Chicagoan invents, raises $1.5M for 'floating record'

The gramophone and the Victrola, re-imagined. A Chicago company is mixing modern technology, nostalgic sounds and a new design to create the floating record.

Pavan Bapu is the founder of Gramovox, a business based in 1871 at Chicago's Merchandise Mart.

"Our mission is about reimagining vintage audio design with modern technology," Bapu said.

Two years ago, Bapu invented the gramophone, a new look and sound that plays nostalgia like never before. His newest invention is something he calls the floating record. It's a turntable that doesn't sit horizontally; it's vertical. You can see it play from across the room.

The floating record plays old LPs and 45s through full range stereo speakers. It's vinyl, with that sound from many musical memories ago.

"Arguably, the fidelity of vinyl (and0 the warm richness of it is superior to the Mp3's of today," Bapu said.

Bapu had this great invention but needed money to produce it. So he put together a classy video. He went on the internet and hooked up with kickstarter and ... presto.

"Thirty-five days ago today we went on Kickstarter with the goal of raising $50,000. As of today when we closed we raised over $1.5 million."

Production begins on this all Chicago product in September. A floating record will cost $400.