Turntable Pro-Ject X2 B Quintet Red Walnut

The X1 and X2 players need no introduction. This award-winning pair showed the entire audio world how the right implementation of basic turntable design principles can deliver audiophile-quality sound at an affordable price. Each of them solves the problems of isolation and resonance from different angles.

The Pro-Ject X2 B has been designed to take analog playback to new heights, building on principles already applied in the Pro-Ject line. When developing the Pro-Ject X2 B, nothing new was invented, since the engineering base of the P1 (now X1) was already ideal in a number of ways. Pro-Ject builds on already proven technologies: CNC machining and modern materials science techniques to optimize each component for its function, heavier and stronger components for improved performance and build quality, and the use of high quality raw materials. The goal is for the X2 B to raise the bar set by its relative, the X1 turntable. It is designed for those who appreciate fine details, build quality, high quality materials and standard audio performance. By adding extra mass, the X2 B is even quieter, allowing for more detailed and accurate vinyl playback. Inside is a sophisticated AC/DC alternator board which, combined with a handy speed control board, provides clean and stable power to a silent motor system.

The X2 B has been meticulously engineered to offer performance-focused features at the right price. Extensive experience with analog technology, state-of-the-art CNC equipment and ancient craftsmanship are reflected in the construction and finishes. Each Pro-Ject turntable is hand-assembled in Europe in an ISO 9001 certified facility and undergoes rigorous quality control and testing to ensure reliability for decades to come. The X2 B has been carefully crafted to offer the most important features at the best price, all backed by Pro-Ject's decades of experience in building top performance turntables within a budget.

The Pro-Ject X2 B turntable comes with the premium Ortofon Quintet Red cartridge, a versatile cartridge that delivers an open, dynamic sound with a hint of warmth and is the perfect partner for the X2 B. Also included is a Connect-IT E RCA - semi-balanced cable cable with low capacitance and excellent shielding, ideal for music playback and optimized for use with a turntable. Height-adjustable laminated feet are an exclusive yet essential feature for leveling the turntable and effectively isolating it from the surface on which it is placed.

Beginning of the Balanced Era

Players have a long history. Over time, much has changed, not only technical capabilities, but also the environment. Wireless networks are ubiquitous, and countless electronic devices make your home smarter. This means that there are now many additional electromagnetic fields that can interfere with the player's signal. 30 years ago, this simply did not exist. To ensure the best possible connection to the phono stage, Pro-Ject has developed a "True Balanced Connection" (true balanced connection).

Balanced audio connections are commonly known in the professional field, such as in recording studios or live concerts. It is very important to have a stable and interference-free connection, as such signals will be greatly amplified. The same applies to connecting the turntable to a phono stage. The big advantage of a balanced connection is its ability to eliminate induced noise and interference. And most importantly, cartridges, by their very nature, are already balanced signal converters. With True Balanced, you simply use whatever your cartridge picks up from the record's groove. You don't throw away half of the usable signal as you would with a normal one-way RCA phono input. Connect the X2 B with the new Pro-Ject balanced phono cables to your phono preamp and get a noise-free signal with increased dynamics and low noise.

Cartridge

Cartridges are inherently balanced signal converters. Due to the internal wiring of MM cartridges, you will need an MC cartridge to access the entire balanced signal. The X2 B comes with a factory-aligned Ortofon Quintet Red MC cartridge, and along with the new True Balanced Connection cables and balanced phono stages, you will be able to access high-end features that were previously only available in the most expensive HI-FI categories. Combined with the S3 B and X2 B phono stages, the True Balanced concept received the prestigious EISA Award for "Best Vinyl System".

Features

• Electronic speed controller that acts as a "Speed Box" for maximum speed stability
• State-of-the-art DC/AC generator board generates clean and stable power to drive the motor
• Stainless steel cymbal bearing with soft bronze bushing
• The cartridge uses internal silver-plated copper coils for outstanding sonic results.
• 9" one-piece tonearm tube with the best internal damping thanks to an ultra-rigid carbon/aluminium sandwich construction
• The motor chassis is effectively separated from the main plinth for optimal performance
• The X2 comes with a fully adjustable azimuth and VTA, allowing you to customize the X2 as you see fit.
• Non-resonant, heavy acrylic plate weighing 2 kg
• Heavy duty chassis made of the highest quality MDF 50mm thick
• Three height-adjustable aluminum feet ensure a perfect stand and greatly reduce the risk of acoustic feedback
• Made by hand in Europe

User manual