Since its original launch in October 2016, the Primary turntable from Pro-Ject Audio Systems has been an overwhelming international success with those on a tight budget. Over the last two years it has won many friends at the price thanks to its ease of use, neat, retro aesthetic and premium audio performance.

Pro-Ject say they want to provide customers a high quality “Made in Europe” alternative that doesn’t break the bank, so they’ve updated the Primary in order to make it more affordable than ever before. The Primary E takes its overall design inspiration from a merging of the Elemental and the Essential II turntable designs. 

Like the original Primary, the Primary E uses the same 8.6” aluminium tonearm as the Elemental, with sapphire bearings. The tonearm is pre-configured and engineered to match the supplied Ortofon OM pick-up cartridge, so there’s no need to set-up the tracking force or anti-skate during installation.

Unlike the original model, the Primary E now uses a direct-to-mains 230V motor. By removing the need for an external wall-wart power supply, the Primary E eliminates the need for any additional power signal processing but still retains a quiet, consistent motor rotation. The motor itself powers the same perimeter drive belt system as the original Primary.

In its general appearance, the Primary E still takes inspiration from the Essential II. It shares the Essential II’s wood construction and the purpose-designed wood platter/felt mat combination. The plinth is finished in matte black and the added benefit of this layout is in the included detachable dust cover.

SRP £149.00  

The Pro-Ject Primary E is available across the UK now. Available in Black finish.

Technical Information