Platine vinyle Pro-Ject 6 Perspex Balanced

This new 6 Perspex Balanced turntable has all the same features as its ancestor... except for its motor.

6 Perspex Balanced: Motor and gear change

After receiving a DC card, the motor of the 6 Perspex Balanced turntable is equipped with a speed generator called the ‘Speed Box’ by the manufacturer!

In fact, this motor is identical to the one fitted to the Pro-Ject RPM9 Carbon turntable. Only the aluminium base differs in height.

It is powered by a circuit that transforms an alternating current (50 Hz) via a DC power supply.

Two oscillators overcome the various variations in mains voltage and frequency and provide 2 speeds. This significantly reduces rotation variations.

It is fitted with a precision-machined aluminium pulley.

A small push-button on the side allows the 33t and 45t speeds to be selected electronically.

Pro-Ject 6 Perspex SB motor and gearbox

The entire motor unit is separated from the baseboard by a thick sorbothane base. This prevents vibrations from being transmitted to the platter, and therefore to the Hi-Fi cartridge.

Pro-Ject 6 Perspex Balanced: Arm and phono cartridge

Here, of course, we find the excellent and now famous Pro-Ject 9CC Evolution arm. This is fitted with a 9-inch (230mm) carbon tube. Its connectors are Din type and Pro-Ject supplies a Connect It E Din 5P DC phono cable as standard.

This arm can be used with the majority of MM and MC cartridges available.

It is fitted with 4 counterweights allowing the mounting of all cartridges with a mass between 5 and 14g. Simply avoid cartridges from another era with very low compliances.

Pro-Ject 6 Perspex Balanced: Drive and platter

The platter is naturally driven by the periphery of the platter via a silicone belt.

The 2kg platter is made of a sandwich of composite materials covered with 4mm of compressed vinyl. A perfectly machined inverted stainless steel axle is attached to the platter, which is housed in a well with a ceramic ball as a stop.

The counter-platter, meanwhile, is machined from a sheet of Corian, something I've never seen before. And even more surprisingly, it does not rest on springs like its ancestors, but on very powerful repulsive magnets that keep it levitating! This ingenious and surprising system has the advantage of generating no noise and no friction.

The transparent acrylic base was chosen for its extreme rigidity and acoustic neutrality.

Pro-Ject 6 Perspex SB turntable

Pro-Ject 6 Perspex Balanced: Testing and listening
We listened to this Pro-Ject 6 Perspex Balanced in various configurations. And we can say that it made a big impression on us.

The dynamics are excellent throughout the bandwidth.

The high quality of its bass gives it exceptional rhythmic tracking of bass lines, double bass and electronic strings.

The midrange remains both precise and soft. The sound is as open and breathy as some vintage turntables, but without the coloration.

You get the articulation and melodic side of the Anglo-Saxon school! We also appreciated the lively, present quality of the reproduction. It seems less ‘physical’ than the Austrian manufacturer's RPM models, but its fullness is an asset.

It remains just as precise and detailed, whatever the musical style being listened to.

This latest version of the Pro-Ject 6 Perspex Balanced is a complete success! Its build quality, technology, versatility, musicality and looks make it a benchmark in its price range. It's a ‘best seller’ for Pro-Ject, and there's no doubt that it will remain so with this latest evolution.

Highly recommended!