Pro-Ject Audio Systems, of Vienna,  have produced popular affordable record players in recent years, for customers who want to experience audio quality on a budget. The company’s latest offering, Primary, takes two established designs and merges them together to produce a high-quality, inexpensive turntable with real plug-and-play simplicity.

The Primary takes inspiration from the Elemental and the Essential II turntable designs. Like the Elemental, the Primary uses an 8.6” aluminium tonearm with sapphire bearings for optimal tracking. The tonearm is pre-configured for the supplied Ortofon OM 5E pick-up cartridge, so there’s no need to set- up the tracking force or anti-skate during installation. The motor is also the same perimeter belt-drive type, with a low- vibration synchronous motor that’s controlled by a built-in regulator for improved speed stability. Where the Primary takes from the Essential II is in the traditional design layout. It shares the Essential II’s high-quality MDF finish, and the MDF platter/felt mat platform. The plinth is available in matte black, red or white finish, and the added benefit of this layout is in the included detachable dust cover.

The Primary is available in two options. The standard Primary is terminated with RCA cables for direct connection to a Moving-Magnet phono stage. The Primary Phono USB boasts a built-in phono stage and optional USB output for recording vinyl to a PC or Mac. The Primary Phono USB is supplied with RCA cables, but the use of a junction box allows for retro-upgrading with better cables. The Primary and Primary Phono USB turntables set out to prove that hifi quality turntables don’t need to be complicated. Simply install the belt and connect it to a system in order to enjoy vinyl playback on an affordable device.

SRP £169.00 / £229.00

The Pro-Ject Primary and Primary Phono USB are available in the UK now. Both options are available with black, red or white matte finishes.