Pro-Ject Audio of Austria have launched their new X1 and X2 turntables, which follow on from the 1 Xpression Carbon and 2 Xperience SB turntables, respectively, and make use of Pro-Ject’s latest technologies.

Pro-Ject X1

The X1 is the latest version of Pro-Ject’s original record player, still in the range after more than 25 years. The X1 is a turntable that brings high-end analogue technologies to a more affordable price-point. Structurally the X1 is framed by its over-sized, heavyweight MDF structure. Inside the plinth, it houses a sophisticated DC/AC generator board which, combined with the convenient speed control board (for automatic switching between 33 and 45 RPM as well as additional 78 RPM support), delivers clean

and stable power to the quiet-running motor. For even further improved performance, the motor is decoupled from the main plinth using a new motor suspension system. In the X1, the motor drives a purpose-made, heavy, non-resonant Acryl platter via a sub-platter drive system and a premium-grade main bearing, for smooth rotation. The X1 is also better than its predecessors thanks to the super-stiff Carbon/Alu sandwich construction tonearm, inspired by Pro-Ject’s superior The Classic turntable. This new 8.6” tonearm design is incredibly light and stiff, with improved resistance to external interference. Finished as a one-piece, with no resonance-inducing headshell, the X1 tonearm can also be adjusted for accurate azimuth and VTA settings. The tonearm is then supplied with a TPE-damped counterweight, further reducing cartridge/tonearm resonances.

Supplied as standard with a brand new Pro-Ject Pick-IT S2 MM cartridge (or optionally supplied without a cartridge), manufactured by the cartridge experts at Ortofon but voiced by the design team at Pro-Ject, it can be ready to play within a few minutes of unboxing. Also supplied in the box are a pair of Connect-IT E RCA cables. The turntable is then positioned on three height-adjustable, decoupling Alu/TPE sandwich feet for improved isolation from the structure it’s placed upon. For safety when not in use, an acrylic dust cover is also included with the turntable.

The X1 is available in 3 finishes; a premium walnut wood veneer or a luxurious black or white eight- layer gloss paint. SRP: £699.00 (£599.00 without cartridge) The Pro-Ject X1 is available in stores now.

Pro-Ject X2

Structurally the Pro-Ject X2 is supported by its large, heavy, dense and stiff MDF structure, reducing unwanted resonances. By adding this extra mass, the X2 is even quieter than previous versions. Inside, it houses a sophisticated DC/AC generator board which, combined with the convenient speed control board (for automatic switching between 33 and 45 RPM as well as additional 78 RPM support), delivers clean and stable power to the silent motor system. For even further improved performance, the motor is carefully balanced and suspended on a precision-tuned TPE belt; this way the motor chassis is effectively decoupled from the main plinth.

In the X2, the motor drives a new, heavy, non-resonant Acryl platter via a sub-platter drive system and a premium grade main bearing for smooth rotation. The X2 also benefits from a super-stiff, precisely tempered Carbon/Alu sandwich construction tonearm with a wider tube, inspired by Pro-Ject’s superior The Classic turntable. This 9” tonearm design is incredibly light and stiff, with improved resistance to external interference and better internal damping. Finished as a one-piece, with no resonance-inducing headshell, the X2 tonearm can also be adjusted for accurate azimuth and VTA settings. The tonearm is then supplied with a TPE-damped counterweight, further reducing cartridge/tonearm resonances.

Supplied as standard with the popular Ortofon 2M Silver cartridge (or optionally supplied without a cartridge), manufactured by the cartridge experts at Ortofon specifically for Pro-Ject turntables, it can be ready to play within a few minutes of unboxing. Also supplied in the box are a pair of Connect-IT E RCA cables; a semi-balanced, low-capacitance cable with superior shielding that’s optimised for turntable use. The turntable is then positioned on three height-adjustable, decoupling Alu/TPE sandwich feet for improved isolation from the structure it’s placed upon. For safety when not in use, an acrylic dust cover is also included with the turntable.

The X2 is available in four finishes; a premium walnut wood veneer, a luxurious black 8-layer high gloss paint, or black or white eight-layer hand-polished satin paint. SRP: £999.00 (£899.00 without cartridge). The Pro-Ject X2 will be available in stores from late-July.

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