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.
Product Strengths
- The Pro-Ject RPM 3 Carbon turntable performs well 'as is', and is an excellent design
- Easy to set up and use, built to an enviable standard of finish for the money
- Bass is solid and well controlled, with good midrange detail and a clear treble
- Wonderful styling and build quality
Product Considerations
- The package doesn't feature a dust cover, but one can be bought as an optional extra
- No lid is included, but a cover can be bought from Pro-Ject
- Can sound too laid back and become congested in the midrange with complex tracks
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Solidity and detail are not quite there compared to the reference deck, but at a quarter of the price, the Carbon RPM3 is superb at what it can do
Takeaway: The Pro-Ject RPM 3 Carbon is a great turntable because it's easy to use and sounds good. It's also built well and looks nice, making it a good value for enjoying vinyl records.
All
RPM 3 Carbon
reviews
Manufacturer details
Speed 33, 45 (manual speed change)
Drive principle Belt drive
Platter 300 mm MDF
Mains bearing Stainless steel axle with ceramic ball
Speed drift 33: +/- 0.14% I 45: +/- 0.11%
Wow & flutter 33: +/- 0.19% I 45: +/- 0.08%
Signal to noise - 71dB
Tonearm 10” carbon; aluminium and resin
Effective arm length 254 mm
Effective arm mass 16 g
Overhang 16 mm
Tracking force 0 - 25 mN
Included accessories 15 volts DC / 500 mA power supply
Power connection 110/240 Volt - 50 or 60 Hz
Power consumption 5 watt max / < 0,5 watt standby
Dimensions 422 x 118 x 373 mm (WxHxD)
Weight 5.5 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?
The X8 - Xtension 9 and 10 within reach
The X8 is our most affordable mass-loaded turntable yet. Positioned neatly between the X2 and Xtension 9, the X8 adopts and breaks down its bigger siblings' features to make mass-loaded high-end design principles as accessible as never before.
Massive 5.1kg platter
The X8 offers a heavy, TPE damped mass-loaded platter precision lathed from a single aluminium block and finely balanced. On the Xtension 9 and 10 you cannot really play around with using different mats due to the glued on vinyl top. The X8 comes with a standard felt mat, also allowing you to experiment with different material mats in the future and tailor the sound to your taste.
Ceramic tipped, magnetically supported inverted bearing
A neodymium magnet decreases the load on the ceramic tipped bearing. Considering the massively heavy platter, this leads to a smoothly rotating base for your vinyl records and perfect speed stability.
The X8 inherited the massive MDF chassis and the top-of-the-line Pro-Ject 9cc EVO carbon tonearm from its larger siblings. The height-adjustable X8 features machined aluminium feet. The TPE damping technology in the feet effectively decouples the X8 from the surface it is placed on. The feet are a great choice for a more budget orientated turntable as they are faster and easier to set up than magnetic feet on the X9/10, and also require less maintenance.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional build quality with a heavy MDF plinth, a machined aluminum platter, and a quality finish
- The 9cc EVO carbon tonearm is known for its stiffness, adjustability (VTA, azimuth), and performance
- Mass loading (heavy plinth and platter), TPE damping, and adjustable aluminum feet minimize vibration and resonance
- The inverted ceramic ball bearing with magnetic support ensures smooth and stable platter rotation
- The X8 allows for a balanced connection to a phono preamplifier, which can reduce noise and improve sound quality
Product Considerations
- The included cartridge may be a limiting factor for some users, and upgrading is often recommended
- To take full advantage of the balanced connection capabilities, a separate balanced phono stage and a DIN to XLR cable need to be purchased
- The X8 is a completely manual turntable, lacking auto-return or auto-stop functions
- Some reviewers found the location of the power button underneath the plinth slightly clunky
- Some users found the finger lift on the tonearm uncomfortable or insecure to use
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The X8 uses the same tonearm and bearing assembly as the more expensive Pro-Ject Extension 9, with differences primarily in the feet (TPE damped vs magnetic levitation) and platter (bare aluminum vs recycled vinyl mat)
- The X8 has a superior platter, bearing and tonearm compared to the Pro-Ject X2
Takeaway: The Pro-Ject X8 is a well-built turntable that offers high-end features and performance. Its solid construction and quality components make it a great choice for vinyl enthusiasts looking to upgrade their listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The X8 turntable is a true high-end solution with major technical features adapted from the Xtension 9 and 10. For the new sensationally low price you get the heavy, TPE damped mass-loaded platter, which is precision lathed and balanced out of a single piece of aluminium. It is supported by a neodymium magnet which decreases the load on the bearing. Considering the massively heavy platter, this leads to a smoothly rotating base for your vinyls and perfect speed stability.
The massive MDF chassis and the top of the line Pro-Ject 9cc EVO carbon tonearm have been ported over to the X8 as well. The major differences to the Xtension 9 and 10 are found in the top of the main platter and the magnetic feet. Instead of the glued-on vinyl top on the platter we went back to the use of slip mats. The X8 comes with our standard felt mat. On the Xtension 9 and 10 you cannot really play around with using different mats due to the vinyl top. This customizability comes back on the X8 and offers a few more options to tailor the sound to your liking.
The new feet are still made out of aluminium and are still height-adjustable. The magnetic suspension has been changed to a TPE damped technology, which is very effective in decoupling the X8 from the surface it is placed on. This is a great choice for a more budget orientated turntable as the new feet are faster and easier to set up than magnetic feet and also require less maintenance.
