PRO-JECT INTRODUCES TWO NEW BALANCED OUTPUT HIGH-END TURNTABLES

Pro-Ject X1 B Balanced Output High-End Turntable Black High-Gloss

MISTELBACK, AUSTRIA (August 1, 2022) – Pro-Ject is thrilled to announce the first products in its upcoming collection of truly balanced high-performance turntables – introducing the X1 B and X2 B.

Handmade in Europe, the X1 B and X2 B are designed to ensure the best connection with balance in mind during the ever-changing times. The new lineup of truly balanced connection products are the brand’s first turntables with dedicated, fully balanced mini XLR outputs. This connection optimizes the performance of Moving Coil cartridges when used with a compatible phono preamplifier. A Sumiko Rainier Moving Magnet cartridge is factory installed for immediate enjoyment via the turntables’ RCA unbalanced outputs.

The increase in personal electronic devices and domestic networks mean a lot more potential sources for interference for record players. To ensure the best connection to the phono preamplifier, Pro-Ject designed the True Balanced Connection product range, adaptable for modern lifestyles.

Pro-Ject X2 B Balanced Output High-End Turntable White

HIGHLIGHTED FEATURES INCLUDE:

• New True Balanced Connection by Pro-Ject
• New RCA phono & 5-pin mini XLR output
• New Phono box S3 B & DS3 B
• Pre-adjusted Sumiko Rainier MM Phono Cartridge
• Electronic speed control with 33/45 rpm speed change
• New dedicated mini-XLR output jack
• 9“carbon/aluminum tonearm

Secrets Sponsor

AVAILABLE VIA AUTHORIZED PRO-JECT DEALERS IN SEPTEMBER 2022 FOR $1,299 (X1B) AND $1,699 (X2B) USD.

Pro-Ject is also releasing complementary Connect it True Balance phono cables to support the range. The E, S, DS, and RS lines will be released to maximize your connection from the Pro-Ject turntable to the Phono Box of choice.

X1 B & X2 B

Pro-Ject X1 B Balanced Output High-End Turntable Premium Real-Walnut Veer

X1 B and X2 B are the newest members of our “True Balanced Connection” lineup fostering balanced connection to your phono stage. They are the first turntables in this range to feature a dedicated mini XLR output in addition to standard RCA/ground connections.

Pro-Ject X2 B Balanced Output High-End Turntable Piano Black

The new X1 B and X 2B are fitted with the elegant Sumiko Rainier MM cartridge, factory-mounted and aligned so that you can enjoy your records immediately. To take advantage of the True Balanced Connection however, both a moving coil cartridge & phono stage with balanced inputs are required. Inherently balanced where MM cartridges are not, an MC cartridge invites entirely balanced signal transmission from cartridge to phono stage where noise-suppression is most crucial.

X1 B with Sumiko Rainier will sell for $1299 and is shipping late August 2022 while X2 B with Sumiko Rainier will sell for $1799 and is shipping late August 2022.

First in the Lineup of Pro-Ject’s True Balanced Turntables

Times are a Changin’

Since the beginning of hi-fi reproduction, our homes have changed. The increase in personal electronic devices and domestic networks mean a lot more potential sources of interference for record players. To ensure the best connection to your phono preamplifier, we’ve designed our “True Balanced Connection“ product range.

Why True Balanced?

Balanced connections are common among professionals in recording studios and at live events where it’s critical to have a stable & interference-free connection. Such signals (especially microphone signals) are highly amplified. The same applies to the connection from your turntable to your phono preamp. The main advantage in taking the balanced approach is the removal of accrued noise and interference from the phono signal. Accordingly, Pro-Ject now makes balanced connections possible at affordable prices with the introduction of our True Balanced turntables, interconnects and phono preamps.

Pro-Ject’s True Balanced Connection Product Range

For out-of-box compatibility with the widest array of equipment and to keep the price down, X1 B and X2 B includes an MM cartridge with standard RCA/ground interconnects. X1 B owners, however, have an easy upgrade path to the dramatically improved performance of balanced audio by switching to a) a moving coil cartridge, b) a phono stage with balanced inputs and c) the appropriate cabling (Pro-Ject now offers several combinations of phono stages & cabling to facilitate this!).

X1 B and X2 B – First in Line

X1 B and X2 B are the first turntables in our selection with a dedicated, fully balanced mini XLR output. This symmetrical connection allows the use of fully balanced phono preamps, for instance our new Phono Box S3 B (below!) or Phono Box DS3 B, each with a balanced mini XLR input.

