Pro-Ject Signature 12.2: The revolution in analog excellence

After 33 years of expertise in high fidelity, Pro-Ject reveals its news Signature 12.2, a turntable that pushes the boundaries of analog reproduction. This revolutionary evolution of the renowned Signature 12 reflects a complete redesign where every component has been rethought to achieve sonic perfection.

Key points of this revolution:

• Complete overhaul of all mechanical and electronic components
• Architecture without compromise for the ultra-high-end segment
• Handcrafted prestigious European
• Sustainable investment for demanding audiophiles and beginners

Characteristic	Specification	Advantage
Type	Belt-driven turntable	Optimal vibration isolation
Speeds	33⅓ and 45 rpm	Universal compatibility
Plateau	Machined solid aluminum – 10.5 kg	Exceptional rotational stability
Bras	12 inches, 3-point pivot, 22g mass	Maximum tracking accuracy
Engines	Dual decoupled motorization	Total elimination of vibrations
Chassis	MDF with weighted subframe	Controlled resonances
Suspension	4 adjustable spring feet	Adaptability to all environments
Decoupling	Magnetic + sorbothane silent blocks	Cutting-edge technologies
Total weight	60 kg (transport box)	Ultra-rugged construction
Fabrication	100 CNC machined parts	Handcrafted precision

Revolutionary architecture: the secret of perfect decoupling

Why is decoupling important ?

The vibration decoupling is the fundamental element of any high-end turntable. Here’s why:

Sources of parasitic vibrations :

• Engine: mechanical vibrations
• Environment: floor, room acoustics
• Internal resonances: chassis, arms, tray

Effects on sound :

• ❌ Reading degradation microgrooves
• ❌ Sound coloring unwanted
• ❌ Loss of precision in restitution

The Signature 12.2‘s architecture perfectly illustrates the crucial importance of vibration decoupling in vinyl reproduction. The concept of decoupling consists of isolating the sensitive elements—platter and tonearm—from the parasitic vibrations that degrade the playback of microgrooves. These vibrations, whether originating from the motor, the floor, or the acoustic environment, are the main enemy of any high-precision turntable.

Element	Old generation	Signature 12.2	Improvement
Plinth MDF	Standard	Enlarged + rounded edges	Reduction of standing waves
Decoupling	Classic	Magnetic + sorbothane	Superior insulation
Structure support	Basic	Polished chrome decoupled	Maximum stability
Suspension	Simple	4 adjustable points	Optimal adaptability

2. A 10.5 kg tray

The Signature 12.2‘s platter is a feat of engineering in itself. Machined from a single piece of aluminum and polished to perfection, this 10.5 kg platter constitutes an exceptional flywheel whose significant mass guarantees perfectly stable rotation. This rotational stability is the sine qua non condition for precise groove playback, particularly in the most complex musical passages where the slightest variation in speed would result in audible distortion.

Technical specifications

Characteristic	Value	Profit
Material	Aluminium massif	Exceptional inertia
Weight	10,5 kg	Perfect rotational stability
Finishing	Machined and polished to perfection	Optimal surface quality
Tray cover	Compressed vinyl	Resonance control
Peripheral ring	TPE (elastomer)	Vibration damping

3. A single-pivot arm at 3 points

This 12-inch tonearm offers an effective mass of 22 grams, allowing for optimal use of low-compliance cartridges, often the most efficient on the high-fidelity cartridge market. Compliance, which measures the flexibility of the cartridge’s cantilever, requires precise matching with the tonearm mass to achieve an ideal resonant frequency between 8 and 12 Hz. The Signature 12.2‘s 22-gram tonearm is perfectly matched to low- to very-low-compliance cartridges, opening access to the absolute benchmarks on the market.

System	Unipivot (old generation)	3 Points pivot (Signature 12.2)
Stability	Varies depending on settings	✅ Stable par construction
Frictions	Averages	✅ Minimal
Track tracking	good	✅ Exceptional
Settings	Critical and delicate	✅ Simplified
Maintenance	Complex	✅ Standard

Why 22 grams of effective mass?

The mass of the arm must match the compliance of the cartridge to achieve optimal resonance between 8 and 12 Hz.

Benefits of 22g :

• Compatibility with the best MC cells on the market
• Access to high-performance, low-compliance cells
• Optimisation of the resonant frequency
• Reduction tracking distortions

4. A cascade drive motor architecture

The technical sophistication of the Signature 12.2 reaches its peak with its particularly sophisticated dual powertrain. Two silent motors, designed to strict specifications that exclude any compromise on noise and vibration, drive a magnetic repulsion flywheel mounted on a completely free shaft via silicone belts. This first drive stage already significantly isolates engine vibrations from the rest of the mechanical chain.

