Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
All
Automat A1.2
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Speed: 33, 45 (electronic speed change)
- Drive principle: belt drive, fully automatic
- Platter: damped aluminium platter
- Wow & flutter: 33: +/-0,27%; 45: +/-0,25%
- Speed drift: 33: +/-0,75%; 45: +/-0,65%
- Signal to noise: 65dB
- Tonearm: ultra-light-mass 8.3" aluminium tonearm
- Effective arm length: 211mm
- Overhang: 19.5mm
- Power consumption: 1.5W
- Dimensions: 430 x 130 x 365 mm (WxHxD)
- Weight: 5.6 kg net
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- Pro-Ject offers a range of turntables and components that focus on simple setup and ease of use, often arriving pre-configured, making them particularly appealing to beginners.
- They prioritize sonic performance, often incorporating higher-end components like carbon fiber tonearms and Ortofon cartridges, even in their more affordable models.
- Pro-Ject is known for its all-in-one audio systems that combine a turntable, amplifier, and receiver into a single unit, aiming to provide component-like sound quality in a smaller, more convenient package.
Select products
A2
- Positioning: The entry-level, fully automatic turntable designed for ease of use and convenience.
- Description: Offers a fully automatic operation with a sub-chassis design that isolates the tonearm and platter from vibrations, making it ideal for small spaces where speakers are close to the turntable. Unlike the more manual and high-end models like the Signature series, focuses on user-friendly features and affordability, making it suitable for those with a limited budget who still want quality sound.
The Classic Reference
- Positioning: Positioned as a mid-range turntable, combines traditional design with modern technology.
- Description: Features a high-end EVO 9 AS HG tonearm and a precision motor control system, providing excellent sound quality with a touch of luxury. It offers more advanced features compared to the A2, such as a balanced XLR output.
RPM 10 Carbon
- Positioning: A high-end turntable known for its innovative design and superior sound quality.
- Description: With its carbon fiber chassis and 10" Evo tonearm, delivers exceptional sound clarity and stability. It stands out from the Classic Reference with its advanced materials and design.
Signature 10
- Positioning: A premium turntable that combines mass-loading with magnetically-floating principles for high-end audio performance.
- Description: Features a 10" single-pivot tonearm and a magnetically decoupled platter, providing a resonance-free listening experience. It offers more precise adjustments and a higher level of performance compared to the RPM 10 Carbon.
Signature 12.2
- Positioning: The flagship model, representing the pinnacle of Pro-Ject's turntable lineup.
- Description: Boasts a groundbreaking 12" 3-point pivot tonearm and a flywheel belt drive system, ensuring the most accurate and stable playback. It surpasses the Signature 10 with its larger tonearm and enhanced stability.
Our take on the brand
Look inside the brand
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
Pro-Ject Audio Systems was founded with a passion for analog audio reproduction. Our very first product, introduced in 1991, was a record player – a time when the entire industry was turning its back on vinyl. We didn’t jump on the bandwagon when vinyl became hip – we were instrumental in bringing vinyl back.
We manufacture – not only assemble – 95% of our products in the EU. Raw materials come in – finished products leave the factories. Since we make everything ourselves, we are able offer a 25 year spare part availability!
Today, we offer one of the broadest ranges of high-fidelity products in the world, including turntables, CD players, DACs, streamers, phono preamps, amplifiers, speakers, and a variety of accessories designed to enhance your system and vinyl care.
What's your approach to customer support?
Pro-Ject Audio Systems has a worldwide network of dealers and distributors. We ensure that our team members are highly knowledgeable in the field of high-fidelity audio setup and repairs. In the event of a need for support, the first point of contact is the local dealer. If the dealer cannot handle the problem, the second tier is the distributor in the respective country. By handling as many problems as possible locally, we can ensure the quickest and smoothest resolution.
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
Aside from one of the audio industry’s widest range of high-fidelity products, Pro-Ject also produces limited runs of high-quality vinyl records. 7Ray’s Jazzy Zoetrope is a double album of fine Jazz standards played by 7Ray and his quartet. One of the two records was recorded live at our headquarters in the Weinviertel region of Lower Austria. We produced the whole album in AAA for the highest analog purity. Here’s a link to the records we offer, which double as fine reference recordings across multiple musical genres.
What other products pair best with yours?
Used
Pro-Ject
What if you spend more?
Azimuth & VTA AdjustmentThe newly designed tonearm base allows you to adjust both the azimuth and the vertical tracking angle (VTA). The tonearm height can be continuously adjusted by loosening the two grub screws. These settings give you the option of adapting the tonearm to height changes allowing the use of different turntable mats or other cartridges to always achieve the best sound quality. Setting and experimenting with the VTA & Azimuth is crucial in extracting every last bit of performance out of your cartridges.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Adjustable metal feet, a heavier damped aluminum platter, and VTA adjustment for cartridge upgrades.
