Hi-end turntable, where the suffix "B" stands for "balanced connectivity". It's called X2 B and comes standard with the Ortofon Quintet Red MC cartridge.
X2 B – among the first balanced turntables
Turntables have a long history behind them. Technology continues to progress, many things have changed, not only in terms of technology, but also in terms of environmental sustainability. Wireless networks are everywhere and countless electronic devices make homes "smarter". This means that there are now additional electromagnetic fields, which could interfere with the signal from the turntable. This did not happen 30 years ago. To ensure the best connection to the phono pre-amplifier, Pro-Ject has designed a range of balanced products, "True Balanced Connection".
Why "True Balanced Connection"?
Balanced connections are known in the professional world, such as recording studios and live concerts. It is very important in this sector to have a stable and interference-free connection, since these signals, especially the microphone ones, must subsequently be amplified. The same goes for the turntable, where the stylus signal will subsequently be amplified by the phono stage. The advantage of a balanced connection is the ability to eliminate picked up noise and interference. Balanced connections use three wires per channel: ground, one hot, and one cold. The cold pole is nothing but the hot pole with reversed polarity. When receiving, the cold pole is inverted and added to the hot pole. If the cable detects noise, this is added to both signals. By inverting one of them and adding them in reception, the noise is cancelled.
The X2 B is the first Pro-Ject turntable with a fully balanced mini XLR output and interfaces perfectly with the new Phono Box S3 B or Phono Box DS3 B stages.
To use the True balanced connection, the turntable must be equipped with an MC cartridge. The X2 B comes standard with a premium Ortofon Quintet Red MC cartridge pre-installed.
High-end tonearm and cartridge
The Pro-Ject X2 B comes standard with a 9" tonearm made from a carbon/aluminum alloy. The carbon layer gives the tonearm a high degree of stiffness, while the aluminum inner tube takes care of the tonearm's damping. The bearing 4-point ultra-low friction arm design ensures precise, stable and accurate tracking.One-piece arm design avoids vibration caused by detachable headshell.Its higher mass makes the arm ideal for high-end MC cartridges. low and medium compliance, such as the Ortofon Quintet Red, supplied with this turntable.
The damped TPE counterweight reduces arm-cartridge resonances by up to 50%. The X2 B is crafted to please everyone who cares about the sound of vinyl.
The tonearm base is made entirely of aluminum, with audiophile characteristics. It allows you to adjust both the azimuth and the vertical tracking angle (VTA). The height of the arm can be adjusted infinitely by loosening the two fixing screws. These settings allow the arm to adapt to variations in cymbal height based on the mat used or the use of other cartridges to improve sound quality.
Mini XLR and RCA output
The high quality Connect it E RCA cable is supplied as standard with the Pro-Ject X2 B.
It is a semi-balanced, low capacitance cable with above average shielding. But to take advantage of the balanced signal transmission, however, you need one of the new Pro-Ject balanced phono signal cables, not supplied with the turntable. If you want to use the X2 B with a Phono Box S3 B, for example, you need a "Connect it Phono Mini XLR / Mini XLR".
Stability and silent rotation
The X2 B's engine is already very quiet by itself, but to further improve performance, Pro-Ject has engineered a suspension of the engine that isolates it from the chassis. Thus it allows the engine to run stably and free from external influences. Residual vibrations are dampened and eliminated so they are not transmitted to the chassis, platter and cartridge. The X2 B's motor is carefully balanced and suspended on a resilient TPE suspension. This way the motor is effectively decoupled from the turntable chassis, for maximum performance.
The playback speed is electronically controlled by a DC/AC generator, which ensures accurate and stable music reproduction. You can switch between speeds with the push of a button. Using the flat belt, you can go from 33 to 45 rpm. If you mount the supplied round belt, you can go from 45 to 78 rpm. For 78rpm, remember to replace the head as well.
Heavy frame - perfect support
Structurally, the X2 B is supported by its large, heavy MDF chassis, which reduces unwanted resonances to almost imperceptible levels. Thanks to the high mass, the X2 B reproduces vinyls in more detail and precision. The new X2 B also features damped and height-adjustable aluminum feet, to ensure perfect support for the turntable. The MDF frame of the X2 B is varnished with 8 coats of varnish and hand polished to obtain the best possible finish.
It is available in four different finishes: black lacquer, black or white satin finish with 8 coats of varnish or walnut wood veneer. The new X2 B is made entirely by hand in Europe and only with quality materials, to meet Pro-Ject's high quality standards.
Technical features
- Speed: 33 / 45 / 78rpm (electronic speed control)
- Outputs: Phono RCA and 5-pin mini XLR
- Transmission: belt
- Plate: in acrylic 30mm high and weighing 2kg
- Plate bearing: stainless steel
- Speed Offset: 33: ±0.25%; 45: ±0.2%
- Wow & flutter: 33: ±0.12%; 45: ±0.10%
- Signal/Noise: 70dB
- Arm: 9“, Carbon/Aluminum Alloy
- Arm length and mass: 9“ (230 mm) / 13.5 g
- Overhang: 18mm
- Aluminum feet: Height adjustable
- Supplied accessories: Dust cover, 45gg adapter, felt mat, Connect IT Phono AND RCA cable
- Power supply: 15V / 0.8A DC
- Consumption: 4.5W / 0.3W standby mode
- Dimensions with closed lid (WxHxD): 460x150x340 mm
- Weight: 10kg
