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 a time when CD was king. Against all odds, we were creating interest in analogue audio at a time when others were turning their backs, and the success was only down to three critical philosophies:

– Simple yet technically correct design
– High-quality valuable materials
– Fully handcrafted, expert engineers, made in the EU

There are no fancy, unnecassary features; it was a strictly manual turntable design and all of these decisions resulted in unbelievable sound at a fantastic price. The X1 is based on the same concept as the P1, but improved in every aspect thanks to modern materials and new production methods.

Performance

The Pro-Ject 1 was Heinz Lichtenneger first turntable as ProJect Audio and was an unashamedly cheap and cheerful entry-level deck that went straight for the mass market. It was crude, but got the balance right. Hand assembled in the former Soviet Czech Republic, it was inexpensive to make and had no fancy bits. The upside of it being fully manual was its simplicity; it was the epitome of the “less is more” credo.

Rather than simply tweaking the old product in order to celebrate the original, however, the company has reimagined it, remaking it with better materials. Every facet of the deck’s design has been improved, starting with the plinth. This uses a new denser MDF material that’s less resonant than what was originally used. Lichtenegger says the air trapped inside lower grade particleboard contributes to a soggy bass sound, hence the change – despite it costing twice as much.

The plinth then gets eight layers of paint with a hand-polished gloss finish. Better, height adjustable feet are fitted, with useful isolation properties. The 1.5 kg platter is also improved, being a heavier, low-resonance acrylic design. The motor is better isolated and now gets its juice from a DC/AC generator rather than being powered direct from the mains, and there’s a push-button three-speed control.

The new 8.6in tonearm has been upgraded with carbon and aluminium sandwich construction, claimed to be light and stiff. It’s a one-piece design and comes with Pro-Ject’s TPE-damped counterweight. It has a Kardan ultra-low friction four-pin point precision bearing,and there are options of cartridges manufactured by Sumiko or Ortofon. The company’s Connect-IT E shielded RCA cable is bundled.

Pro-Ject’s X1 is an impressive turntable package for the price It makes music in a happy, engaging and big-hearted way and has no real weak points to spoil your enjoyment.This is an affordable turntable that doesn’t sound anything like one. Any shortcomings aren’t such that they interfere with the enjoyment of the music; instead you’re left focusing on just how good vinyl can sound when given half the chance. Don’t be fooled by the similarities to that first Pro-Ject; this is worlds apart and shows just how far the turntable market has evolved, making it anenjoyable audition for those looking for great value.

Features

• Speed control with electronic speed switch for ultimate speed stability
• Carefully isolated motor for less vibration and noise
• Sub-platter with extremely low 0.001mm bearing tolerances
• Stainless steel platter-bearing with soft brass bushing and teflon mirrors for lowest rumble and noise, and a stable, accurate speed transmission
• Resonance free, 1.5 kg heavy acryl platter
• 8,6” carbon/alu sandwich tonearm with best internal damping and TPE damped counterweight
• Kardan ultra-low friction 4 pin point precision tonearm bearing
• Massive and heavy, precision CNC‘d MDF chassis
• Luxury 8 layers of painting and hand-polished finish or real-wood, satin-waxed veneer
• Super shielded, semi-symmetrical, low-capacitance phono cables – purpose designed by Pro-Ject
• Height adjustable, aluminium feet for massively reduced risk of acoustical feedback
• Handmade in Europe