Pro-Ject X2 Turntable (Cartridge Included), White
In 1991 Pro-Ject started a revolution in HiFi with the introduction of the Pro-Ject 1 turntable. A new high-end, low budget turntable at the time when CD was king. Against all odds, Pro-Ject were creating interest in analogue audio at a time when others were turning their backs, and the success was down to three critical philosophies:
– Simple yet technically correct design
– High-quality valuable materials
– Fully handcrafted, expert engineers, made in the EU
This turntable design, with Pro-Ject's underlying core philosophy and dedication to quality music performance, has all the high-end aspects built in that really take vinyl listening to the ultimate heights. But as is the way in hi-fi many people still wanted more. They were willing to invest more, because this is how much they fell in love with their newfound passion. It is hard to improve on such a well performing turntable, but there are ways to do it. It was not time to reinvent the wheel, because the core engineering on the P1, or now the X1, already was and still is perfect. Instead we improved on the technologies that had previously been established:
– The raw materials used in production are of a much higher quality but also more difficult to source.
– The selected components are bigger, heavier, more massive and robust for improved performance and greater build quality.
Not many companies are willing to go this extra mile, because it is a hard step to take and – as always – needs to be carefully balanced with cost vs. reward. Making the wrong decisions can lead to diminishing returns fast.
Pro-Ject want the X2 to lift the incredibly high standards, as set by its smaller brother the X1, to new limits. The X2 is made for those who take great joy in the fine details, the build-quality, the high-grade materials and even more audio performance.
More Mass in the Chassis, Platter & Tonearm
Structurally, the X2 is supported by its large, heavy, dense and stiff MDF structure, reducing unwanted resonances to almost imperceptible levels. A sophisticated DC/AC generator board which, combined with the speed control board, delivers clean and stable power to the silent motor system. The tonearm is longer, 9“ in length, and the tube has a wider diameter and the carbon/aluminium sandwich construction results in better internal damping. The entire tonearm bearing is upgraded to compensate for the extra mass; tracking will be more precise, stable and accurate. Increased mass makes the tonearm an excellent fit for low compliance MC cartridges. The TPE damped counterweight reduces arm-cartridge resonances by as much as 50%.
Precision Tuned Motor Isolation:
A good motor by itself, is already very quiet. To get the best performance out of it, Pro-Ject have improved the motor suspension. This will allow the motor to run stable and free from outside influences. Remaining vibrations are damped and eliminated, so they are not transmitted onto the chassis, platter and cartridge. The X2‘s motor chassis is carefully balanced and suspended on a precision tuned TPE belt; this way the motor chassis is effectively decoupled from the main plinth for optimal performance. It is free floating, horizontally completely level and able to operate at the highest performance levels.