Pro-Ject

Pro-Ject has come out with upgraded versions of two of their most popular models. The X1 will also be available as the X1B for $1299, and the X2 will become the X2B at $1799. So what does the "B" mean? It stands for balanced because these models offer the advantages of true balanced connection between the turntable and your preamplifier. Balanced audio connections are usually known from the professional sector like recording studios or live concerts. It is very important, especially with microphone cables, to have a stable and interference free connection as these signals will be highly amplified. The same applies to the connection from your turntable to the phono preamplifier. The X2 B comes with mini XRL and RCA outputs. The big advantage of a balanced connection is its ability to remove noise and interference. Cartridges, by their very nature, are already balanced signal transducers. So, with true balanced, you are simply using everything that your cartridge is picking up from the record groove. You are not throwing away half of the usable signal as in typical single-ended RCA phono connections. This leads to increased dynamics, less noise, and improved signal to noise ratio. Finally, the X1B and X2B maintain all of the features present in the original versions.

The other new member of the X-series turntable lineup is the X8 Evolution. The X8 is a true high-end solution with major technical features adapted from the Xtension 9 and 10. The precision, balanced platter is machined out of a single piece of aluminum and damped with a TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) insert. The platter rotates on an inverted bearing with ceramic ball and PTFE thrust pad. To decrease the load on the bearing, an opposing neodymium magnet structure repels the platter from the plinth and bearing, ensuring smooth and quiet operation for decades to come.

The massive MDF chassis is supported by custom feet which are CNC-machined out of aluminum and are fully height-adjustable. They use TPE damping technology, very effectively decoupling the X8 from the surface it is placed on.

The combination of mass and damping provide a very stable system, isolating the stylus from both airborne and structural vibrations. The X8 is not finicky to set up, and it remains stable and properly aligned over time. The 9cc EVO carbon tonearm uses inverted cardanic tonearm bearings and has four stainless steel tips mounted in ABEC 7-quality ball bearings also mounted in a C-shaped section to minimize resonances. The low-mass one-piece carbon fiber tonearm tube has a conical shape to minimize standing wave vibrations. The tonearm wire loom is one piece from the cartridge to the 5pin DIN output and is designed to allow either single ended or True Balanced phono connection. The X8 is available without a cartridge for $2350 or with a Sumiko Moonstone for $2499.