To celebrate their 25 year anniversary in 2016, Pro-Ject Audio Systems decided to combine traditional design with modern technology in a brand new turntable model. Aptly-named 'The Classic', it's a sleek, compact and elegant turntable based around the "frame" design first popularised by the likes of Thorens and Linn in the 1950's and 60's, but implemented with the innovative technologies Pro-Ject have become known for.
The two-plinth frame design allows the motor to sit in a separate plinth to the bearing and tonearm, reducing the unwanted transference of electrical and mechanical noise. The two medium-density fibre plinth sections are isolated from each-other with the use of specially selected Thermo-Plastic Elastomers (TPE). The use of TPE, rather than the spring-loaded method of historical designs, makes The Classic effortlessly simple to set up while retaining anti-resonance properties.
The idea of anti-resonant structures also carries through to The Classic's platter. The general layout was inspired by the iconic Debut platter assembly, but the main platter has been significantly upgraded to a special aluminium alloy version which is internally lined with TPE damping. The sub-platter and bearing are also similar to the Debut design, but the tolerances are far tighter for The Classic, resulting in a higher-quality performance.
The Classic also boasts a radical new tonearm design, inspired by the production processes developed for the award-winning RPM 3 Carbon turntable. The tonearm tube is made from a sandwich composite of carbon and aluminium. The carbon fibre gives the arm rigidity, speed and reduced mass, while the aluminium delivers better overall damping. The tube is then supported by a new bearing assembly with ultra-low friction and wider movement for improved tracking. The nickel-plated counterweight not only looks fantastic, but it's also TPE-damped to ensure the arm remains acoustically neutral. The Classic tonearm can also be VTA and azimuth adjusted to suit almost any modern pick-up cartridge.
The Classic is supplied as standard with the Ortofon 2M Silver cartridge, which has been developed exclusively for Pro-Ject Audio Systems. This popular moving-magnet design allows The Classic to perform to a high standard right out of the box, and also offers upgrade options as your musical journey continues. The Classic is also supplied with a fitted dust cover, a junction box for easy cable upgrades and the Connect-IT E RCA cables. The three finishes (eucalyptus (black), rosenut and walnut) also mean The Classic can fit into any decor.
Please note: the images in the product description are early renders and do not reflect any available finish.
Replacement Stylus: | Ortofon 2M Silver Stylus |
Fitted Cartridge: | Ortofon 2M Silver |
Nominal Speeds: | 33 / 45 RPM |
Speed & Variance: | 33: 0.15% 45: 0.12% |
Wow & Flutter: | 33: 0.11% 45: 0.10% |
Signal-to-Nosie: | -70dB |
Platter: | 300mm Aluminium (TPE-lined) |
Main Bearing: | Stainless Steel (Bronze Bushing with Teflon bottom) |
Effective Arm Length: | 230mm |
Overhang: | 18mm |
Effective Tonearm Mass: | 13.5g |
Tracking Force Range: | 10 - 30mN |
Included Accessories: | Dust Cover, Felt Mat, RCA Cables |
Power Supply: | 15V / 1.6A DC |
Power Consumption: | 5.0W / <0.5W Standby |
Dimensions: | 460 x 131 x 351mm (Lid Closed) |
Weight: | 10.2kg (net) |
Why is this turntable also available with different cartridge bundles?
The Classic is supplied as standard with an Ortofon 2M Silver cartridge. The 2M Silver is a great moving magnet model, but we believe this turntable can easily work with something more advanced from Ortofon's range of Moving Coils, to further improve the whole performance. So we offer some optional cartridge bundles to give you even more from your new turntable. If you would like advice on which cartridge is for you from our catalogue, please feel free to contact us or speak with your local dealer.
With The Classic, we offer the Pick-IT DS2 as an optional bundle due to its ease of integration and impressive sonic character. To have this cartridge pre-installed by your dealer, just select the cartridge in the drop-down menu before you check-out.
For more help and advice visit our Tech Support section
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