- Upgraded tonearm with carbon fiber and aluminum for better damping and higher effective mass.
- Well-built, and parts feel sturdy.
- A mildly warm and smooth midrange presentation that complements vocals, acoustic guitars, and string instruments.
- A well-balanced-sounding turntable.
Product Considerations
- Does not have a built-in phono preamp.
- As a belt-driven turntable, the belt may need occasional replacement.
- Lacks convenience features like auto start/stop and tone arm return.
- The anti-skate weight installation was kind of a pain.
- Bass response is not as agile, detailed, or dynamic as some other cartridges, like the Ortofon 2M Blue.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs U-Turn Audio Orbit: Better built and uses more robust materials.
- Vs Fluance RT85: The Pro may use nicer components and have a more upscale finish, but the RT85 performs better.
- Vs Pro-Ject Debut EVO: The midrange is more relaxed, where the EVO sounds like it's trying too hard to perform.
- Vs Rega RP3: A wider soundstage and is sweeter in the upper mids.
- Vs Roksan Attessa: The midrange and treble don't reach the heights of the Roksan, but the bass has more weight.
Takeaway: The Debut Pro is a well-built turntable that offers an audiophile-grade experience, making it a great option for enjoying a record collection. Its design allows for future upgrades.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The X2 B features our revolutionary True Balanced ConnectionWe’re launching a whole line of new “True Balanced Connection” components that feature a balanced connection for your phono setup. The X2 B shows off this brand new phono technology.Turntables look back on a long history. Over time, many things have changed, not only from technical possibilities, but also from the environment. Wireless networks are omni present and countless electronic devices make your home „smarter“. This means there are now a lot of additional electromagnetic fields, which could interfere with your turntable‘s signal. This was simply not the case 30 years ago. To ensure the best connection to your phono preamplifier we designed our „True Balanced Connection“.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- The basic X2 belt driven design offers three speeds, including a round belt supplied specifically for 78rpm play
- Electronic speed control at 33.3, 45, and 78 RPM is provided
- A 9-inch carbon/aluminum tonearm, which allows for VTA and azimuth adjustments, and an almost 5 pound, 1.18-inch thick acrylic platter are included
- A magnetically fixed tonearm cradle ensures the security of the arm
- Options and choices are offered with both single-ended and mini-XLR balanced sockets
Product Considerations
- Partial disassembly is required to change the rubber drive belt in order to use the 78rpm speed
- The acrylic platter means you should not place a mat on top of it, otherwise you are fighting what the platter does best—draining vibration to lower the noise floor
- Potential buyers won't necessarily use it with the Darlington Labs S3 B, as it is not included when purchasing the product, only the X2 B turntable
- It ships with a moving-magnet cartridge that is intended for a single-ended connection
- Some have noted that you may want to consider an external stylus downforce gauge due to the difficulty in achieving the zero balance of the arm
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The X2 B's tonearm tube is a touch wider than the X1
- Compared to the Thorens TD 160 HD, the Pro-Ject had a more powerful motor
- The X2 B offers an excellent package for a consumer looking for a mid-tier 'table, compared to the Roksan Attessa turntable
- The Pro-Ject X2 B goes from being a very good turntable to a rather exceptional table that can compete with some tables in the $2,000 to $3,000 range, compared to the Debut PRO
Takeaway: The X2 is a versatile turntable that gives you options for balanced or unbalanced connections, plus it's made with good quality parts. The X2 offers upgrade options and choices over time.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Pick it PRO Balanced
Ready for True Balanced Connection
Pre-adjusted Pick it Pro Balanced cartridge
Aluminium Platter
Anti-Magnetic
The heavy 1,7kg die-cast aluminum platter gets reworked and precision balanced in an extra step to obtain a perfect platter.
Record Puck E
Damping and stability
Record pucks use weight to secure a playing vinyl record against the turntable platter. Sound performance will improve in timing and depth of sound.
33/45 RPM
Sophisticated DC/AC power generator
The playback speeds are electronically controlled with precision, which guarantees the most accurate and stable music reproduction. Change between speeds easily with the toggle switch.
Acrylic Chassis
A clear view
The development of an acrylic turntable is more complex, but we accepted the challenge once again. The result is a wonderful sounding & looking, but still affordable turntable.
Height Adjustable Feet
Damped & height adjustable
The new XA B stands on three height adjustable damped feet to guarantee the perfect stand. By using 3 feet we are able to increase the stability on uneven surfaces, because a perfectly level turntable is essential for real high-end sound.
