Affordable Pro-Ject Turntable Prioritizes Sound Quality, Minimizes Additional Features, Potentially Sacrificing Some Key Elements
The Pro-Ject E1.2 turntable, set to launch in July 2025, is an exciting new addition to the world of vinyl record players. Priced around €329/$329, this audiophile-focused turntable targets budget-conscious beginners seeking a quality vinyl experience without overspending.
The Pro-Ject E1.2 turntable boasts a minimalist, well-built design that strips away non-essential features, providing a pure vinyl listening experience. It features a heavy 730g aluminium die-cast platter with a built-in TPE damping ring, designed to minimize vibrations and improve rotational stability for superior playback quality.
One of the standout features of the Pro-Ject E1.2 turntable is its plug-and-play simplicity with manual control. Although fully manual, speed switching between 33 and 45 RPM is electronic and easy, balancing hands-on engagement with convenience. The turntable is also handcrafted in Europe, offering a level of craftsmanship and reliability typical of Pro-Ject’s respected brand reputation.
However, the Pro-Ject E1.2 turntable does not include a phono stage, which might be challenging for beginners. Users will need a compatible amplifier, powered speakers with phono input, or an external phono preamp, adding to the initial cost and complexity for true beginners.
The Pro-Ject E1.2 turntable also lacks modern connectivity, with no Bluetooth or USB, meaning it cannot wirelessly stream or easily digitize records. This may limit its versatility for users wanting those features. Furthermore, its fully manual operation may pose a learning curve and added challenges for some newcomers.
Despite these disadvantages, the Pro-Ject E1.2 excels as a cost-effective, high-quality turntable that appeals to beginners serious about analogue sound and willing to embrace manual operation. It will be available in the UK, and comes in a choice of high-gloss black, satin white, or walnut finishes. The Pro-Ject E.12 turntable, an upgrade from the Pro-Ject E1, costs £249.00 / €329.00 / approximately $339.00 / AU$515. It comes with a carbon-reinforced headshell and a Pick It MM E cartridge. The turntable also features damping feet and OFC cables with gold-plated connectors for optimal sound quality.
In summary, the Pro-Ject E1.2 turntable offers a cost-effective, high-quality vinyl experience for budget-conscious beginners. Its minimalist design, audiophile-focused sound quality, and plug-and-play simplicity make it an appealing choice for those serious about analogue sound and willing to embrace manual operation. However, its lack of integrated phono preamp and digital features, plus fully manual use, may pose a learning curve and added expenses for some newcomers.
The Pro-Jet E1.2 turntable, with its premium sound quality, can be paired with high-end headphones for an immersive audio experience, making it a perfect addition to any lifestyle enthusiast's home-and-garden setup. Despite being a technological marvel in the world of vinyl record players, it unfortunately does not offer Bluetooth connectivity or the ability to digitize records, limiting its technology integration.
