Tech
Toneoptic CAN Isn’t a Milk Crate: A Smarter, Design-Forward Way to Store Vinyl
Physical media is about ownership. You buy the record, you keep the record, and it lives in your space as something tangible; not a license that can disappear overnight. But once a collection grows beyond a neat stack on a shelf, storage becomes a real issue. Milk crates are a temporary fix, not a long-term solution, and not everyone wants their listening room to look like it was assembled from IKEA leftovers or rescued from behind the local Publix. In 2024, we covered Toneoptic’s RPM Rotating Vinyl Record Storage Unit, a design-driven statement piece built for collectors with the space and commitment to match.
For 2026, Toneoptic is expanding the concept with the new CAN record storage system. It’s a modular, stackable, rollable crate solution for vinyl collectors who want their storage to look intentional, work without drama, and actually belong in a serious listening space.
The Toneoptic CAN is designed for real-world use. Stackable crates with cleverly embedded handles are designed to be easy to grab, and the optional eze dolly lets you roll your vinyl collection instead of deadlifting it. Plus there’s open access from both sides so flipping records doesn’t feel like work. You can even display what’s currently spinning, because if you’ve gone to the trouble of buying physical media, hiding it behind a slab of particle board would be missing the point.
Toneoptic CAN & eze Dolly
The Toneoptic CAN is available directly from Toneoptic, with pricing starting at $195 per unit. The optional eze dolly, which lets you roll your records instead of herniating a disc, is also sold direct for $85. Importantly and increasingly rare in this category—the CAN is made and assembled in Los Angeles, not pulled off a container ship and rebranded.
Dimensions & Weight
- 18.7 in / 475 mm (length)
- 13.25 in / 337 mm depth (aluminum version)
- 14 in / 376 mm depth (wood versions)
- 14.8 in / 376 mm (height)
- 12 lb / 5.4 kg per unit
Materials
The CAN isn’t pretending to be premium—it actually is. Construction includes post-consumer recycled aluminum, stainless steel fasteners, photopolymer components, and hardwoods where applicable, specifically American black walnut and North American white oak.
Record Capacity (Because This Actually Matters)
- Up to 80 records if your collection leans toward original pressings (12-inch or 10-inch)
- Around 60 records if you’re dealing with reissues and the occasional box set
- An additional 1-4 records can be placed in the record showcase sides, which is perfect for what’s currently playing or what you want people to notice first
The Bottom Line
The Toneoptic CAN is for vinyl collectors who want practical modular record storage that looks intentional not improvised. Made and assembled in Los Angeles, it delivers smart capacity, real materials, and thoughtful design without drifting into furniture theater. The $195 starting price is aimed at early adopters and likely won’t stay there once demand catches up.
The CAN is available for $195 at Toneoptic and the eze dolly is an extra $85 in white or $110 in black or silver.