  • Wow and flutter: <.1%.
  • Gain: 35.4DB at 1KHZ.
  • RIAA Conformance Deviation: less than +/- 0.25DB, 20HZ to 20KHZ, exclusive of infrasonic filter at 13HZ.
  • Input overload: >200MV at 1KHZ.
  • Input impedance: 47KOHM in parallel with 200PF.
  • Signal-to-noise ratio exclusive of cartridge intrinsic nice, unweighted: >82DB.
  • Solid aluminum top and platter.
  • White oak wood skirt base.
  • Metal feet.
  • Dimensions: 4.3"H x 18.5"W x 13.5"D; weighs approx. 40 lbs.
  • Assembled in USA of domestic and imported parts.
  • Please note: Speakers not included.

It looks like audio equipment sales techniques are evolving. That is a good thing for hobby.
NM is boutique store and it tells that turntables now are boutique or any other high-end audio.


Wow, what a new take on Brick and Mortar!  You make a good point chayro, no way merely training w/o experience makes an effective salesperson in this case.

It is interesting the exposure to so many shoppers to such a niche market.  I know my non audiophile friends think I am certifiable.