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
Signature 12.2
reviews
Manufacturer details
Speed 33, 45 (electronic speed change)
Speed variance: 33: ±0.09% 45: ±0.08%
Wow and flutter: 33: ±0.01% 45: ±0.01%
Signal to noise: -75dB
Effective tonearm mass/length: 21.7g/ 12“ (304.8mm)
Overhang: 13.2mm
Actuation principle Flywheel belt drive
Motor control system: Precision generator
Platter: 10,55 kg magnetically decoupled
Main bearing: ceramic (ball/plate)
Tonearm: 12” aluminium - 3-point pivot
Dimensions: 580x 220 x 480mm (WxHxD)
Power consumption: 15W/0.5W standby
Power input: 15V/ 1.6 A DC, universal power supply
Weight/incl. packaging: 37 kg/60 kg
12'' Tonearm
3-point pivot design
The new 12" S-shape aluminium tonearm has received several new innovations. Two of the more subtle changes include improvements to the counterweight and the anti-skating.
Flywheel
Vibration-free belt drive
Its flywheel belt drive system ensures a vibration-free running which results in the most accurate and stable speeds.
10 kg Platter
Mass loaded aluminium
The 10 kg aluminium platter is TPE damped and sits on an inverted bearing which is magnetically decoupled. The vinyl layer on top is the perfect surface for your record.
33/45 RPM
Elegant control panel
The motor is powered by a precision DC-driven AC generator for playback speeds of 33 and 45 RPM with the utmost precision.
3-point pivot 12'' Tonearm
The most significant change is in the tonearm bearing. We have redesigned the tonearm bearing to switch from a uni-pivot to a 3-point pivot system. Precise alignment of the three pivot points results in further reduction of friction and enhanced stability, outperforming cardanic or our previous unipivot bearings.
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?
Harry Weisfeld's 2012 CLASSIC DIRECT direct drive turntable was an outstanding technical achievement, earning Stereophile Magazine's Class A+ rating. This award-winning table was loosely based on the VPI Classic Series table technology and included a thick aluminum plinth and armboard and an inverted platter bearing riding on a PEEK thrust disc. Combined with a cutting-edge BLDC direct drive motor, the CLASSIC DIRECT was created. The Classic Direct provided a stable, solid foundation for the music, allowing the listener to hear deeply into the recorded grooves to the treasures buried with-in!
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent speed stability makes wow and flutter a thing of the past
- Clarity results from speed stability, creating neutral music delivery
- A high level of isolation with a footer system prevents vibrations from reaching the stylus
- A heavy platter contributes to solid sound, especially in the low end
Product Considerations
- The large plinth requires ample space on standard hifi shelving
- VPI asks that the user supply their own cables
- The supplied VPI stabilizer is not considered useful by some reviewers, with one recommending its use as a paperweight only
- Some found that the platter fit was loose
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs VPI Classic Direct—HW-40 is better damped, letting through only a subdued, quick-to-settle 'pop' when the top plate is struck
- Vs Technics SL-1200—HW-40 uses modern materials and construction that exceeds the resolution of the SL-1200
Takeaway: The HW-40 is a well-engineered turntable with a solid build, offering stable and accurate playback. It delivers a detailed and balanced sound, providing an engaging listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our summary
Product Strengths
- The Clearaudio Reference Jubilee turntable has a knack for picking the best aspects from a whole different range of musical styles
- It employs both light and heavy turntable design principles at once to lower resonances and reveal more of the low-level information in the music
- The Ceramic Magnetic Bearing (CMB) produces the effect of the turntable platter effectively floating on an air cushion, reducing noise transmission and decreasing potential friction
- Innovative Motor Suspension (IMS) keeps motor vibrations from entering the Panzerholz plinth
- The Panzerholz plinth has a very low Q Factor, or resonance
Product Considerations
- The arm comes with a set of five different counterweights and will accommodate a very wide range of cartridge weights and tracking forces, but as these are unscrewed from beneath, they are fiddlier than some
- The fine pitch of the weight adjustment screw requires considerable twiddling to effect a decent change
- The cueing device could do with more damping and might be a tad abrupt in action
- Setting up the tonearm can be difficult
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- It is noticeably lighter to lift, carry, and position than the Kuzma Stabi R turntable
- It employs both light and heavy turntable design principles at once, unlike the Rega Planar 10
Takeaway: The Clearaudio Reference Jubilee turntable is beautifully engineered and has a knack for picking the best aspects from a whole range of musical styles. Taking the time to properly set up the Reference Jubilee is amply rewarded.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Turn-key vinyl rig that works well at the head in many systems, not just for Burmester completists