What's True Balanced?
For sure, we offer a moving coil cartridge at this price level, which also makes the turntable ready for balanced phono connections. The X8 comes with a 5pin output jack and with our standard semi-balanced Connect it E 5P -> RCA cable. By upgrading it to our fully balanced 5P to XLR version (available separately) and using a balanced phono stage, like our Phono Box DS3 B or any of our RS/RS2 phono stages, you are fully set-up for the True Balanced experience. This leads to increased dynamics, less noise and improved signal to noise ratios. You can imagine it like hearing parts of your music that literally were not there before.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent value for money
- The lid is great for protecting the deck and keeping dust off
- Functions smoothly and is large and spacious without being too big
Product Considerations
- The review sample appeared to have very slight free play in the arm bearings
- The reviewer noticed a slight lack of uniformity in the machining of the turntable platter
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Vertere MG-1: The X8 did not quite equal the subtlety and relaxed authority of the more expensive Vertere deck
Takeaway: The Pro-Ject X8 turntable package delivers truly high-end vinyl performance at a surprisingly reasonable price, especially when its balanced input/output options are used. It is a nice turntable to use and is well worth an audition.
Video review
Our take on the brand
In 1965, the Thorens TD 150, an inconspicuous little turntable, came on the market and thus started a technical revolution in record player manufacturing. For the first time, a spring-suspended sub-chassis with an inner platter driven by a flat belt was used in a mass-produced unit. The principle proved to be very successful and found many imitators in the years since.
Like its famous predecessor, the new Thorens TD 1500, which will be operated purely manually, features a sub-chassis that decouples the turntable and tonearm shelf from the motor and frame by means of three conical springs. In contrast to the TD 150, these springs can be adjusted from above through corresponding holes in the platter, which makes correct adjustment much easier.
The speed of the DC motor is electronically monitored by an incremental encoder and deviations, e.g. caused by a broom, are automatically corrected. This also enables very good wow and flutter values. As a real unique selling point in its class, the TD 1500 has XLR outputs in addition to the usual pair of RCA jacks, thus enabling true balanced operation with a suitable MC cartridge.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Improved clarity and detail retrieval...
- Superior TP 150 tonearm with better build quality and adjustability...
- Easy to set up and adjust, with user-friendly features like the adjustable springs...
- Superior speed stability compared to older Thorens models...
- Includes both RCA and balanced XLR outputs, providing connectivity options...
Product Considerations
- Sensitive to footfall, requiring a stable placement or additional support...
- The stock power cord is considered underwhelming...
- Some reviewers felt that the bass wasn't as tight as it could be, though still solid...
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the TD 150 (Original), the TD 1500 offers superior build quality and a much better tonearm...
- Compared to the Rega Planar 8, the TD 1500 does not move music along with the speed of a Rega Planar 8...
Takeaway: The Thorens TD 1500 is a well-built and refined turntable that pays homage to its classic predecessor while offering modern improvements in sound and functionality. It is a great choice for audiophiles who appreciate the Thorens legacy and want a high-performing turntable with a touch of vintage appeal.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Giglio sums up the history and ideas of Gold Note, in what is to all intents and purposes considered one of the company’s best creations: it reinterprets the classic turntable shape using high-quality materials and technical solutions that combine respect for tradition and cutting-edge technology. The plinth design is inspired by the catenary curve, one of the great inventions of the Renaissance, giving it greater structural rigidity and offering a surprisingly precise musical experience.
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Gorgeous looks and solid build, reminiscent of great belt-driven decks from the 1980s
- Stability akin to a direct-drive unit
- The plinth structure adds mass and rigidity without introducing excessive resonance
- Delivers exceptional performance that translates to remarkable sonic accuracy (low wow and flutter, rumble)
- Melodious nature, with excellent control and musical depth
Product Considerations
- Limited anti-skate adjustment
- Stubby tonearm finger lift
- Careful setup is required for optimal performance
- Size may require substantial shelf space
- Some cartridges require a higher amount of anti-skate
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Recalled an old Linn Sondek LP12 from the 1980s in tonally rich and melodious signature, the focus is on the rhythm rather than the drama
Takeaway: The Giglio turntable is a great choice for people who love music and want a beautiful, well-made piece of equipment that sounds amazing and brings out the best in their record collection. It's an investment in excellent music listening that will bring enjoyment for years.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
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
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
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
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
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- High level of fit and finish
- Upgraded electronic speed control allows for easy switching between 33 and 45 RPM
- Innovative motor isolation system minimizes vibration
- Precise subplatter and bearing assembly reduces rumble and noise
- Adjustable VTA and azimuth allow for optimal cartridge alignment
- To use the balanced connection, a moving coil cartridge and balanced phono preamp are required
Product Considerations
- Anti-skate system with a small weight on a fine nylon thread can be difficult to set up initially
- Manual operation is required
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to the Pro-Ject Debut Pro, the X1B has more technology to extract more information and spin the platter more consistently
- Compared to the Dual CS5000, X1 reproduction had grittiness and passion, and the soundstage was better defined
Takeaway: The X1 is a well-engineered turntable with precise components and a high-quality finish that will get the most out of vinyl. It also allows for future upgrades, like a moving coil cartridge and balanced connections, to improve the sound even more.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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