Pro-Ject Announce a new standard in Entry-level - E1.2

E1.2 turntable in Black finish

Pro-Ject has announced the E1.2, a fully manual turntable designed to deliver beautiful analogue sound for just £249.00. This new deck takes its design cues from Pro-Ject’s very first product, the Pro-Ject 1, launched in 1991 during a time of great change in the hi-fi world.

The Pro-Ject 1 was created to bring an audiophile-grade, simple-to-use turntable within reach of music lovers at an accessible price. At a time when CDs had seemingly sealed vinyl’s fate, it was a gutsy move. But its mechanical precision and sound quality helped spark the vinyl revival that followed many years later, paving the way for Pro-Ject’s iconic Debut line. The E1.2 carries forward that same spirit: a simple, well-made turntable that puts analogue sound first.

The E1.2 does away with non-essentials. That means no Bluetooth, no USB, no built-in phono stage, and no automatic cut-off. For those who want those features, Pro-Ject offers a wide range of options. Here, the design focus is on core performance. By stripping back the extras, the E1.2 delivers a beautifully engineered deck, handmade in Europe at a fiercely competitive price. The user gets a simple yet proper vinyl player, ideal for beginners, and ready to partner with the growing number of integrated amps, streaming amps, and active speakers that already include a phono stage (or one of Pro-Ject’s own separate Phono Box options).

 Compared to the original E1, the E1.2 introduces a range of significant upgrades. The main platter is now a 730g aluminium die-cast design with a built-in TPE damping ring to minimise ringing and suppress vibration. The new design contributes to more stable rotation and better wow and flutter performance. The sub-platter, as used in the Debut line, is a glass-fibre-reinforced ABS design that rotates with improved speed accuracy and lower resonance.

At the business end, the tonearm features a heavy-mass gimbal bearing for ultra-smooth movement. It’s fitted with a carbon-reinforced headshell for added rigidity and a Pick it MM E cartridge – a new low-mass design with a miniature neodymium magnet and conical diamond stylus. Factory pre-aligned and easy to use, it offers precise tracking, smooth tonal balance, and reduced distortion.

The plinth is CNC-machined from rigid composite fibre, with no hollow spaces – a welcome contrast to many flimsy, poorly made rival decks, offering a resonance-free foundation. Finished in high-gloss black, satin white, or walnut, the E1.2 looks the part, too.

Other details reinforce the E1.2’s build quality and sustainability credentials. There’s a single-button speed control for automatic switching between 33 and 45 rpm, damping feet, high-quality OFC phono cables with gold-plated connectors, and a dust cover – all as standard.

Whether new to vinyl or returning to it, the E1.2 offers a rock-solid foundation. Handmade in Europe, it represents Pro-Ject’s ongoing commitment to bringing great turntables into homes, pushing back against poorly made players that risk putting people off what could be a lifelong love affair with vinyl. Simply add an amplifier and a pair of speakers – whether you choose to upgrade or keep things simple, it’s a great starting point.

Pro-Ject also supports long-term ownership with a vast ecosystem of accessories. From cables, clamps, and cleaning kits to mat upgrades and cartridge swaps, customers can grow their system at their own pace, extending the life and enjoyment of their E1.2 over many years. A two-year warranty is standard, while spare parts are guaranteed to be available for 25 years, underlining Pro-Ject’s commitment to sustainability and long-term serviceability.