Essential III Phono

Essential Line

The Essential III Phono is part of Pro-Ject Audio Systems' affordable turntable concept series. The Essential III FlexiRange allows you to pick exactly which turntable is right for your personal system, without wasting money on unnecessary features for your need.

All models in the FlexiRange are based on the standard Essential III turntable. From the high-quality, acoustically neutral, high-gloss MDF plinth and platter, through the premium bearing and decoupling feet, all the way onto the aluminium tonearm, Ortofon OM 10 cartridge and 9V asynchronous motor; the Essential III is a proven performer that’s more than justified its 5 Star rating from What Hi-Fi? magazine.

The Essential III Phono takes all the advantages of the standard Essential III, but adds a Line level output for effortlessly simple integration into any hi-fi system.

The integrated phono stage in the Essential III Phono is based on Pro-Ject’s award winning Phono Box range, offering precise RIAA equalisation and optimal signal gain for crystal clear playback through your speakers. Though the Line level output allows you to connect Essential III Phono to any LINE or AUX input on your amplifier, the handy switch on the side of the output terminal also allows you to turn the phono stage off. So as your system develops and you want to enjoy a superior phono stage, you do not need to upgrade the whole turntable.  The Essential III Phono also utilises a junction box output, allowing for easy cable upgrades.

Like all models in the Essential III FlexiRange, the Essential III Phono is available in a high-gloss white or black finish.

Key Features:

• High quality MDF gloss-wrapped platter
• Belt drive mechanism with silicone belt
• Low vibration synchronous motor
• Integrated motor control with DC power supply secures silent running
• Main platter bearing made from stainless steel runs in bronze bushing with Teflon bottom
• 8.6" aluminium tonearm with sapphire bearings
• Factory fitted Ortofon OM10 cartridge
• Built-in MM phono stage
• Switch to bypass internal phono stage
• Special turntable feet for effective decoupling
• Lid included

Videos

Essential III Phono Product Video

Downloads

Essential III Phono (Black)

Essential III Phono (Board)

Essential III Phono (Red)

Essential III Phono (White)

Essential III Phono Junction Box

Essential III Phono

User Guide

Technical Data

FAQ

What is a Phono Stage?

A phono stage takes the low-level electrical signal, generated by the pick-up cartridge on your turntable, and amplifies it to LINE level. When it's at LINE level, you can connect the outputs of your phono stage to any LINE or AUX input on your amplifier. If you do not have a phono stage, when you connect the turntable to your amplifier the signal will be very quiet, and if you turn it up to normal listening level it will sound distorted and noisy. 

You do not need an external phono stage if...

• There is a phono stage already built-in to your turntable (for instance with our Phono or RecordMaster turntables from Pro-Ject)
• Your amplifier has a Phono input.

In both of these cases, the built-in phono stage needs to support your pick-up cartridge (see below).

Do I need a specific type of Phono Stage?

Yes. You need to buy a phono stage that suits your particular type of cartridge. If you have a Moving Magnet (MM) cartridge, you need an MM-compatible phono stage. If you have a Moving Coil (MC) cartridge, you need an MC-compatible phono stage. This is due to the different output levels of MM and MC cartridges (as MC cartridges are so quiet, they require more Gain).

For more help and advice visit our Tech Support section