Step 1: main engines

• 2 silent motors high quality
• Strict specifications: zero vibration
• Training via silicone straps

Step 2: intermediate steering wheel

• Magnetic repulsion flywheel on free axis
• Isolation engine vibrations
• Regularization of the movement

Step 3: final transmission

• Third belt to the 10.5 kg tray
• Perfectly regular movement guarantee
• Rotational stability exceptional

Handcrafted and exceptional accessories

Each Signature 12.2 is born from the expertise of Pro-Ject’s finest technicians. The hundred different CNC parts, all machined in-house, are assembled according to a strict four-step process: mechanical, electrical, functional testing, and final listening.

The manual polishing of all the aluminum elements requires two full days, a testament to a craftsmanship rare in modern industry. This attention to detail is reflected in the presentation: a 60 kg wooden crate accompanies the turntable, highlighting its exceptional character.

The included accessories reveal the attention to detail

• Record Puck Signature press puck
• 45 tour centering device, cotton gloves, microfiber
• Align It and Protractor alignment tools
• balance Measure It S2
• spirit level Level It and dedicated external power supply

Ces outils professionnels permettent un réglage optimal, condition essentielle à l’expression du potentiel de la platine.

Guide de cellules phono recommandées

Principe fondamental : compatibilité masse/compliance

Une cellule doit s’accorder parfaitement avec la masse du bras pour obtenir une résonance optimale. La Signature 12.2 (22g) convient aux cellules à compliance faible.

Cellules MM vs MC : différences essentielles

Type	Aimant Mobile (MM)	Bobine Mobile (MC)
Niveau sortie	Élevé (5mV)	Faible (0,5mV)
Résolution	Bonne	Remarquable
Dynamique	Correcte	Supérieure
Préampli requis	Standard	Spécialisé MC
Prix	Abordable	Élevé

Sélection premium pour Signature 12.2

1. Le choix de la cellule

Hana Umami Red – Le choix d’excellence

Caractéristique	Valeur
Type	MC (Bobine Mobile)
Compliance	5 μm/mN
Prix	4000€
Caractère sonore	Neutralité absolue, détail exceptionnel

Ortofon SPU Royal GM MKII – L’héritage musical

Caractéristique	Valeur
Type	MC (Bobine Mobile)
Compliance	6 μm/mN
Prix	3500€
Caractère sonore	Chaleur vintage, musicaité incomparable

2. Le choix du préamplificateur phono

Un préampli phono MC est indispensable pour les cellules MC qui nécessitent :

• Gain élevé : 60 à 65 dB
• Impédance adaptable selon la cellule
• Qualité exceptionnelle pour préserver la finesse du signal
• Technologies spécialisées impossibles dans les préamplis intégrés

Aurorasound Vida MKII – L’approche hybride

Spécification	Valeur
Type	Tubes + Transistors FET
Gain MC	60 dB
Impédance	Réglable
Prix	3000€
Origine	Japon

Lab12 Melto 2 – La philosophie tous tubes

Spécification	Valeur
Type	100% tubes
Gain MC	65 dB
Impédance	Multiple réglages
Prix	3200€
Origine	Grèce (artisanal)

3. Le choix du câble

Furutech AG-16 – La transmission parfaite

Composant	Matériau	Bénéfice
Conducteurs	Argent pur + Cuivre OFC	Transmission optimale
Blindage	Double tresse cuivre	Protection totale
Connecteurs	Plaqués argent	Contact parfait
Longueur	1,2 mètre	Compromis optimal

Pourquoi un bon câblage est-il important ?

• Signal délicat des cellules MC très sensible
• Interférences électromagnétiques omniprésentes
• Qualité de contact déterminante
• Longueur optimisée pour minimiser les pertes

Guide d’achat complet pour néophytes

Composant	Choix conseillé	Budget	Justification
Platine	Pro-Ject Signature 12.2	12 000€	Excellence mécanique
Cellule	Hana Umami Red	4 000€	Neutralité polyvalente
Préampli phono	Aurorasound Vida MKII	3 000€	Hybride tubes/FET
Câbles	Furutech AG-16	800€	Transmission optimale
Support	Meuble anti-vibratoire	1 200€	Isolation essentielle
TOTAL système		21 000€	Cohérence garantie

La Pro-Ject Signature 12.2 transcende sa fonction première de platine vinyle pour devenir un véritable instrument de précision musicale. Son architecture technique sans compromis, fruit de 33 années d’expérience, sa fabrication artisanale européenne et ses performances sonores d’exception en font un choix de référence pour les mélomanes les plus exigeants.

Cette platine réussit le pari difficile de s’adresser simultanément aux audiophiles confirmés recherchant l’excellence absolue et aux néophytes souhaitant investir directement dans une référence durable. Sa capacité d’évolution remarquable et sa compatibilité étendue avec les meilleures cellules du marché garantissent un investissement pérenne, capable d’accompagner une passion musicale pendant des décennies.

Dans l’univers impitoyable du très haut de gamme analogique, la Signature 12.2 s’impose comme une référence technique et musicale incontournable. Elle démontre la parfaite maîtrise de Pro-Ject dans l’art subtil de la reproduction vinyle, repositionnant définitivement la marque parmi les références absolues de l’analogique contemporain.