The Pro-Ject X1 B is the newest member of our “True Balanced Connection” lineup fostering balanced connection to your phono stage. It is the first turntable in this range to feature a dedicated mini XLR output in addition to standard RCA/ground connections.
The new X1 B is fitted with the elegant Sumiko Rainier MM cartridge, factory-mounted and aligned so that you can enjoy your records immediately. To take advantage of the True Balanced Connection however, both a moving coil cartridge & phono stage with balanced inputs are required. Inherently balanced where MM cartridges are not, an MC cartridge invites entirely balanced signal transmission from cartridge to phono stage where noise-suppression is most crucial.
X1 B with Sumiko Rainier will sell for $1299 and is shipping late August 2022.
First in the Lineup of Pro-Ject‘s True Balanced Turntables
Times are a Changin’
Since the beginning of hi-fi reproduction, our homes have changed. The increase in personal electronic devices and domestic networks mean a lot more potential sources of interference for record players. To ensure the best connection to your phono preamplifier, we've designed our "True Balanced Connection“ product range.
Why True Balanced?
Balanced connections are common among professionals in recording studios and at live events where it's critical to have a stable & interference-free connection. Such signals (especially microphone signals) are highly amplified. The same applies to the connection from your turntable to your phono preamp. The main advantage in taking the balanced approach is the removal of accrued noise and interference from the phono signal. Accordingly, Pro-Ject now makes balanced connections possible at affordable prices with the introduction of our True Balanced turntables, interconnects and phono preamps.
For out-of-box compatibility with the widest array of equipment and to keep the price down, X1 B includes an MM cartridge with standard RCA/ ground interconnects. X1 B owners, however, have an easy upgrade path to the dramatically improved performance of balanced audio by switching to a) a moving coil cartridge, b) a phono stage with balanced inputs and c) the appropriate cabling (Pro-Ject now offers several combinations of phono stages & cabling to facilitate this!).
X1 B – First in Line
X1 B is the first turntable in our selection with a dedicated, fully balanced mini XLR output. This symmetrical connection allows the use of fully balanced phono preamps, for instance our new Phono Box S3 B (below!) or Phono Box DS3 B, each with a balanced mini XLR input.
High-End Tonearm & Cartridge
X1 B uses a 2-layer, 8.6“ carbon/aluminum tonearm for both maximum rigidity and optimal armtube damping. The ultra-low-friction 4-pinpoint tonearm bearing guarantees precise, stable and accurate tracking. The one-piece design staves off vibration and eliminates the extra break in the signal caused by a detachable headshell.
The tonearm is an excellent fit for modern high- performance cartridges like the Sumiko moving magnet and moving coil offerings. The TPE-damped counterweight reduces arm/cartridge resonance by as much as 50%, further illustrating how X1 B is designed for anyone who prioritizes the sound of their vinyl.
The full aluminum tonearm base offers true audiophile features like variable azimuth and vertical tracking angle (VTA).
Tonearm height can be continuously adjusted by loosening & re-tightening two grub screws (pictured left), allowing for use of your preferred turntable mat and/or for any phono cartridge that strikes your fancy.
Experimenting with VTA & azimuth settings is instrumental when it comes to fine-tuning cartridge positioning to optimize the sound quality you get from your turntable system.
Mini XLR & RCA Outputs
X1 B comes with our high-quality Connect it E RCA/ground phono cable set which is semi- balanced, low in capacitance and thoroughly shielded.
In order to take full advantage of balanced signal transmission, just pair the X1 B with the appropriate cable from our new balanced phono cable lineup. We offer a wide range of cables with varying connectors for use with any balanced phono stage. Inquire with your dealer or visit our site for more information!
Quiet & Stable Speed
X1 B's motor on its own is ultra-quiet, but to further enhance its performance, we've designed a suspension for additional isolation (pictured right). It allows the motor to run stably and isolates it from outside influences. Vibration is damped and eliminated, thus not transferred to the chassis, platter nor cartridge.
The motor chassis is carefully balanced and suspended on a precision-tuned TPE belt; this way the motor chassis itself is decoupled from the main plinth for optimal performance. It is free-floating and horizontally level.
The playback speeds are electronically controlled by a sophisticated DC/AC generator that guarantees the most accurate and stable rotation. Change between speeds easily with the push of a button (pictured left).
With the supplied flat belt you can switch between 33 and 45rpm, and with round belt (also included) you can toggle between 45 and 78rpm. Remember that 78rpm discs require a 78-specific stylus that has a larger profile than conventional styli for 33 & 45rpm (in this case Sumiko's RS 78 stylus is called for).
Massive Chassis, Perfect Platform
Structurally, the X1 B is supported by its large & heavy MDF chassis which reduces unwanted resonance to a nearly imperceptible level. Due to the its mass, X1 B enables vinyl reproduction to be more detailed and precise. The plinth stands on height-adjustable, TPE-damped aluminum feet for precise leveling and optimal isolation. X1 B‘s MDF plinth is coated with 8 layers of paint and polished by hand to achieve a beautiful finish. It's available in three finishes: a premium real-walnut veneer or a luxurious 8-layer high-gloss black or white. The new X1 B is entirely handmade in Europe with only premium materials that meet the highest standards in quality.
