Vinyl has always carried a certain magic, but Dutch company Miniot has taken that magic to a whole new level with the Wheel 3. This is not your grandfather’s turntable.
Instead of lying flat on a table, the Wheel 3 stands upright, letting your records spin like works of art on display. The reflective aluminum faceplate turns each album into a centerpiece, almost like a sculpture in motion.
But the real revolution is hidden in the details. Where traditional turntables rely on magnets and coils, the Wheel 3 uses light.
A diamond-tipped stylus rides the grooves of your record as usual, but instead of generating sound through magnetic fields, it casts tiny shadows that are read by an optical system.
The result is playback with incredible precision, free from the electromagnetic interference that has always been part of analog audio.
It’s a radical twist on century-old technology, bringing vinyl into the future while keeping its warmth intact.
Miniot has paired this innovation with serious engineering. A direct-drive motor, controlled optically, ensures flawless speed.
Built-in sensors detect imperfections (think warped vinyl or slightly off-center pressings) and smooth them out before you even hear them. The tonearm is just as unique, tracking vertically in a rigid, linear path that reduces distortion and brings out subtle details often lost in traditional designs.
Visually, the Wheel 3 is as adaptable as it is beautiful. It can stand proudly on its aluminum base, lay flat on a desk, or even hang on the wall like an art piece.
The controls are stripped down to a simple slider at the top edge, paired with a discreet dimmable display. Even the back of the player is thoughtfully crafted, available in a composite finish or a special edition wood panel that adds a warmer touch.
Of course, this level of design and innovation doesn’t come cheap. Preorders are open now for around €2,900 (roughly $3,350), with deliveries expected about ten weeks after purchase.
Upgrading a setup you already love instead? A streaming preamp like the WiiM Ultra has a built-in phono input, so your turntable and your streaming library can share the same speakers. (We may earn a commission if you buy through that link.)
With the Wheel 3, Miniot has created more than a turntable. It’s a statement piece of sound and sculpture, a way to let your music not just play, but shine.
Overview
- Orientation: Upright / Wall-mountable / Flat
- Playback: Optical stylus (light-based)
- Motor: Direct-drive, optically controlled
- Price: ~€2,900 / $3,350
- Shipping: Preorders now, delivery in ~10 weeks
