Pro-Ject X1 B Turntable

The Pro-Ject X1 B turntable is an updated model of the excellent X1, adding the benefit of the mini XLR output to provide a balanced output as part of Pro-Ject’s “true balanced” range. This allows you to connect the X1 B to the Pro-Ject Phono Box S3 B And DS3B.

This latest version of the X1 B is fitted with Pro-Ject Pick It Pro balanced MC cartridge, allowing you to enjoy balanced quality out of the box with a matching Pro-Ject phono cartridge, and the turntable itself is available in three finish options - a premium walnut wood veneer featuring real wood or a luxurious black or white eight-layer gloss paint.

Heavyweight structure

The X1 B turntable has a heavy weigh MDF structure. This solid housing contains the sophisticated electronics that is needed for speed control. There is automatic switching between 33 and 45RPM. There is also additional 78rpm support. 78 RPM styli are still available. The motor board delivers stable power to the quiet running motor. Additionally, the motor is decoupled from the plinth using a new motor suspension.

Heavy acrylic platter

The platter is made of a heavy acrylic and is driven via a sub-platter drive system. It is also resistant to resonances and runs on a premium grade main bearing, for a smooth friction free rotation. A heavy plater is important with direct drive motors so that any speed variations are damped out.

New lightweight tonearm design

The X1 B boast a new lightweight super-stiff tonearm. The tonearm is made of a carbon-aluminium sandwich that is light and stiff. It also resists external interference and the one piece design is included to reduce resonances. There are many adjustments available for the audiophile, these include azimuth and VTA adjustments. The counterweight is also damped with TPE.

Included extras

The X1 B comes with a range of cables including a very well made Connect-IT E cable which has a low capacitance with superior shielding. There is also an acrylic dust cover as well as sandwich feet for improved isolation.

Experience in design

The X1 B is the result of many years of experience. Pro-ject have a meticulous manufacturing process and innovates to continually improve its products. That is evidenced by the specially selected cartridge as well as the audiophile tonearm and the purpose-designed feet. Not to mention the heavy platter and redesigned motor mount. For the price, this is a remarkably capable turntable.

Balanced connections - how they work

The X1 B now has a balanced output, so a few words on how this works are appropriate. To get the most advantage out of a balanced connection you should upgrade to an MC cartridge, as these have a lower output.

The output of a MM cartridge is only a few millivolts, with MC cartridges being even lower. As a result, a high-gain preamp is needed. This gives plenty of opportunity for noise and hum to be picked up from an unbalanced cable. Most homes have a lot of electrical interference present, everything from household appliances to Wi-Fi signals. All this noise can be picked up and fed into the preamp.

A way of mitigating this is to use balanced cables. These have two sets of wires that have one side inverted. When the signals are recombined at the phono preamp, any noise is cancelled out. This provides a loud and clear signal to the high-gain preamp stages.