Best Pro-Ject Record Player Reviews

As you know, choosing a quality turntable is quite difficult, especially if you have to do it for the first time. So today, I’ll tell you about some of the best Pro-Ject turntables, and you’ll see that among the products of this brand, you will surely find something that suits you in all parameters. Because when audiophiles talk about vinyl players, you always hear about Pro-Ject, which has definitely earned that reputation.

At the edge of the technological breakthrough in 1991, when digital music listening gadgets were becoming fashionable, Heinz Lichtenegger, the founder of the Austrian company Pro-Ject, considered it his duty to preserve the tradition of analog sound. After all, what could be better? So, thanks to his faith, enthusiasm, and excellent taste, he created turntables available to any customer. Today, after all these years, the brand has production facilities in Austria, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia.

Our pick

Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO

Best Pro-Ject turntable

The Debut Carbon EVO focuses on the core aspects that make a turntable sound great. Technically correct design – expert craftsmanship – handmade in the EU. Read the full review.

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Pro-Ject Turntables Comparison Table

Are Pro-Ject turntables good?

Pro-Ject can boast that it makes many of the related components used in its vinyl turntables, making it a great price/quality balance. The brand has a wide range of models, from budget models (starting from about $350) to ultra-tech models for $12,000. Thus, the brand will suit literally everyone.

Here you will find classic record players, fully automatic, with Bluetooth function and a built-in phono preamp, in different designs and colors. In addition, the creators pay attention to details made of different materials to ensure the better sound of your favorite records.

Being easy to use and install but always high quality, reliable, and long proven in the market, the turntables of this brand are a worthy choice. A music lover of any age, experience, or taste will find what they are looking for and will undoubtedly appreciate every model of Pro-Ject vinyl player.

Best Pro-Ject turntable reviews

Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO – best overall

The Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO record player is essentially an upgraded Pro-Ject Debut Carbon (DC). According to the manufacturers, they took their most popular model, improved everything possible, and produced a product of extraordinary quality in the medium price range.

The most important feature of this model is the 8.6″ solid carbon tonearm. Of the entire wide range, only the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon (DC) has one. Although I prefer curved tonearms (I believe they are more accurate), it has still earned a solid reputation among fans. The tonearm comes with the Sumiko Rainier cartridge installed.

The Pro-Ject Carbon EVO has an automatic speed switch (33, 45, and 78 rpm) that is elegantly hidden under the solid MDF plinth. And speaking of the last one, I should mention the color range. You have the opportunity to choose from nine available in this model, including new satin colors, which will be saved with the dust cover on for a long time. Also, among the improvements to the vinyl player, you’ll find an improved motor mount, three height-adjustable feet, and a 12-inch steel TPE platter with a damping ring. This will provide quieter operation and, therefore, better clear sound. It’s easy to install and operate, so it’s also suitable for beginners.

Pro-Ject X2 – premium pick

Well, if there’s a time when you can call yourself a seasoned audiophile, then you’ll definitely start considering premium turntables. And Pro-Ject X2 is obviously one of them. This model will suit those who understand the dependence of sound quality on the quality of materials and who will comprehend a higher level of understanding of the sound of music.

The Pro-Ject X2 allows you to modify it to your taste, with fully adjustable azimuth and VTA. The straight tonearm has a carbon fiber-covered aluminum core. It comes with a Pick it 2M Silver cartridge with silver-coated inner copper coils, which guarantees excellent sound. Notably, you can also purchase a turntable without it. The X2 runs at three speeds of 33/45/78 RPM, which change at the touch of a button.

Unlike the Pro-Ject Carbon EVO and Pro-Ject T1, this model has a weighted acrylic platter and plinth. The motor is isolated, almost excluding vibration and resonance problems, and immediately raises the X2’s class. And its tonearm is also longer, at 9 inches instead of 8.6. This reduces possible distortion and allows you to set the cartridge more accurately.

Pro-Ject T1 – budget choice

For those who just want to start their way into the world of vinyl without having to spend their last savings, you should consider the ProJect T1 turntable. It’s the basic standard turntable in its line, and it’s by far the most optimal budget ProJect model. It doesn’t have a single plastic part, which is unusual for its price, which means the turntable will last you a long time.

