The Pro-Ject X1 turntable is the entry-level model in the new "X" line from the Austrian manufacturer Pro-Ject. It replaces the 1-Xpression series which has been successful for about ten years!
PRO-JECT X1: CHASSIS
Even if it is brand new product, we recognize all the DNA of the X series in this Pro-Ject X1. The general dimensions remain the same, even if the plinth is thicker and cut in heavier MDF, denser and stronger.
MDF costs 2 to 3 times more than standard particle board.
The lacquered finish is obtained by applying 8 coats of hand-polished paint.
The whole of the turntable is based on new stands composed of an aluminium/sorbothane sandwich. In addition, they are adjustable in height.
PRO-JECT X1: MOTOR AND DRIVE
The drive of the Pro-Ject X1 is managed by a synchronous motor with a belt. This leads to a sub-platter associated with an acrylic platter. This platter is thicker and heavier than the previous versions.
The motor has a new suspension that offers a better isolation from vibrations for the tonearm and the chassis.
Speed control and speed change are electronically controlled with a new board. This one generates a powerful and very stable sinusoidal alternating current.
PRO-JECT X1: TONEARM AND CARTRIDGE
We find the Pro-Ject 8.6 CC Evo tonearm made of carbon, but in a new version. Even if you cannot see it from the outside, it is designed on the basis of an aluminium and carbon sandwich.
This new process, which had been set up on the RMP 3 Carbon turntable, allows a better damping and a more important effective mass (10g). This makes the tonearm less sensitive to the low compliances of some MC cartridges.
The counterweight has also been improved by the injection of a TPE damper. This tonearm offers a VTA and azimuth setting, in addition to the tracking force and the anti-skating.
This X1 turntable is equipped as standard with the new Pro-Ject Pick It S2 MM cartridge, designed in collaboration with Ortofon.
PRO-JECT X1: PHONO CABLE
Note that all Pro-Ject turntables, even the entry level ones, are delivered with a “true” phono cable, unlike several competitive turntables.
The Connect It E is a low capacity phono cable, equipped with a shielding better than standard interconnect cables.
The signal of a MM cartridge, and even more of a MC cartridge, is of a very fragile nature.
“Low cost” RCA cables do not offer the best conditions possible to transmit a correct phono signal completely and without deterioration.
PRO-JECT X1: TEST AND LISTENING
From the first notes, we are surprised the transparency and detail levels offered by this X1.
The restitution is clear, but we cannot say that it is surgical because it offers matter and a beautiful depth.
Its personality seems more neutral than colored, as for some of its competitors.
The tempo is well marked and offers an excellent “swing” on Jazz, Blues and Rock music. The timbres are rich and nice.
The Pro-Ject X1 knows not to overdo it. It is not the more exuberant one, but it is certainly one of the most realistic in this range. This characteristic allows it to be relatively versatile regarding to different kind of music.
The sound scene is coherent and perfectly places instruments, both in depth and width.
As you can see, this Pro-Ject X1 turntable is not equipped with fancy features. Its design is strictly manual and its biases are due to decision fully dedicated to sound restitution quality.
In addition, its finish and its “look” do not spoil anything and make it a desirable object. In the future, it also allows several upgrades: phono cartridge, phono cable...
A success with an excellent price/quality ratio. Recommended!
AWARDS:
EISA - Best product - 2019/2020
FranckSpeeds: 33 rpm, 45 rpm (electronic change), 78 rpm (manual change)
Drive: belt
Speed precision: 33: ± 0.30% 45: ± 0.25%
Wow and flutter: 33: ± 0.15% 45: ± 0.13%
Spindle bearing: stainless steel and brass
Platter diameter: 300 mm
Platter thickness: 20 mm
Platter weight: 1.5 kg
Tonearm: Carbon/Aluminium 8.6”
Effective mass: 10g
Tonearm effective length: 218.5 mm
Compatible tracking forces: 10 - 30mN
Cartridge: Pick It S2
Included accessories: co ver, Connect It E phono cable, felt platter mat
External power supply: 15 V DC/0.8A
Dimensions: 415 x 125 x 335mm
Weight: 7kg
Customer reviews
Beauté, Sobriété, Efficacité
Après avoir longuement réfléchi à l'acquisition d'une platine, et après avoir été rassuré et conforté dans mon choix par les excellents conseils de Franck, j'ai passé commande le lundi soir et j'ai été livré le mercredi matin. Toutes les précautions sont prises par un emballage minutieux afin que la platine ne soit pas endommagée lors du transport .
Dans la version noire laqué piano, que j'ai choisi, et posé sur un meuble blanc dédié aux vinyles avec une place de choix, elle est du plus bel effet et attire les regards.
Lors de la première écoute d'un vinyle, je n'ai pas franchement étais emballé et à comparaison d'un même album en CD ou en vinyle, je n'ai quasiment pas vu de différence, hormis le léger grésillement des sillons.
Il faut réhabituer ces oreilles à ce son, qui n'a rien voir avec le CD.
Mais, à force d'écouter des vinyles,, je trouve qu'elle s'exprime de mieux en mieux. Comme si elle avait besoin d'un rodage.
Lors de l'écoute, les sons sont plus présents, plus clairs, plus de détails et de profondeur. A chaque vinyle que j'écoute, j'éprouve du plaisir et j'ai pu ainsi re-découvrir mes vinyles qui ont 45/50 ans.
Cette platine est incroyable !!!
Je ne regrette à aucun moment mon choix.
Elle est belle, d'une grande sobriété où le superflus n'a pas sa place, mais d'une efficacité redoutable.
Un grand grand merci à toute l'équipe de Ma Platine
Conforme à mes attentes
Sonorité claire, transparente , avec la cellule livrée avec.
Platine élégante aux finitions soignées.
Bravo à l'équipe Maplatine.com pour la qualité de l'emballage, le respect des délais et les précieux pré-réglages et tests avant envoi!
Retour au vinyle
Platine reçu en un temps record dans un emballage parfait.
Un son bluffant. C'est mon retour aux vinyles 30 ans après. Je retrouve des sensations que j'avais oubliées sur mes disques "d'époque".
Merci à l'équipe maplatine pour ces conseils.
Parfaite !
Très bonne platine, en même temps c'est la plus haut de gamme que j'ai eu donc tant mieux ! Merci à vous pour le réglage et le check up, ça fait plaisir de juste assembler et en profiter tout de suite :)