Pro-Ject PRO B Turntable – First Look

All Image Credit: Pro-Ject

Pro-Ject have announced their new PRO B turntable, an audiophile upgrade of their earlier PRO model. Most notable is the addition of Pro-Ject’s True Balanced Connection concept technology, for reduced signal noise and interference. This upgraded model features an improved tonearm an included Pick-IT PRO Balanced moving magnet cartridge by Ortofon and a heavy duty MDF plinth with eight paint layers that is mounted on height-adjustable metal feet. (Record Puck PRO is an optional extra)

The tonearm design uses a Carbon-Aluminum one-piece technology. Its 8.6” tube is light and rigid, combing the stiff characteristics of the carbon fiber with aluminum that adds additional damping and improved resistance to electrical interference. It is mounted in a CNC-milled aluminum bearing block with special bearings, high-purity copper internal tonearm wiring, and a shielded junction box with gold-plated RCA and MiniXLR output connectors.

The arm comes with a pre-installed and fully aligned new Pick-IT PRO balanced moving magnet (MM) cartridge, but is just as at home using a moving coil (MC) cartridge.

However, for those wanting to experiment with different cartridges, the arm is fully adjustable supporting; adjustable tracking weights, a range of cartridge masses, bias, azimuth and vertical tracking angle (VTA).

The 11.8″ (300mm) platter is made from die-cast aluminum with a ring of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) on its underside and comes with a felt mat, all helping to eliminate unwanted vibrations. It is supported by a high-precision stainless steel axle in a bronze bushing.

The platter is belt driven, and by using a small toggle switch its speed may be easily changed between 33 and 45 RPM. 78RPM is supported by manually changing the rubber belt. It is driven by an electronically regulated synchronous motor that is mounted in an advanced suspension, effectively isolating any noise and vibration from the plinth.

Finally, unbalanced and balanced phono-level signal connectivity is available via gold-plated RCA and MiniXLR output connectors.

Features At A Glance:

• NEW pre-adjusted Pick-IT PRO Balanced moving magnet cartridge
• 8.6” one-piece carbon-aluminum tonearm with fully adjustable VTA and azimuth
• Nickel-plated aluminum tonearm bearing block
• Non-magnetic aluminum platter with TPE damping
• Motor suspension with better damping
• Precision belt drive system
• Height-adjustable metal feet
• Stylish electronic speed change rocker switch (support for 33, 45 and 78 RPM playback)
• Eight-layer hand-painted MDF chassis in Satin Black finish (Satin White also available)
• Premium semi-symmetrical Connect-IT E phono cable included
• Gold plated RCA output connectors and NEW Mini XLR balanced output
• Dust cover included
• Optional Record Puck PRO

Specifications:

• Speeds: 33 / 45 / 78 RPM (78 RPM requires manual adjustment)
• Drive Principle: Belt drive with electronic speed control
• Platter: 300mm, die cast aluminum platter with TPE damping and felt mat
• Main Bearing: High-precision stainless steel axle in bronze bushing
• Wow & Flutter: 33 = ± 0.16% / 45 = ± 0.14%
• Speed Drift: 33: ± 0.40%; 45: ± 0.50%
• Signal to Noise: 68dB
• Tonearm:
  • 8.6” one-piece carbon-aluminum tonearm
  • Effective Arm Length / Mass: 218.5mm / 10.0g
  • Overhang: 18.5mm
• Cartridge:
  • Style: True Balanced moving magnet
  • Output voltage at 1 KHz: 4 mV
  • Channel separation at 1 kHz: 22 dB
  • Frequency response: 20 – 20 000 Hz +/- 2dB
  • Stylus tip: elliptical
  • Tracking force range: 1.8-2.2g (mN)
  • Recommended tracking force: 2.0 g (mN)
  • Load resistance: 47k Ohms
  • Load capacitance: 150-300pF
  • Weight: 7.2g
• Included accessories: 15V DC / 0.8A power supply, Dust Cover, Standard Flat Belt / 78 RPM Round Belt, 7” Single Adapter, Connect-IT E Phono Cable (RCA), Felt Mat
• Power consumption: 4W / 0W standby
• Dimensions (w x h x d): 16.34×4.45×12.6 inches, (415 x 113 x 320mm)
• Weight: 13.27lbs, (6.0kg) net

MSRP:

• US: $1,099.00
• UK: £799.00

For more information visit the Pro-Ject web site.

Related posts:

• Pro-Ject Announces T2 And T2 Super Turntables
• Pro-Ject Perspective Final Edition Turntable
• Pro-Ject – The Dark Side Of The Moon Turntable
• Pro-Ject Automat A2 Turntable – First Look
• Pro-Ject T2 W Wi-Fi Turntable Announced
• Pro-Ject – Vinyl NRS Box S3 & Debut PRO S Turntable
• Pro-Ject X Series Balanced Output Turntables – Quick Look
• Pro-Ject Announces E1 Series Of Lower Cost Turntables
• Vinyl Turntable Drive Techniques
• Turntable Motor Noise and Vibration
• Tonearms 101 – An Introduction
• Phono Cartridge Basics 101
• Cartridge Alignment – An Introduction