Pro-Ject RPM 3 manual turntable

Austrian manufacturer Pro-Ject's RPM range has been met with great success in recent years. It owes it, amongst other things, to the RPM 1 Carbon model and more ambitious RPM 9.2 Evo AND RPM 10.1 Evo. To bridge the gap in its product line, Pro-Ject has developed an intermediate model with appealing features!

Pro-Ject RPM 3 Carbon : Plinth and platter

It has a an impressive varnished MDF plinth. It rests on three cones that make for great stability.

The platter is also made of varnished MDF in the same colour as the plinth. It uses a vinyl mat on the surface acting as a platter mat! This solution is a great alternative to the traditional felt mat.

It features the inverted brass bearing that rests on a ceramic ball bearing. It enables good rotation while minimising friction. A concrete/resin weight has been added underneath the spindle to lower the centre of gravity.

Pro-Ject RPM 3 Carbon : Tonearm and cartridge

The most unexpected feature in this turntable is the tonearm, fully exclusive for the range!

Its length is impressive and it is completely exclusive in terms of technology and profile! Its carbon-coated aluminium S-shaped tube is 10 inches long (254 mm)! Pro-Ject uses a complex 3-step process, combined with thermal treatment and a pressure of 100 bars! It produces a robust tube and outstanding internal damping properties to minimise any resonance.

It offers all the adjustments of a high-end tonearm (azimuth, VTA, etc.).

The tracking force is applied via a TPE counterweight with elastomer damping.

The anti-skating weight is applied magnetically to the tonearm spindle.

As standard, the RPM3 turntable comes with Ortofon's great 2M Silver cartridge.

Pro-Ject RPM 3 Carbon : Accesories

The tonearm leads are not captive and can thus be replaced with a higher end model such as the manufacturer's CONNECT IT CC.

Note that Pro-Ject has developed a tailored dust cover to protect the RPM 3 from dust.

Pro-Ject RPM 3 Carbon : Motor and drive

Like on all RPM models, the motor is physically separated from the turntable. It sits in an anti-vibration housing.

It has an AC synchronous design and is now powered by a DC current via an outboard 15V power supply. An alternating current generator delivers a perfectly stable alternating current!

Pro-Ject RPM 3 Carbon : Listening and test review

This tonearm definitely lives up to our expectations! It has the required dynamics and subtlety!

The transparency is also amazing and, as expected, the tonearm length minimises distortion.

The notes have a lot of substance and robustness. The soundstage is wide and precise. The stereo is amazing and the panoramic effects on electro music are stunning. But this quality also applies to orchestral pieces with excellent placement for each section.

As always with Pro-Ject, the sonic performance is on par with the resources! It often even surpasses them and, above all, the value for money is unbeatable!

Pro-Ject RPM 3 Carbon : Unboxing

Overall operation is very simple and we like its stripped and audiophile design! Due to its 10 inch tonearm, it has quite atypical dimensions!

The RPM3 turntable is the cheapest worldwide with a 10" tonearm! This is a true success for the Austrian manufacturer! Flawless!

A new benchmark! 

AWARD:

EISA Best Turntable 2015-2016

HiFi News Outstanding Product

REVIEWS:

HiFi News

HiFi World