The ProJect T1 has a solid aluminum tonearm with a fairly high-quality Ortofon OM 5E Moving Magnet cartridge and an elliptical diamond stylus. This model has a very nice 8mm glass platter, and the plinth comes in three finishes (glossy black, satin white, and walnut veneer). A dust cover is also included.

Just like the previous model reviewed, the Pro-Ject T1 doesn’t have a built-in phono stage. And unlike the Carbon EVO, it has two speeds of 33 and 45 rpm and a manual drive belt change in between. But for its price, you wouldn’t expect otherwise.

Pro-Ject Automat A1 – fully automatic turntable

Novice music fans may at first be afraid of the process of setting up their new vinyl player. However, it’s no secret that everything comes with experience. The ideal solution, in this case, is the fully automatic Pro-Ject Automat A1 turntable. Just switch the speed you want, and press “start.”

In this record player, the manufacturer has done everything for you. The ultra-light straight aluminum tonearm comes with an already built-in and adjusted Ortofon OM10 cartridge. And the creators put all the control buttons on the panel. There is a speed switch from 33 to 45 rpm, a start/stop button, and a tonearm up and down regulator. The solid body of the turntable protects you from unwanted vibrations, as does the damped aluminum platter. And the protective cover protects the vinyl player from dust.

The main difference between the Pro-Ject X2, ProJect T1, and Carbon EVO is that the record player is fully automatic. And also, the Pro-Ject Automat A1 is a turntable with a built-in phono preamp, which is pretty good quality. Of course, you can easily turn off the preamp if you want to use another one, but having it will save you money at the beginning of your music journey.

Pro-Ject Jukebox E – all-in-one turntable

The Pro-Ject Juke Box E is listed on the manufacturer’s website as an audiophile “all-in-one Plug & Play” record player system. And it fits that description perfectly. So if you like the comfort setup and use and aren’t confused about digitizing analog sound, you’ll love this player.

So, the Pro-Ject Juke Box E is a Bluetooth turntable with a built-in phono preamp, line preamplifier, and power amplifier. So, you can just connect to your speakers and enjoy your favorite songs immediately. The vinyl player comes with a remote control, so it’s perfect for those who like to party outdoors because you do not need to constantly run to the record player to switch something. It is easy to set up and very easy to use. The anti-skate and Ortofon OM 5E cartridge were installed and adjusted for you at the factory. It comes with a felt mat, dust cover, and an adapter for 7″ singles. And you can choose the color of the Juke Box E white, red, or black to suit your taste.

Just like the Pro-Ject Automat A1 in this model, the cartridge, as noted, is pre-installed and adjusted, and there’s a built-in phono preamp as well. But the Juke Box E also has RCA line level and preamp/phono level jacks, left/right speaker outputs, and an antenna jack for the Bluetooth receiver on the back of the plinth. The connector selection switch is on the front panel and doesn’t look very attractive or reliable to me, but it is convenient.

How to choose the right Pro-Ject turntable

Choosing the right Pro-Ject turntable can be a daunting task, given the variety of models available. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:

• Determine your budget: Pro-Ject turntables can range from $300 to over $10,000. Knowing your budget will help you narrow down your options.
• Consider your level of experience: Pro-Ject offers turntables for every type of vinyl enthusiast, from beginner to seasoned audiophile. If you’re new to vinyl, an entry-level turntable like the E1 or the Primary E Phono may be a good choice. If you’re more experienced, you may want to consider a mid-range turntable like the Debut Carbon DC or the X1.
• Decide on the features you need: Pro-Ject turntables come with a variety of features, such as built-in phono preamps, USB outputs, and adjustable tonearms. Determine which features are important to you and choose a turntable accordingly.
• Read reviews: Reading reviews from experts and users can give you a better idea of the pros and cons of each turntable model.
• Consider a comparison: If you’re having trouble deciding between two Pro-Ject turntables, consider a comparison. I advise you to compare not brands but specific models of these manufacturers. Then, such a comparison will be objective and correct.

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