Pro-Ject The Classic Reference Turntable

The Pro-Ject The Classic Reference Turntable represents the pinnacle of precision engineering and refined design for discerning audiophiles. This turntable is equipped with a high-performance belt drive system, offering electronic speed control for 33, 45, and even 78 RPM playback.

Its heavy aluminium platter features a TPE damping ring to reduce unwanted resonance while maintaining speed stability. Stainless steel main bearings ensure long-lasting durability and smooth rotation.

With excellent technical performance including wow and flutter levels as low as ±0.03% at 33 RPM, speed variance below ±0.10%, and a signal-to-noise ratio of 73dB, this turntable ensures accurate and engaging playback. Supplied with essential accessories such as a dust cover, record clamp, and leather mat, it provides an outstanding out-of-box experience.

Luxury Craftsmanship and Heritage

Pro-Ject Audio Systems has built a reputation for creating elegant, audiophile-quality turntables that deliver superior sound without unnecessary embellishment. Over time, enthusiasts demanded more luxurious and visually striking models, leading to the creation of statement products such as the acclaimed Signature Line.

One of Pro-Ject’s milestones was the development of a special edition turntable in collaboration with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra for their 175th anniversary, crafted from original instrument wood and metals. Although limited to just 175 pieces, its success inspired the continuation of this design philosophy.

The Classic Reference builds on this heritage, combining advanced technical solutions with timeless aesthetics, offering music lovers both refined performance and a luxurious presence in any listening environment.

Precision EVO 9 AS HG Tonearm

At the heart of the Pro-Ject The Classic Reference Turntable is the EVO 9 AS HG tonearm, designed for maximum precision and stability. This nine-inch S-shaped tonearm is equipped with a Swiss ABEC 7 inverted cardanic bearing system, featuring four stainless steel tips mounted in a solid aluminium block to minimise vibration and resonance.

The S-shape tonearm tube, constructed from high-grade aluminium, offers excellent internal damping and is paired with an SME connector for quick cartridge swaps. Ultra-low friction ball bearings ensure minimal bearing play, while a gravitational anti-skating system and damped aluminium counterweight provide accurate tracking.

Gold-plated connector clips with high-purity copper wiring guarantee optimal signal transfer, making the tonearm a true high-end component that supports the finest cartridges with precision.

Advanced Platter and Connectivity

The platter system of The Classic Reference showcases Pro-Ject’s engineering excellence. Machined from a special aluminium alloy and damped with thermoplastic elastomers, the platter eliminates the ringing effect common in older designs while maintaining mass for superior speed consistency and reduced wow and flutter.

The sub-platter and bearing system echo the technology used in the Vienna Philharmonic anniversary model, ensuring unparalleled accuracy. Connectivity options elevate performance further with both traditional RCA outputs and balanced XLR connections, typically reserved for professional audio environments. Balanced outputs ensure stable, noise-free transmission to the phono preamplifier, removing interference and preserving signal purity.

To complement this, Pro-Ject includes its high-quality Connect it Phono RCA cable, ensuring that every nuance of the analog signal is faithfully transmitted without loss or distortion.

Power Supply and Upgrade Potential

A stable and clean power source is essential for any high-end analog playback system, and The Classic Reference Turntable is designed with this principle in mind. It comes with a reliable 15V DC power supply, but Pro-Ject offers a significant upgrade path with the Power Box RS2 Phono.

This external power supply can power both the turntable and the phono preamp simultaneously, delivering extremely clean energy that enhances speed stability, dynamic range, and low-noise performance. By generating a pure sine wave internally, Pro-Ject eliminates the inconsistencies of standard switch-mode power supplies, ensuring blacker backgrounds and improved detail retrieval.

This sophisticated approach underlines Pro-Ject’s commitment to uncompromising sound quality, making The Classic Reference not only a reference-class turntable but also a flexible and upgradeable centrepiece for any audiophile system.

Please Note: This Turntable does not come with a cartridge, to see our full range of cartridges, click here.