Pro-Ject T2 manual turntable

The Pro-Ject T2 turntable is first and foremost a much-improved version of the now-famous Pro-Ject T1. It features a new arm and cartridge, this time from Japan.

Pro-Ject T2: Chassis

The chassis is made of MDF with a lacquered or imitation wood veneer. It rests on 4 special feet that dampen the vibrations of the stand. The size of the plinth is larger than that of the T1 because it has to accommodate a much longer 9-inch arm.

Pro-Ject T2: Motor and drive

The counter-platter, and therefore the platter, is driven by a synchronous motor via a belt.

This motor is very quiet and is damped to avoid transmitting vibrations to the chassis. It drives a new 10mm-thick glass platter.

The stainless steel axle rests in a bronze bushing. The whole assembly is manufactured to very tight tolerances.

Speed and gear change are electronically controlled via a new management card. This generates a powerful and very stable sinusoidal alternating current.

Switching to 45 is done via a switch on the left-hand side of the turntable.

Pro-Ject T2: Arm and cartridge

This new Pro-Ject tone arm has an effective length of 9 inches. Its one-piece construction gives it excellent rigidity.

It also features new low-friction bearings to match the arm's increased length and diameter, ensuring absolute precision in use.

Anti-skating is applied via a side-mounted knob. It acts mechanically on the arm via a spring. The support force is applied by a massive counterweight that is not graduated and therefore requires a scale for precise adjustment.

The Pro-Ject T2 W is equipped with an excellent Japanese MM cartridge, the Sumiko Rainier.

Pro-Ject T2 : Phono cable

It's worth noting that all Pro-Ject turntables (even entry-level ones) come with a ‘real’ Connect It E phono cable, unlike many competing turntables.

Connect it E is a low-capacitance phono cable with superior shielding to standard modulation cables.

The signal from an MM cartridge, let alone an MC, is very fragile by nature.

Cheap RCA cables do not offer the ideal conditions for transmitting a correct phono signal in its entirety and without deterioration.

Pro-Ject T2: reproduction

The Pro-ject T2 delivers a very dynamic and lively sound reproduction! The soundstage is also excellent in terms of its breadth and depth. The T2 favours substance and presence, resulting in a very analogue sound.

The transparency and very low noise level of Pro-ject turntables are also present, resulting in great finesse and detail. This is quite demonstrative on vocals and strings. The low end of the spectrum is precise and very articulate. There's no drool and the bassist's playing is perfectly readable. The Sumiko cartridge produces a very silky, non-aggressive treble.

As well as being beautiful and well made, the Pro-Ject T2 offers excellent musicality and remarkable performance in this price range. Definitely my favourite in this budget!

Highly recommended