True Balanced
Unleash the full power
The XA B is ready for our new True Balanced Connection. Single-ended RCA connections, quite literally, only use half of your cartridge's output. With one of our new True Balanced phono cables wired to a Phono Box S3 B, Phono Box DS3 B, Phono Box RS or RS2 you'll be able to hear your MC cartridge in its entirety!
Handmade in EU
Since 1991
Made in Europe by a turntable factory with decades of experience. Clearly, expert craftsmanship dwells deep within the XA B.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Features a beautiful and modernistic crystal clear acrylic body
- Made with a 10-inch aluminum tonearm and balanced audio outputs
- Acrylic plinth is dense and inert, reducing vibrations from external sources
- Comes with a pre-mounted Pick it Pro balanced moving magnet cartridge
- Has three adjustable damped feet for balancing on any surface
Product Considerations
- Acrylic plinth requires careful handling to avoid fingerprints
- Straight-back cable routing might have been more practical
- The switch on the side control box has positions marked I, O, and II, corresponding to 33, off, and 45 RPM, which is not intuitive, although easy to use after a short adjustment period
- The external power supply looks cheap
- One review unit ran slightly below the target speed of 33.33 RPM
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Thorens TD 160 HD, the XA B was more precise, with sharper images spread across a wide stage
Takeaway: The Pro-Ject XA B is a great-looking turntable that is easy to set up and offers the ability to upgrade to a fully balanced system. It delivers great sound and punches well above its weight.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Where size matters.Now with True Balanced mini XLR output. Our turntables demand conscious music listening. The Debut PRO S Balanced takes this philosophy to the extreme. We finished all parts except for the polished spindle in matte black. The manual controls invite the listener to interact with the turntable: turn it on, place the record on the platter, move and lower the tonearm. The musical reward follows the tactile experience. No unnecessary switches, LEDs, or labeling distract from what is essential. 10" S-Shape Not a straight line. "The Debut PRO S Balanced brings an absolutely new design to Pro-Ject turntables. The audiophile turntable is convincing in all respects – not only visually, but more importantly also in terms of sound. The precision CNC milled parts are optically perfectly coordinated and lead the Debut PRO S Balanced to its modern simple, elegant and unprecedented design.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Beautiful with an elegant, understated matte black design
- Features a 10-inch tonearm, which is a bit bigger than most
- Comes with a special Pro-Ject cartridge (Pick it S2 C Cartridge), actually made by Ortofon for Pro-Ject, and has a detachable headshell, making it easy to change cartridges
- Has an aluminum subplatter that is beautifully finished and an aluminum platter with a damped ring on the underside
- Offers versatile speed options, including 78 RPM capability
Product Considerations
- Heavy cartridges might be tough to balance on the tonearm due to counterweight adjustability
- Manual operation might require a learning curve for newcomers
- Black is the only color option available
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs U-Turn Orbit Theory: The Debut Pro S feels more solidly put together, and the sound is more dynamic, although it is not fair to compare them given the time gap and different cartridges
- Vs Technics SL-1200G: The Debut Pro S was lighter and leaner overall in its tonal balance, and in some ways more vivid sounding than the Technics—which is more expensive
- Vs Debut Pro: The Debut Pro S has a heavier aluminum disc, and the Debut Pro S has a wider MDF chassis
Takeaway: The Debut Pro S is a well-designed turntable with an exciting sound and exceptional build quality, which makes playing records enjoyable. It is perfect for serious music lovers who want premium sound and appreciate manual operation.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers a lively and immediate sound that is exciting and engaging
- Offers a wide variety of color options and finishes to suit different tastes and home decors
- Includes electronic speed control for easy switching between 33⅓ and 45 RPM records
- Has a well-made and solid build quality that inspires confidence
- Has quiet operation with negligible motor noise
Product Considerations
- The power switch underneath the plinth is slightly fiddly
- There's no in-built VTA adjuster
- Might lack a certain refinement
- Finishes are sheen colors rather than gloss (preference)
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Rega Planar 2/Nd3, it counters with a beautifully fluid delivery and a particularly lovely and sweet-toned midrange
- Vs Rega Planar 3, it looks and feels like huge value, even when the price increase over the original Evo is taken into account
- Vs Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO, the new Debut Evo 2 improves on it in a number of ways—yet only costs a little more than its predecessor
Takeaway: The Pro-Ject Debut EVO 2 offers great sound and is easy to use, making it a fantastic way to enjoy vinyl records. With several color options and potential upgrades, it's a solid choice for anyone wanting a stylish and capable turntable.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Resonance mitigation is a key focus, with a solid plinth and thick glass platter to minimize vibrations
