Pro-Ject X8 Evolution turntable

After the Pro-Ject X-tension 12 EVO, the X-Tension 10 EVO and the X-Tension 9CC EVO turntables, Pro-Ject introduces the latest product of the range in the form of a more affordable turntable: the X8 Evolution. It is positioned between the Pro-Ject X2 and Pro-Ject X-Tension 9CC EVO turntables.

PRO-JECT X8 EVOLUTION: TONEARM

It features the famous 9cc EVO tonearm which is also equipped on the Pro-Ject X-Tension 9cc EVO and Pro-Ject RPM 9 Carbon turntables.

This is a 9” one-piece carbon-fibre tonearm with a gyroscopic pivot. It is therefore symmetrical with horizontal and vertical movements. It features a no.46 counterweight making it compatible with 7 to 10 g cartridges.
The tonearm base includes a 5-pole DIN connector like on SME, Ortofon or Linn tonearms. The Pro-Ject X8 Evolution turntable is delivered as standard with a 1.23 m Pro-Ject Connect it E 5-Pin/RCA phono cable.

PRO-JECT X8 EVOLUTION: CHASSIS AND PLATTER

The turntable is made of massive MDF providing outstanding rigidity, weight and stability. It is available in three magnificent finishes: High Gloss Piano Black, High Gloss Piano White and Real Wood Walnut.
The superb platter is lathed and polished from a single solid aluminium block. It is TPE damped with a ring below the edges.

Contrary to the X-Tension 9, there’s no glued-on vinyl top. A platter mat is therefore required. The platter is covered with a felt mat as standard.
This platter of over 5 kg rests on an inverted bearing, with a stainless-steel spindle, brass bearing and ceramic ball bearing.

The sub-platter includes magnetic support damping. A strong ferrite ring inside the platter is placed in magnetic phase opposition with another ring inside the turntable.
The chassis rests on three aluminium feet. They are sorbothane damped and allow height adjustment. They drastically reduce the risk of acoustical and mechanical feedback.

The Pro-Ject X8 Evolution comes with an acrylic dust cover as standard.

PRO-JECT X8 EVOLUTION: MOTOR AND DRIVE PRINCIPLE

The new DC motor is electrically-operated and allows to choose between 33 and 45 rpm via two buttons. It drives the platter using a silicon belt drive on the rim.

PRO-JECT X8 EVOLUTION: TESTING AND LISTENING

Pro-Ject offers the turntable with or without a Quintet Blue. This cartridge is a smart choice for the X8. However, we personally tested it with an Ortofon 2M Black cartridge (MM) and an Ortofon Quintet Black S cartridge (MC).

We changed the platter mat for a Pro-Ject Leather it mat sensitive to static charges.

From the first few measures, we notice that the sound is closer to the X-Tension 9 than the Pro-Ject X2 turntable.

There’s the superb balance and timbre of the latter.

The set is rather soft and it sounds very “analogue”. This does not mean that the sound is dark. On the contrary, it provides a nice clarity and excellent transparency. Compared to the Pro-Ject X2, dynamics and tempo are a lot more respected.

The Pro-Ject X8 Evolution provides a very nice musicality and outstanding balance. Furthermore, the design and the tonearm enable many combinations in terms of cartridges and phono preamplifiers.

Would recommend