Pro-Ject A1 Automat automatic turntable

Since its creation, the Austrian brand Pro-Ject had never offered fully automatic turntables. Following the purchase of the Thorens/Dual factory in Germany however, Pro-Ject has been able to propose a different product meeting different demand than the manufacturer’s “manual” range.
Manufacturing this new turntable is therefore now possible in this new production unit with many years of experience on the subject.

The Pro-Ject A1 Automat is a fully automatic turntable with simple and effective use and setup.

PRO-JECT A1 AUTOMAT: CHASSIS AND PLATTER 

The chassis is made of solid MDF. It avoids hollow spaces wherever possible to reduce unwanted resonances to a minimum. There’s just enough space to precision fit all the inner workings. The plinth stands on feet with silicon damping.

PRO-JECT A1 AUTOMAT: PLATTER AND DRIVE PRINCIPLE

The sub platter is equipped with the “Floating system”. The aluminium platter is precision balanced. A damping ring on the inside is added to increase weight and reduce resonances. It receives a feltmat further limiting resonances.

The change of speed can be done really easily by pushing a button to switch from 33 to 45 rpm. Of course, a DC motor and a flat belt are in charge of the drive principle.

PRO-JECT A1 AUTOMAT: TONEARM AND CARTRIDGE

The turntable is equipped with an 8.3” (211 mm) lightweight aluminium tonearm. Concerning the headshell, it is made of carbon fibre reinforced polymer which grants it high rigidity. Moreover, the composite material results in excellent internal damping of resonances. It’s associated with an Ortofon OM10 cartridge already factory-set up and adjusted by Pro-Ject.

PRO-JECT A1 AUTOMAT: PREAMP AND CABLE

The A1 features a switchable MM phono preamp. If you do not have a phono preamp in your Hi-Fi system, you can switch ON the built-in phono preamp. If you wish to use another phono preamp, whether it’s separate or integrated to your amplifier, you can switch OFF the built-in phono preamp.

The Pro-Ject A1 Automat comes with an excellent Connect it E cable providing superior shielding, low resistance and low capacitance.

PRO-JECT A1 AUTOMAT: TESTING AND LISTENING

The German manufacture is excellent and ensures high reliability.

The reproduction is detailed and very dynamic. You are immediately immersed in the analogue world. There are the typical spontaneity, presence and openness of vinyl records.

Of course, it cannot compete with the manual models of the manufacturer. As a matter of fact, it seems less nuanced and provides less wide bandwidth compared to a T1. But you can’t have it all… this Pro-Ject A1 is designed for those looking for a quality automatic turntable.

Would recommend!