Pro-Ject X1 and X2 turntables hit the UK

X Series serious about vinyl

by Andy Bassett
Hi-Fi News

7

Pro-Ject X1 and X2 turntables hit the UK
Introduced to the public in May at the Munich High End show, Pro-Ject’s X1 and X2 make their way over to the UK, promising simpler to understand branding and unifying features.
The X1 and X2 replace the 1 Xpression Carbon and 2 Xperience SB turntables, respectively and represent a move by the Austrian company to simplify the core range’s nomenclature to provide a single model at each price point with unifying features ensuring convenience, accessibility and quality across the board.

The more affordable X1 is priced at £699 (or £599 without the brand new Pro-Ject Pick-IT S2 MM cartridge), and the high end X2 comes in at £999 (or £899 without the Ortofon 2M Silver cartridge). Purchasing with the cartridges in place ensures the turntables are ready to play music within minutes of unpacking.

Pro-Ject X1 and X2 turntables hit the UK
Structurally, both models plough a similar furrow with a stiff and dense MDF structure. The X2 has an additional 3kg mass in this area, thereby reducing unwanted resonances so as to be virtually undetectable.

Inside both plinths resides the DC/AC generator boards which deliver stable power to the motors which are decoupled from the main plinth using a new motor suspension system. In the X2, this is achieved by balancing the motor and suspending it on a precision tuned TPE belt. Both models feature a speed control board for auto-switching between 33 and 45 RPM as well as additional 78 RPM support.

In both models, the motor drives a sub-platter drive system which includes a premium grade bearing to produce smooth rotation of the heavy, non-resonating Acryl platter.
Pro-Ject X1 and X2 turntables hit the UK
Further improvements over their predecessors include a super-stiff tempered Carbon/Aluminium sandwich construction tonearm. Both are light and stiff and while the X1 sports an 8.6-inch tonearm, the X2’s 9-inch arm gains additional internal damping. Analogue audiophiles who like to tinker will be pleased to hear that both tonearms can also adjusted for accurate azimuth and VTA settings and are finished as a one-piece with no resonance-inducing headshell plus a TPE-damped counterweight to further reducing cartridge/tonearm resonances.

Supplied with both turntables is a pair of Connect-IT E RCA cables. These have been specifically designed for use with turntables and feature semi-balanced, low-capacitance cabling with superior shielding.

For flexibility of positioning, the X1 and X2 have three height-adjustable, decoupling Alu/TPE sandwich feet to further improve isolation regardless of where the turntable is sited. An acrylic dust lid is also included with both models.

X1 Specifications:

Speeds: 33, 45, 78 (electronic speed change)
Principle: Belt Drive
Speed Variance: 33: 0.30% 45: 0.25%
Wow & Flutter: 33: 0.15% 45: 0.13%
Platter: 20mm thick, 1.5kg acrylic
Main Bearing: Stainless Steel / Brass
Tonearm: 8.6” Carbon/Aluminium Sandwich Construction
Effective Arm Length: 218.5mm
Overhang: 18 mm Effective Tonearm Mass: 10.0g
Tracking Force Range: 0 – 30mN
Included Accessories: Dust Cover, Connect-IT E RCA phono cable, Felt mat
Power Supply: 15V DC
Power Consumption: 5.0W max. / < 0.3W standby
Dimensions (W x H x D): 415 x 125 x 335 mm
Weight: 7kg net
Finishes: walnut wood veneer, black or white gloss paint

X2 Specifications:

Speeds: 33, 45, 78 (electronic speed change)
Principle: Belt Drive
Speed Variance: 33: 0.25% 45: 0.20%
Wow & Flutter: 33: 0.12% 45: 0.10%
Signal-to-Noise: 70dB
Platter: 30mm thick, 2.0kg acrylic
Main Bearing: Stainless Steel
Tonearm: 9” Carbon/Aluminium Sandwich Construction
Effective Arm Length: 230.0mm
Overhang: 18 mm
Effective Tonearm Mass: 13.5g Tracking Force Range: 0 – 30mN
Included Accessories: Dust Cover, Connect-IT E RCA phono cable, Felt mat
Power Supply: 15V DC
Power Consumption: 4.5W max. / 0.3W standby
Dimensions (W x H x D): 460 x 150 x 340 mm
Weight: 10kg net
Finishes: walnut wood veneer, black high gloss paint, or black or white satin paint

The X1 is available in the UK now at a price of £699 including cartridge.
The X2 will be available in the UK from late July at a price of £999 including cartridge.

Source: Henley Audio press release
Image Source: Henley Audio press release
Follow AVforums on Google News

To share your thoughts on the above, click the Discussion tab and post a reply.

Related Content

Bowers & Wilkins launches 700 Series S3 Signature speakers
  • By Ian Collen
  • Published
Noble Audio launches FoKus Triumph TWS earbuds
  • By Ian Collen
  • Published
Cyrus Audio launches Classic Phono pre-amplifier
  • By Ian Collen
  • Published
iFi Audio launches Go Bar Kensei portable DAC
  • By Ian Collen
  • Published
LG launches portable StanbyME Speaker
  • By Ian Collen
  • Published

Latest Headlines

Bowers & Wilkins launches 700 Series S3 Signature speakers
  • By Ian Collen
  • Published
Noble Audio launches FoKus Triumph TWS earbuds
  • By Ian Collen
  • Published
Cyrus Audio launches Classic Phono pre-amplifier
  • By Ian Collen
  • Published
iFi Audio launches Go Bar Kensei portable DAC
  • By Ian Collen
  • Published
LG launches portable StanbyME Speaker
  • By Ian Collen
  • Published
Back
Top Bottom