Pro-Ject X Series Balanced Output Turntables – Quick Look
X2 B Turntable
All Image Credit: Pro-Ject
Pro-Ject now offers two X Series belt-drive turntables, the X1 B and X2 B, that include a fully balanced phono output using a mini-XLR connector plus the usual RCA unbalanced outputs. The X2 B is an upgraded version of the X1 B and is described by Pro-Ject as a “Luxury Listeners” version.
X2 B Turntable
In order to keep costs down and provide out-of-box compatibility with the widest array of equipment both turntables include a MM cartridge with standard RCA/ground interconnects. The Sumiko Rainier MM cartridge is factory-mounted and aligned so that you can enjoy your records immediately using just the standard RCA/ground interconnects.
According to Pro-Ject, using balanced connections for a MM cartridge will increase the right channels noise due to the typical MM cartridges construction. Therefore, in order to get all the benefits of the balanced connection you will need to upgrade the cartridge to moving coil (MC), add a suitable phono pre-amp with a balanced input option like their recently announced the Phono Box S3 B or Phono Box DS3 B and a suitable balanced phono cable from their Connect-IT range.
Phono Electrical Noise Levels
Structurally these turntables are supported by their large, CNC machined MDF chassis which is mounted on three height-adjustable, TPE-damped, aluminum, vibration-absorbing feet, for precise leveling and optimal isolation. The heavy, non-resonant, acrylic platter with a premium grade main bearing is driven via a sub-platter belt drive system.
X2 B Turntable
Contained within the MDF chassis is the ultra-quiet shielded motor that is mounted on its own suspension chassis for additional isolation. This 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. The motors speed is electronically controlled by a sophisticated DC/AC generator board with the speed control that delivers clean and stable power to the silent motor system. Speed change between 33 and 45RPM is accomplished at the push of the top surface mounted button when using the flat belt and 45 and 78RPM when using the supplied round belt and larger pulley.
Both turntables benefit from a one-piece 2-layer Carbon/Aluminum tonearm with an integrated headshell, thus providing maximum rigidity and optimal armtube damping. An ultra-low-friction 4-pinpoint tonearm bearing provides precise, stable and accurate tracking. Arm/cartridge resonance’s are further reduced by up to 50% by the use of a TPE-damped counterweight.
X2 B TurntableIn order to provide optimal cartridge setup and performance not only can tracking weight and bias be adjusted but the arms height (VTA) and azimuth can be set to suit the selected cartridge.
Aluminium Sub-Platter Upgrade:
Both the X1 B and X2 B can have their performance enhanced with an upgrade to the diamond-cut 1.54 lbs (0.7Kg) aluminum sub-platter. This sub-platter is machined to a much higher tolerance than the standard one and adds more mass to the entire drive system resulting in additional damping of noise and unwanted resonance. Plus the improved tolerance in production increases overall speed accuracy and the additional mass improves wow & flutter.
Feature Summary X1 B & X2 B:
- True Balanced Connection
- RCA phono & 5-pin mini XLR output
- Electronic speed control (33/45rpm)
- High-precision sub-platter design
- Stainless steel platter bearing with bronze bushing
- Teflon ‘mirrors’ for lowest possible rumble and noise
- One-piece carbon-wrapped aluminum tonearm
- TPE-damped counterweight
- Azimuth and VTA adjustment
- Sumiko Rainier MM phono cartridge
- High-mass resonance-free acrylic record platter
- Thick CNC-machined plinth of top-quality MDF
- Acrylic lid/dustcover – included
- Finished in luxurious 8-layer paint or real-wood veneer
- Shielded semi-symmetrical low-capacitance phono cable – included
- Height-adjustable TPE-damped aluminum isolation feet
- Thick CNC-machined plinth of top-quality MDF
- Handmade in Europe
Technical Specifications:
- Speeds: 33/45rpm, 45/78rpm (flat, round belts – included)
- Speed variance:
- X1 B: ±0.30% (33rpm), ±0.25% (45rpm)
- X2 B: ±0.25% (33rpm), ±0.20% (45rpm)
- Wow and flutter:
- X1 B: ±0.15% (33rpm), ±0.13% (45rpm)
- X2 B: ±0.12% (33rpm), ±0.10% (45rpm)
- Effective tonearm mass:
- X1 B: 10.0g
- X2 B: 13.5g
- Effective tonearm length:
- X1 B: 8.6″ (218.5mm)
- X2 B: 9.0″ (230.0mm)
- Tonearm overhang: 18mm
- Acrylic Record Platter:
- X1 B: 3.31 lbs, 0.79″, (1.5kg, 20mm) thick
- X2 B: 4.41 lbs, 1.18″, (2kg, 30mm) thick
- Power consumption: 5W/0.3W standby mode
- Outboard power supply: 15V/0.8A DC universal power supply
- Dimensions (WxHxD):
- X1 B: 16.34″ x 5.31″ x 13.19″ (lid closed)
- X2 B: 18.11″ x 5.91″ x 13.39″ (lid closed)
- Weight:
- X1 B: 15.43 lbs, (7kg)
- X2 B: 22.05 lbs, (10kg)
MSRP:
- X1 B: $1,299.00
- X2 B: $1,799.00
- X1 B & X2 B aluminium sub-platter upgrade: $179.00
For more information visit the Pro-Ject USA website.
For more information on true balanced connections read this ProJect Booklet.
See my post on the lower cost E1 series turntables here.