Pro-Ject Phono Box S3 B

High-End Tonearm & Cartridge

X1 B uses a 2-layer, 8.6“ carbon/aluminum tonearm for both maximum rigidity and optimal armtube damping. The ultra-low-friction 4-pinpoint tonearm bearing guarantees precise, stable and accurate tracking. The one-piece design staves off vibration and eliminates the extra break in the signal caused by a detachable headshell.

X2 B uses a 2-layer, 9“ carbon/aluminum tonearm for both maximum rigidity and optimal armtube damping. The ultra-low-friction 4-pinpoint tonearm bearing guarantees precise, stable and accurate tracking. The one-piece design staves off vibration and eliminates the extra break in the signal caused by a detachable headshell.

The tonearm is an excellent fit for modern high-performance cartridges like the Sumiko moving magnet and moving coil offerings. The TPE-damped counterweight reduces arm/cartridge resonance by as much as 50%, further illustrating how X1 B and X2 B are designed for anyone who prioritizes the sound of their vinyl.

The full aluminum tonearm base offers true audiophile features like variable azimuth and vertical tracking angle (VTA).

Sumiko Rainier Moving Magnet cartridge

Pro-Ject X1 B and X2 B Balanced Output High-End Turntable Tonearm Close-up View

Tonearm height can be continuously adjusted by loosening & re-tightening two grub screws (pictured above), allowing for use of your preferred turntable mat and/or for any phono cartridge that strikes your fancy.

Experimenting with VTA & azimuth settings is instrumental when it comes to fine-tuning cartridge positioning to optimize the sound quality you get from your turntable system.

Mini XLR & RCA Outputs

X1 B and X2 B comes with our high-quality Connect it E RCA/ground phono cable set which is semi-balanced, low in capacitance and thoroughly shielded.

In order to take full advantage of balanced signal transmission, just pair the X1 B and X2 B with the appropriate cable from our new balanced phono cable lineup. We offer a wide range of cables with varying connectors for use with any balanced phono stage. Inquire with your dealer or visit our site for more information!

True Balanced Connection Logo

Quiet & Stable Speed

X1 B’s and X2 B’s motor on its own is ultra-quiet, but to further enhance its performance, we’ve designed a suspension for additional isolation (pictured right). It allows the motor to run stably and isolates it from outside influences. Vibration is damped and eliminated, thus not transferred to the chassis, platter nor cartridge.

The motor chassis is carefully balanced and suspended on a precision-tuned TPE belt; this way the motor chassis itself is decoupled from the main plinth for optimal performance. It is free-floating and horizontally level.

The playback speeds are electronically controlled by a sophisticated DC/AC generator that guarantees the most accurate and stable rotation. Change between speeds easily with the push of a button (pictured right).

With the supplied flat belt you can switch between 33 and 45rpm, and with round belt (also included) you can toggle between 45 and 78rpm. Remember that 78rpm discs require a 78-specific stylus that has a larger profile than conventional styli for 33 & 45rpm (in this case Sumiko’s RS 78 stylus is called for).

Pro-Ject X1 B Balanced Output High-End Turntable Motor Chassis Interior View

Pro-Ject X2 B Balanced Output High-End Turntable Motor Chassis Interior View

Pro-Ject X1 B and X2 B Balanced Output High-End Turntable Playback Speed Button Chip View

Massive Chassis, Perfect Platform

Structurally, the X1 B and X2 B are supported by its large & heavy MDF chassis which reduces unwanted resonance to a nearly imperceptible level. Due to the its mass, X1 B enables vinyl reproduction to be more detailed and precise. The plinth stands on height-adjustable, TPE-damped aluminum feet for precise leveling and optimal isolation. X1 B’s and X2 B’s MDF plinth is coated with 8 layers of paint and polished by hand to achieve a beautiful finish. X1 B is available in three finishes: a premium real-walnut veneer or a luxurious 8-layer high-gloss black or white. X2 B is available in four finishes: a premium real-walnut veneer, a luxurious 8-layer high-gloss black or sleek satin finish in black or white. The new X1 B and X2 B are entirely handmade in Europe with only premium materials that meet the highest standards in quality.

About Pro-Ject USA

Pro-Ject Audio Systems was founded by one of Austria’s leading high-end audio distributors, Heinz Lichtenegger, in early 1991. A genuine music lover and a dyed-in-the-wool audiophile, Heinz challenged the common “cost-no-object” approach to analog audio equipment by manufacturing turntables, tonearms, and accessories at a reasonable price without compromising build quality or sonic performance. With his passion for high-end audio fueling a desire to take a familiar industry in a new direction, Heinz proceeded to use Pro-Ject Audio Systems as a locomotive to bring high-end gear to the masses. By adhering to that philosophy while still only using quality electronic components that deliver sound that far exceeds their stature, the engineers at Pro-Ject redefined what is possible in high-end audio and proven that great things do come in small packages.