Pro-Ject Audio X1 Turntable Preview

Check out the full review for the Pro-Ject Audio X1 Turntable.

Pro-Ject‘s classic turntable design reimagined!

Coming off my review of the Pro-Ject Essential III, Pro-Ject ever so graciously sent along a significant step up; the X1.

The X1 is based on the same concept as the P1, their entry-level turntable, but improved in every way with modern materials and newer production methods. Inside, is a sophisticated DC/AC generator board, combined with a button-operated speed control board, delivering clean and stable power to the quiet-running motor. You have the option of 33 1/3, 45 and 78 rpm. I have no 78’s in my collection, so I won’t be giving that a go, but for those that do, you’re covered.

The X1 ships with a heavy, 3/4″ non-resonant acrylic platter (Yay!) and also features a ‘super-stiff’, 8.6”, tempered Carbon/Aluminum sandwich construction tonearm. This new tonearm design is light with improved resistance to external interference. The X1 can be set for azimuth and VTA adjustment. Also supplied is a TPE-damped counterweight which further reduces cartridge-tonearm resonances.

My X1 came fitted with a Sumiko Rainier Oyster series moving-magnet cartridge. Pro-Ject’s website details the Ortofon Pick-It S2 MM phono cartridge. But for North America, it’s the Sumiko that is supplied.

Included in the box are Connect-IT E RCA cables, a DC power supply, and a dust cover. Lastly, height-adjustable feet in an Aluminum/TPE sandwich construction are a very exclusive but necessary feature to level the turntable and effectively isolate it from the surface it is placed on. Top it all off with eight layers of paint and a hand-polished finish, the X1 is a luxurious offering.

But, do all these improvements yield a better sound? How does it compare to the Essential III that I just reviewed? All this and more in my full review. Stay tuned!

Check out the full review for the Pro-Ject Audio X1 Turntable.

Taps Das

Hailing from Toronto, Canada, Taps Das is an art director and designer with over 15 years of experience. He has way too many hobbies: Illustration, Music Production, cooking, DJ-ing, and Hifi. His adolescence was spent immersed in DJ culture in Toronto’s then-burgeoning club scene. He still buys vinyl to this day preferring it as his medium of choice when listening to music. He is happiest when he’s tucked inside his studio spinning vinyl on his turntables, sitting at his desk drawing or in the kitchen cooking up a storm. Taps shares his home with his wife, two hooligan kids, and lovable fat dog Homie.