Pro-Ject released The Classic turntable during 2016, as part of Pro-Ject Audio Systems’ 25^th anniversary celebrations, now, three years later, The Classic remains a core part of the Pro-Ject turntable range, but now The Classic and The Classic SB SuperPack are now merging into one product offering called The Classic Evo.

Pro-Ject say The Classic Evo utilises a simple and elegant “frame” design, which bears a notable resemblance to some of the most famous turntables of the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s.

Two-Plinth Design

The improved two-plinth design utilises Thermo Plastic Elastomers (TPE) to isolate the metal-finished inner-chassis, rather than the traditional method of a spring-loaded sub-chassis; but this construction still effectively decouples the motor from the main bearing and the tonearm, reducing unwanted interference between the components.

The idea of reduced resonance transference in The Classic Evo carries through to the platter configuration. The heavy main platter is machined from a special aluminium alloy, which is lined with TPE damping, while the new sub-platter is diamond-cut from the same metal. This new system adds greater mass over previous The Classic designs and works to far finer tolerances. When mounted in the steel/bronze main bearing with Teflon lining, the end result is an ultra-silent, stable playback platform with minimal bearing noise.

AC Motor

The platter system is belt-driven by a premium AC drive motor, which is powered by a DC/AC generator board for minimal noise and interference from unclean power supplies. For added convenience, there is also a simple speed control switch on the top surface of the inner plinth, allowing for quick and easy switching between 33 and 45 RPM playback speed.

Tonearm

The Classic Evo retains the specially designed tonearm tube from the original The Classic model. The one-piece conical tonearm tube is made from aluminium, wrapped in carbon fibre – creating a tube that’s both light and very stiff. However, in the latest model the tonearm tube is mounted into a superior bearing housing, which uses a high-mass block to draw vibrations away from the signal wires. The nickel-finished counterweight is also TPE-damped, reducing the amplitude of the tonearm’s resonant-frequency by 50%. Finally, the tonearm also benefits from the usual azimuth and VTA-adjustments associated with all high-end Pro-Ject tonearms.

Ortofon Quintet Red

The Classic Evo is supplied as standard with the popular Ortofon Quintet Red Moving Coil (MC) cartridge. The Quintet Red is a solid, all-round performer, and allows The Classic Evo to perform to a high standard straight out of the box. The Classic Evo is also optionally available to special order without a pre-fitted cartridge.

The Classic Evo includes a set of height-adjustable dampened feet, a pair of Connect-IT E phono RCA cables (specially developed for use with turntable systems) and a removable dust cover. It’s available in Eucalyptus or Walnut veneer finish. It is also supplied as standard with all necessary set-up tools.

SRP: £1,250.00 (£1,050.00 without the Quintet Red MC) The Classic Evo is available across the UK now via Henley Audio.

Technical Information

Speed: 33 / 45 / 78 RPM (electronic speed change)

Drive Principle: Belt drive

Platter: 300mm Aluminium (TPE-damped)

Main Bearing: Stainless steel (Bronze bush with Teflon lining)

Wow & Flutter: ± 0.10% (33 RPM) / ± 0.09% (45 RPM)

Speed Variance: ± 0.13% (33 RPM) / ± 0.10% (45 RPM)

Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 70dB

Tonearm: The Classic Evo Tonearm (9”)

Effective Arm Length: 230mm

Effective Arm Mass: 13.5g

Overhang: 18mm

Included Accessories: Dust Cover, Connect-IT E (RCA) cable, Ortofon Quintet Red

Power Supply: 15V DC

Power Consumption: 5W Max. / <0.5W in standby

Dimensions (W x H x D): 462 x 131 x 351mm (lid closed)

Weight: 10.5kg (net)

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