Pro-Ject X1 Turntable with Carbon-Aluminium Tonearm.
/Here at Audio-T Manchester we have our regular turntable brand, Rega, that we turn to for all our vinyl needs.
However, we’ve always had a strong relationship with Pro-Ject, and over the last 20 years they’ve always had a presence at our store. So the arrival of the new X1 turntable from Pro-Ject piqued our interest once again.
Pro-Ject Audio were founded in 1991 and are headquartered in the northern part of Vienna. An Austrian company with it’s manufacturing based in the Czech Republic.
1991 was the era of compact disc and CD players, however, Pro-Ject stuck to it’s guns and kept it simple and along came the Pro-Ject Debut 1, which was a huge success and a great entry level introduction into vinyl.
Things have come a long way since then and Pro-Ject are probably one of the most prolific makers of turntables on the planet. We of course have chosen only a select few to stock at our stores.
Today’s blog will look at the Pro-Ject X1.
Our example of the X1 is in walnut and comes with a Pro-ject Pick It S2 cartridge, manufactured by Ortofon in Denmark. With a proper 1.5 kg frosted acrylic platter from Pro-ject, it’s perfectly weighted to nail those 33⅓ rotations.
The Walnut plinth has a nice chunky look and feel with a great finish and the adjustable feet help to keep everything on an even keel.
The 8.6” tonearm is a one piece affair with a built in headshell made from carbon and aluminium, and benefits from a built in VTA and azimuth adjustment. The Pro-ject Pick It S2 cartridge is moving magnet with an elliptical stylus. Pro-ject are aiming for a fast and dynamic performance, and with this configuration, we think they’re getting it!
The TPE- dampened counterweight bookends the arm nicely, to let you finely tune the tracking force.
Conveniently, Pro-Ject have added the option to change the speed electronically from 33⅓ rpm to 45 rpm with a simple press of a sensibly placed, integrated button; a welcome change from the add on box/belt changing shenanigans of previous Pro-ject decks at this price point. (78rpm is also available but will require a change of pickup cartridge).
So, how does it sound? The partnering of the carbon arm and the Pick It S2 gives the soundstage an open and lively feel. Lots of detail to be had from Goldfrapp’s ‘Seventh Tree’ album. Alison Goldfrapp’s voice portrays detail with depth, letting her hit the low notes while retaining the subtle highs she is capable of, certainly no flattening of the soundstage that some entry level to mid range cartridges can do.
Taking all that into account, keep in mind that after the Pick-It S2 has worn out it’s stylus, you can replace it with an even better cartridge that will potentially elevate the X1 to even greater heights; you can see why the Pro-ject X1 can quite easily be a long term investment in any set-up.
Our own X1 is on dem at the Manchester store, please feel free to call us and arrange a demonstration.
Thanks for reading.
Munir, Dave, James, Mike and Haden - Audio T Manchester
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Pro-ject can be found at the following Audio-T stores