- Sound is both refined and has a stentorian bass
- Sound is aimed at uncomplicated, direct emotion, with a focus on a punchy and powerful bass and fundamental range
- Built to an uncompromising standard, putting it among the shining stars of turntable construction
- Music sounds as if it came from somewhere else—from a superior medium, still analog, but better than analog records
Product Considerations
- Replacing the belts is beyond the listener's scope, as it's designed as a sealed unit
- Setting up resistive and capacitive load or cartridge gain involves guesswork for those without a Burmester 100 phono stage
- Only weakly decoupled from its background, meaning the surface it's placed on can affect the sound
- The manual lacks technical specifications on parameters like coil material, resistance, and recommended termination value
- Does not come with a hood
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Burmester 175: Similar 'effortlessness' and 'naturalness' to the sound, but the 175 is a bigger and heavier hitter with more information to process
- Vs Burmester 175: Might even score over the 175 in dynamic range in some cases, especially in systems where the 175's scale can be overpowering
- Pulls away from other players at the latest: the beautifully sonorous recorded drums have even more weight here—and impact, the guitar amps are even more widely distributed in the listening room
- Vs Linn LP12: Even Linn LP12, which is recognized for its powerful bass and format, falls behind, even if the Burmester system is temporarily implanted into it
Takeaway: The Burmester 217 is a well-built and easy-to-use turntable that delivers a balanced and dynamic sound, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a high-end audio experience. It makes listening to records an immersive and enjoyable experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Heavy (50-pound) gunmetal platter, air-bearing platter drive, quiet air pump, and vacuum hold-down
- Fit and finish are superior to the original Air Force 3, with a more showy cosmetic finish and high-gloss black lacquer
- Computerized program adjusts belt tension, ensuring correct speed
- Very effective isolation from external vibrations due to its gel-like isolation feet, preventing feedback
- Considered the sweet spot in the Air Force line, offering most of the company's technology at a lower price point than the top models and is the number one selling product in the line
Product Considerations
- Not suitable for quick starts, as it is not designed for applications needing instantaneous speed like a disco setup
- Up to three or four tonearms can be mounted at once, but can be crowded and may require guidance for setup to avoid conflicts
- While the pump is very quiet, it is not inaudible
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs OMA-K3: A direct comparison showed that turntables make a huge difference in sound, with listeners having varying preferences between the Air Force 3 Premium S and the more expensive OMA-K3 when using the same tonearm and cartridge
- Vs Original Air Force 3: The Air Force 3 Premium S has a much heavier platter (50 lbs vs a few pounds), superior finish, and greater rigidity due to being machined from a billet—not assembled from multiple parts
Takeaway: The Air Force 3 Premium S turntable offers a great balance of features and performance within the TechDAS Air Force line. With its advanced technology and build quality, it promises a lasting and high-quality listening experience for audiophiles.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- The Naia epitomizes Rega's design philosophies, and its sonic performance confirms this
- Exceptionally capable, setting a sky-high standard for resolution and transparency
- Incredibly neutral and transparent for a vinyl source, doing a more effective job of getting out of the way and letting the record itself be the story
- Genuinely high end and trades blows with the best, but is no more demanding in use than one at a tenth of the price
- Delivers better timing than 99.9% of audio sources–analogue or digital
Product Considerations
- The foam edges on the plinth look a little unfinished
- An otherwise admirably off-hand approach to music-making did leave some wanting more in the way of rhythmic drive
- Can expose weaknesses in record quality, so upgrades to some of your record collection may be needed
- Minimalist design and understatement might not impress those unfamiliar with high-end audio
- The removable dust cover doesn't offer quite the same protection as a more conventional lid and, combined with the fairly small stylus guard on the cart, means Rega is slightly more vulnerable than some rivals
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Rega Planar 10, the Naia brings it closer technologically and, unfortunately, in price, but it is also better in every way, and the measured performance demonstrates that the Naia is a step above the Planar 10
- Vs Rega Planar 10, the Naia gets significantly more information out of records, has a lower apparent noise floor and even better timing
- Vs Technics SL-1000R, the Rega is significantly better with low-frequency transients, delivering them with greater heft and power while also revealing that the Technics has a slightly sludgy quality in comparison
