Pro-Ject Automat A2 Automatic Turntable

The Pro-Ject Automat A2 Automatic Turntable is a step up from the A1 which is smaller. New features include a magnetically isolated Corian sub-chassis. This ensures that the turntable is mechanically isolated from the plinth.

Additionally, the platter is made of high-mass diecast aluminium and the tonearm tube is metal. Next, an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge comes pre-fitted, and high-quality RCA cables are provided. Lastly, this is a three-speed unit with 78RPM available.

Automatic operation

Operation of the Pro-Ject Automat A2 Automatic Turntable is fully automatic. Just press the start button and the arm will move to the start of the record and then lower itself. 7” or 12” records can be selected. Moreover, this unit will play 78 RPM shellac records.

The stylus will need to be changed to a 3 mil type. additionally, at the end of the record the arm will automatically lift and return to the rest position, the motor then shuts down. The automatic systems are shut down during playback and do not affect the sound.

Anti-resonance magnetic sub-chassis

To contain all the mechanical parts for the automatic system there needs to be a large hollow space in the plinth. This tends to magnify any resonances. As a result, Pro-Ject mounts the arm and drive system on a sub-chassis which floats on a magnetic field. This effectively decouples it from the plinth.

Automatic turntables need a sub chassis as they would otherwise be prone to feedback particularly if the speakers are close to the turntable. Subsonic feedback may not be audible but will cause your speaker's woofer cones to oscillate violently. This can cause buckling with metal coned drivers.

Automatic mechanism upgrade

For the first time in 50 years,' the automatic mechanism used in the Pro-Ject Automat A2 Automatic Turntable has been upgraded. The top is now made of aluminium as is the sub-chassis. No plastic parts are used that could cause resonances.

Ultra-light mass metal tonearm

The Pro-Ject Automat A2 Automatic Turntable is fitted with an 8.3” ultra-light-mass aluminium tonearm. Consequently, the transient response is excellent and the Ortofon 2M cartridge adds a lot of musical warmth. Moreover, the tonearm bearing features a 4-pin-point cardanic construction with steel tip ball bearings. This provides low-friction movement and phenomenal tracking.

The Ortofon 2M red cartridge

An Ortofon 2M red cartridge comes pre-fitted to the Pro-Ject Automat A2 Automatic Turntable. This is an entry-level device but with great performance. The 2M is a Moving magnet type that features split pole pins. This gives very precise reproduction. The output is high at 5.5mv and can be used with most built-in or standalone phono preamps.

Playing 78rpm records

78 rpm records have a larger groove size than standard LPs. As a result, a 3-mill stylus is required. A standard stylus will play 78s but the tip will drag along the bottom of the groove increasing surface noise.

Ortofon has a suitable stylus for the 2m red cartridge. Moreover, 78’s were recorded with various EQ levels. Most were recorded before the RIAA standard came in. However, your amplifier's tone controls can be used to compensate.

Features
- Magnetically isolated Corian sub-chassis allows the turntable to "float" above the plinth
- Aluminium diecast platter
- Aluminium tonearm tube
- Factory-mounted Ortofon 2M Red cartridge
- Supplied with high-quality RCA cables for turntable use