- The tonearm tested 'perfectly' and performs at a level expected on more expensive units
- The T2 Superphono has a well-designed built-in phono stage that is comparable to Pro-Ject's entry-level phono stage, the Box S2
- The T2 comes with high-quality E-Series RCA cables, not flimsy generic cables
- The T2 Super Phono comes with a pre-aligned Sumiko Rainier cartridge
Product Considerations
- The T2 W's phono stage cannot be disengaged, so the turntable shouldn't be connected to the phono input of the amplifying component
- The T2 Super Phono table's lack of absolute separation of singers and instrumentalists was consistently evident
- When streaming from the T2 W simultaneously to multiple devices, the streams were out of sync by a second or more
- The feet on the T2 W are not height-adjustable, so the turntable must rest on a level surface
- The T2 W does not stream lossless audio to all UPnP devices
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The T2 Superphono's built-in phono stage was surprisingly similar to the Pro-Ject 2 Box S2, with the Tube S2 being a little warmer
- The Cambridge Audio Alva TT V2 was more incisive and provided greater insight into Jarrett's playing, low notes were thuddier and less authoritative on the T2 W, and everything was a little more blurred
- The T2 has a thicker glass platter, longer and more rigid tonearm, spring-based anti-skating compensation, and electronic speed control
- The Pro-Ject Debut Line is a higher-level series than the T Line, therefore, it had more bite and texture
Takeaway: The T2 is a turntable with a focus on reducing unwanted vibrations and resonances, which makes it a worthwhile upgrade for those seeking better vinyl playback quality. With its tonearm and included cartridge, the T2 provides great value.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Focuses on resonance mitigation, using a solid plinth, thick glass platter, and vibration absorption feet
- Features a 9-inch aluminum tonearm that performs exceptionally well—testing 'perfectly' on horizontal forces and static friction
- Includes a Sumiko Rainier cartridge that is a 'perfect pairing' with the tonearm
- Equipped with a built-in phono stage with a dual-stage split passive design comparable to Pro-Ject's 2 Box S2 phono stage
- Comes with high-quality E-Series RCA cables
Product Considerations
- Lacks ultimate detail, separation, soundstaging, and tonal proficiency of more expensive turntable/cartridge combinations
- Soundstage could be small at times, and the lack of absolute separation of singers and instrumentalists was consistently evident
- There is no way to adjust VTA or azimuth
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Pro-Ject 2 Box S2 phono stage, the built-in phono stage was surprisingly similar, though the Tube S2 was a little warmer
- Compared to the Music Hall Classic, Rega Planar 2, Rega Planar 1, and the Music Hall MMF 1.5, the T2 Super Phono provides much to consider and experience
- The T2 Super Phono is said to have a Rega-esque tonearm design
- While a Thorens TD 124 turntable/Korf tonearm/Ortofon SPU GE MkII cartridge setup offered a larger soundstage and greater sonic authority, the T2 Super Phono delivered the music with equal rhythmic drive and musicality
Takeaway: The Pro-Ject T2 Super Phono is an entry-level audiophile turntable that offers solid performance and a focus on resonance mitigation. It is a 'super bargain' that delivers an engaging and musical experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Rich tone with full-bodied midrange
- Bold sense of large-scale dynamics
- High-end build quality with audiophile-grade 9-inch CC Evolution carbon fiber tonearm
- The 2M Silver is a definite step-up from the 2M Red that comes with a lot of other entry-level turntables
- Electronic speed control offers both 33.3/45 rpm without moving the belt on the pulley
Product Considerations
- Could be more precise and expressive
- To earn a fifth star, the 2Xperience SB needs more detail, rhythmic discipline and a better gauge of subtle dynamics
- Triangular, pointed feet are pretty sharp and can scratch an underlying surface fairly easily
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared with the Clearaudio Concept though, it doesn't quite show off the character of the instruments as well through the more subtle sonic shifts
Takeaway: The Pro-Ject 2Xperience SB is a turntable with great musicality and a warm, dense tone that's likely to please many listeners, especially those who value a luscious midrange. It could be the perfect centerpiece of a setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Combines a 'killer amp' and 'great-sounding turntable'
- All-in-one system offers component-like sound quality
- Has replaceable/upgradeable turntable parts
- Includes Bluetooth connectivity
- The remote is a 'game-changer'
Product Considerations
- Bundled speakers (Speaker Box 5) aren't great
- Sound takes a bit of tweaking
- Does not perform well at higher volumes
- No lossless or hi-res Bluetooth codecs
- Dust cover pushes into the Bluetooth antenna when opened
Takeaway: The Juke Box E1 is a convenient all-in-one solution that combines a turntable and receiver, offering great sound and taking up less space. With its upgradable parts and Bluetooth connectivity, it's a diverse system that can last a long time.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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