Skip to content
🔴 EXTRA 20% off Clearance Vinyl, use code EXTRA20 shop now
🔴 EXTRA 20% off Clearance Vinyl, use code EXTRA20 shop now
  1. 🚚 Free Shipping on Orders over $99 to Continental US
  2. 10% OFF 4️⃣ or MORE Records Every Day! details
  3. 🔴 Save On Audio Gear shop gear specials

📊 Pro-Ject Turntable Model Review Guide - TTL Levels

Pro-Ject Audio has an expansive catalog of turntable models. In this guide we've narrowed down the catalog to our favorites, ordered by price range.

↳ ① Entry-level model, better than most mass market turntables

👉 The T1 is Pro-Ject's most affordable hifi turntable. Compared to typical plastic beginner turntables, the EU-made T1 features quality design and materials - solid wood body, glass platter, aluminum tonearm, and an Ortofon OM5e cartridge.

The T1 was designed for easy setup + operation. The 'Phono' in the title refers to the feature that lets you plug+play into any AUX input. The T1 series is available in several configurations, but the T1 Phono SB is our favorite.

↳ ② Fully automatic for convenience

👉 The Automat is fully automatic, meaning there's a switch that starts the motor and moves the tonearm onto the record. When the record gets to an end of the side, the tonearm returns and the motor shuts off. This is an excellent feature for convenience and passive listening (you can also manually control the turntable).

The Automat is handmade in Germany and boasts several features you won't find on other automatic models; namely a wood body, quality Ortofon OM10 cartridge ($99 value), vibration-absorbing damped platter, and high-quality RCA cables.

↳ ③ True hifi model at entry-level price

↳ ④ Pro-Ject's flagship mid-level model

👉 The Debut EVO stands alone in its price range for performance, quality and value. Nearly every part has been re-designed for sound quality since the original Debut model was introduced; resulting in this 'evolved' EVO model. Highlights include a one-piece carbon fiber tonearm (completely unique in this price range), Sumiko Rainier cartridge, stable DC motor, individually height adjustable feet, and much more. You won't find such a specialized turntable in this price range.

↳ ⑤ EVO Upgraded ⬆️

👉 The Debut Pro is essentially an upgraded EVO. Key upgrades include an upgraded tonearm (both the tube + mechanics), upgraded platter damping, and nickel finish on the feet and parts of the tonearm.

If you like this Pro model, we also recommend checking out the S-Shaped model which offers a removable headshell design.

↳ ⑥ High-end entry point

👉 This is the first turntable in Pro-Ject's line that we would consider high-end. With hifi turntables, the general rule is: the larger the mass, the better the sound. The X1 features an oversized body and thick acrylic platter, and weighs 3+ more lbs. than the EVO. In addition, it features upgraded tonearm assembly and cartridge (Sumiko Olympia).

↳ ⑦ An absolute unit of a turntable

X2 Turntable - Walnut

starts at $1,299.00
👉 The X2 is the larger version of the X1, and benefits from a substantial leap in mass (22 lbs vs. X1's 15.4 lbs), body size and platter thickness. It also features a longer 9" tonearm for better tracking. Lastly, the Sumiko Moonstone is a big jump in cartridge performance with a nude diamond stylus (X1 features a diamond-tip stylus).

↳ ⑧ Retro hifi design with modern components

👉 The Classic EVO borrows the floating chassis design of classic hifi turntables. The body is comprised of (2) distinct parts, the inner part is suspended to absorb unwanted vibrations (it actually moves within the wood cabinet). Every section of this turntable is high-end with 9" tonearm, Sumiko Moonstone cartridge, and aluminum platter + sub-platter. The Classic has solid mass at 23 lbs.

↳ ⑨ Pro-Ject design innovation

👉 If you're in this price point, you want something that both stands out and also sounds incredible. The RPM series features innovative visual design with mechanics to match.

The RPM's motor is outboard, meaning it's not connected to the body of the turntable (it actually sits on its own, connected by the belt only). This greatly reduces unwanted motor vibrations on the surface of the record. The RPM 5 series not only features 9" carbon fiber tonearm, the entire body is wrapped in carbon fiber (a proven anti-resonant material). The Amethyst is one of the best Sumiko cartridges on the market ($599 on its own). Amongst Pro-Ject insiders, the RPM series is the audiophile's choice.

↳ Bonus: Ready to play official Pro-Ject package