- Vs Linn Seleckt LP12, the Naia is more neutral and transparent
Takeaway: The Naia is a high-performance turntable that offers exceptional clarity and detail, providing a very neutral sound. If you want a turntable that reveals every nuance in your vinyl collection, the Naia is worth considering.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Customizable and upgradable, it can handle up to three tonearms
- It produces a big soundstage with life-like proportions and scale, which provides a holographic sound
- Offers an effortless power and control and is unflappable at any volume
- VPI's chassis is versatile, allowing a different and more complex drive system
- Has great speed stability
Product Considerations
- Setup is critical and may require assistance from an experienced dealer or audiophile
- It can be sensitive to vibrations from the room and speakers, requiring careful placement and isolation
- It may not suit those wanting a 4/4 beat to everything, because it does not emphasize the beat in the way that a suspended turntable does
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Minimizes resonance problems with both moving-coil and moving-iron cartridges
- Avenger Direct has the speed stability of the best direct drives
- Avenger Direct is competitive in overall level of detail and silence, sometimes slightly superior, to the VPI Classic Direct
- The three-legged layout solves the problem of accommodating two tonearms
- Compared to VPI Scout 21, the Deep In The Night track has depth and scale to it that's grander in every direction and dimension via the Avenger
Takeaway: The VPI Avenger is a high-end turntable with a customizable design and strong performance, offering great sound quality and the ability to use multiple tonearms. With its solid engineering and powerful sound, it is built to deliver great sound from vinyl records, allowing listeners to hear music with a new level of engagement.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Offers a sweet spot in price/performance terms
- Delivers a quintessential Sondek sound, and is highly emotional
- Unlocks the music in real time, making for an extremely immersive sound
- Strong and taut bass
- Sounds sweet, refined, and smooth
Product Considerations
- Setting up an LP12 needs to be done by someone who knows what they are doing
- The Kendo MC cartridge feels very exposed
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Is a definite step up from the Majik LP12
Takeaway: The Linn Selekt LP12 embodies the best of the venerable turntable in its classical form, offering high-quality engineering and an immersive sound. It's a worthwhile option for those seeking a significant upgrade in their vinyl listening experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers a beautifully noise-free background, which allows the micro detail, the hall sound, and the instrument sound to shine through beautifully
- Rock-solid sense of stability and noiselessness on LP after LP
- Build quality seems very high in most elements
- Allows differentiation between different components, easily and in detail
- Operationally, there's nothing really weird or unusual about it
Product Considerations
- It weighs 112 lb, so it is a beast of a turntable
- Near the entry level to the J.Sikora line, but it's not an entry level turntable by any means
- A highly flexible tonearm mounting system gives room to play, and get into trouble
- Not incredibly difficult to assemble, it does take time to get everything just so
Takeaway: The Initial Max is an outstanding turntable that delivers a beautifully noise-free background, which allows the micro detail, the hall sound, and the instrument sound to shine through. It just works and offers a tremendous amount of flexibility if you want to change tonearms.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Combines traditional materials with user-friendly digital technology and contemporary Italian style
- The plinth has a triple-layer architecture of materials with different densities and structures to break resonance patterns and prevent the transmission of vibrations
- Delivers an extraordinary audio experience, with pristine speed consistency, minimal vibration, and an outstanding signal-to-noise ratio
- Has an intuitive touchscreen interface for precise control over motor speed and torque adjustments, playback parameters, and cartridge wear monitoring
- Offers the ability to adjust the torque in five stages while playing, allowing for subtle audio differences
Product Considerations
- Substantial in size, requiring dedicated space
- The felt mat might be considered surprisingly thin for a turntable of this caliber
- May require professional setup for optimal performance
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Gold Note X's performance mirrored the original pressing more faithfully, compared to Thorens
Takeaway: The Mediterraneo X is a beautifully designed turntable that offers excellent sound quality and innovative features. The adjustable torque and built-in cartridge timer make it a joy to use and a great choice for serious vinyl enthusiasts.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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