7/15/2023 0 Comments Turntable reviews![]() In that regard, this might well be the ultimate Pro-Ject deck in that it wholeheartedly lives up to the founder’s mission. You can always spend more money on a turntable, and sure, you’ll likely find some additional performance benefits if you do, but it’s pretty difficult to beat the X1 on value. ![]() Instead, the focus is on high-quality core components that deliver impressive audio performance when sat alongside its peers. Arguably, the X1 is not a luxurious deck there are no shiny aesthetics or particularly glitzy features. The sound is natural and dynamic, and the design is beautiful in its minimalism. If you’re looking for a true audiophile turntable below the $1000/£800 price-point, the Pro-Ject X1 should absolutely be on your shortlist. John Coltrane’s tenor sax sounds throaty and expansive as the X1 adds just enough analog warmth to remind you that you’re listening to a beautiful vinyl record, rather than a digital medium. Garland’s piano is soothing and warm, and I suddenly feel I’m at a high-class restaurant. To wrap up, I reach for mellower tones from The Red Garland Quintet. In general, the X1 is very competent at tracking very energetic high-frequency detail (helped in part no doubt by the agility of its nibble, carbon tonearm). John Frusciante’s Foregrow EP provided the sonics for this one, and I was impressed with the solid and tight bass, which was partnered perfectly with lots of high-frequency sizzle. Shifting genre completely, I wanted to see how the X1 would perform in the electronic realm. There’s bags of “air” and space it honestly feels like you’re right there in the hall-way with John Bonham’s drum kit smacking you in the face. The X1 delivers plenty of punch on the famous thunderous drums that drive the whole song. It’s another very lively record, with plenty of depth. Moving on to a heavier number, I cue up “When The Levee Breaks” from Led Zeppelin’s fourth offering. (The deck also supports 78 RPM playback – more on this later). And thirdly, the X1 features a built-in electronic speed control for 33/45 rpm speed change. Secondly, the platter is a heavy, non-resonant acrylic platter-a material famed for its sonic performance. Firstly, the plinth is an over-sized, heavyweight MDF structure, making it much more resilient to resonance. On first glance, there are a number of features that let you know you’re looking at a more sophisticated deck than some of Pro-Jects lower-priced offerings, such as the much-loved Debut-Carbon, for example. The X1 is a perfect example of how Pro-Ject rejects this trend there are no fancy new features, just good quality components without significant compromise.” Pro-Ject X1 Overview Surprisingly, it’s not just affecting the cheap end of the market we also see similar problems in the $500+ price-point. Look a little closer, though, and you will see many compromises, from the material quality to the core mechanical functions. “In recent years, we’ve seen the turntable market flood with ‘shiny’ far-eastern produced models aiming to impress with lots of bells and whistles. “The X1 is designed to be at the lowest possible price point where there is no big technical compromise,” Litchtenegger explains. He revealed his concerns about the quality of some newer turntables entering the market, and his refusal to compromise. AdvertisementsĪhead of this review, I spoke directly to Heinz Litchtenegger, asking him to elaborate on the companies thinking behind the X1. Fitting then, perhaps, that Pro-Ject should revisit their core design principles as they approach their 30th birthday. The company has spent the last three decades honing their craft, upgrading manufacturing capabilities, and taking full advantage of material improvements. This constant state of evolution demonstrates a refusal to sit still. This is not the first time Pro-Ject has revisited their first offering, as the previously available Xpression models are essentially forebears of the new X1. Over the years, the company has solidified a reputation for building great-sounding decks at extremely competitive prices. The first Pro-Ject model was a surprise hit, providing the company with a platform from which to evolve. The goal was very simple: to create “astonishing products with impeccable value”. Based on a belief that music on vinyl simply sounds better and delivers a more rewarding overall experience, Heinz launched the Pro-Ject 1 (or P1). ![]() Back in 1991, Pro-Ject CEO, Heinz Lichtenegger, took the bold decision to launch a new turntable design during a boom time for the CD format.
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