Pro-Ject signature 12.2 turntable

This new Pro-Ject Signature 12.2 turntable is a demonstration of the know-how acquired by the Austrian manufacturer over the last 33 years! It's the successor to the famous Signature 12, but every mechanical and electronic element has been optimally redesigned, again without compromise.

Pro-Ject Signature 12.2: base and platter

Like the brand's latest models, the Pro-Ject Signature 12 has a weighted sub-chassis. This gives it a significant mass effect and a very low resonance frequency. The MDF plinth is larger and heavier than the previous model. It has rounded edges to reduce standing waves.

The plinth rests on four feet suspended by a high-resistance spring. They are adjustable by means of a knob on the top of the plinth.

The top and base of the arm are mounted on a heavy structure of polished chromed steel. This part is totally impervious to vibrations. It rests on three large sorbothane silentblocks that isolate it completely from the main chassis. The aim of this construction is to ensure that no vibration or engine resonance disturbs playback, while avoiding the ‘spring’ effects that you get with a traditional counter-platter.

The platter is made from a single piece of milled and polished aluminium. It has a total weight of over 10.5 kg. It is covered by a vinyl compression cover. The inner periphery of the platter is fitted with a TPE ring to limit resonance during rotation.

The platter rests on a magnetically decoupled inverted bearing axle. Under the platter and around the axle are very powerful repulsive magnets that limit the mass exerted by the platter on the axle and the ceramic ball.

Pro-Ject Signature 12.2: motors and drive system

The two motors, manufactured to precise specifications, operate without noise or vibration. Via two silicon belts, they drive a magnetic repulsion flywheel that rests on a completely free axle. Via a third belt, this drives the enormous solid aluminium platter weighing 10.5 kg! This ensures vibration-free operation, giving the most precise and stable speeds possible.

This Pro-Ject turntable is controlled by two microprocessors coupled to two quartz crystals. This DC AC generator is extremely high-precision. Operation is via a polished aluminium control plate in the centre of the turntable front panel! It lets you select the 33 and 45t speeds and switch the turntable on and off.

Pro-Ject Signature 12: tone arm

The most important change concerns the tone arm bearing. This new 12’ tone arm has 3 pivot points.

Pro-Ject has redesigned the tone arm bearing from a Unipivot system to a 3-point pivot system. The precise alignment of the three pivot points further reduces friction and improves stability, outperforming conventional gimbal or unipivot bearings. A number of more subtle changes have been made to the new arm, including improved counterweight and anti-skating.

Its polished aluminium headshell is removable and can be connected using the universal principle (SME, Ortofon...).

It comes with a number of counterweights for mounting all kinds of MM or MC cartridges. Its high effective mass of almost 22g means it can drive cartridges with low or even very low compliance!

Pro-Ject Signature 12.2: accessories

The Signature 12.2 is handcrafted by the manufacturer's top technicians.

All the aluminium parts are hand-polished. It should be noted that the Signature 12.2 is made up of around 100 different CNC parts, all of which are manufactured in-house.

It takes around 2 days to hand-polish and precision-assemble all the components in a strict 4-stage process (mechanical, electrical, function and listening tests).

The Pro-Ject Signature 12.2 comes with a host of accessories:

Record Puck Signature puck, 45t centring tool, cotton gloves, microfibre, 6-sided spanner, Align It, Mesure It S2 scale, cartridge alignment shim, Protactor, spirit level, user manual and external power supply.

Pro-Ject Signature 12.2: test and listening

This turntable comes in a magnificent wooden case with a total weight of 60kg! It requires a few precautions to set it up, but for a turntable in this range it's quite simple, especially as we're delivering it adjusted and tested!

Of course, this turntable deserves a high-performance cartridge! An MM is to be avoided, and given the arm, only low-level MC cartridges with a compliance of 15 or less will really be compatible.

We tested it with an Ortofon Anna Diamond MC cartridge and a Sumiko Celebration 40.

From the very first measurements, we have to admit that the reproduction is of a level we're not used to hearing. If you thought that Pro-Ject only knew how to make ‘low-cost’ turntables, forget those preconceptions, especially as Pro-Ject has been designing and manufacturing EAT turntables for over 10 years.

The Signature 12.2 offers a very wide bandwidth at both ends of the spectrum. The bass is incredibly wide and deep. However, it remains very dynamic, articulate and perfectly legible in all circumstances. The midrange is very close to that of an excellent Revox tape. The treble is at the same level and is perfectly integrated with the midrange. It is precise and very high-pitched, without any aggressiveness.

The soundstage is wide and deep, with a fullness that fills the whole room with ease. The different speakers are perfectly legible, and in monophonic playback the speakers disappear completely to make way for a virtual centre speaker.

This Pro-Ject Signature 12.2 turntable is sufficiently neutral to bring out all the tonal and musical characteristics of the cartridge used and, of course, of the combination with the phono preamp.

This Pro-Ject Signature 12.2 turntable is remarkable in every way (manufacture, ergonomics, musicality...) and demonstrates all the expertise of the Austrian manufacturer.

Highly recommended