Pro-Ject Audio Systems, an Austrian company well-known for its budget-friendly and mid-range record players, has released its latest and most expensive turntable to date: the Signature 12.2. Retailing for $14,999, this high-end turntable is set to hit the market in November 2024. With its weight of over 80 pounds and a design focused on stability, vibration reduction, and isolation, the Signature 12.2 is clearly targeting audiophiles seeking premium sound quality.
The most striking feature of the Signature 12.2 is its sheer mass. The turntable weighs more than 37 kilograms (over 80 pounds), with the platter alone tipping the scales at approximately 10 kilograms (23 pounds). This high-mass design, combined with meticulous attention to vibration damping, is aimed at minimizing the impact of external disturbances on playback. The heavy platter, for instance, is damped underneath and rests on an inverted ceramic ball-bearing, which includes magnetic support to reduce bearing noise and vibrations.
The plinth, or the base of the turntable, is crafted from MDF (medium-density fiberboard), a common material in high-end audio equipment. However, Pro-Ject has added some unique touches to the Signature 12.2, including mass-loading the plinth with steel pellets to further reduce resonances.
It’s also hand-painted with 10 coats of high-gloss finish, giving the turntable a luxurious, polished look. Available in piano-black, this sleek aesthetic fits the product’s premium price point.
Spring-loaded feet provide another layer of vibration isolation, and these can be adjusted from the top of the plinth for added convenience. Given the turntable's weight, this feature is particularly handy as it allows users to make adjustments without lifting the hefty unit.
The Signature 12.2 features a 12-inch S-shaped aluminum tonearm, designed with stability in mind. A new three-point pivot system replaces the original uni-pivot design from the previous model, aiming to reduce friction and increase the tonearm’s overall stability.
The removable headshell adds a layer of versatility, allowing users to swap out cartridges with ease. Notably, the turntable does not come with a phono cartridge, giving users the freedom to choose and install their preferred moving coil (MC) or moving magnet (MM) cartridge.
Cartridge setup is further facilitated by an adjustable counterweight system, which Pro-Ject has refined for the 12.2 model. With finer degrees of adjustment for anti-skating and counterweight, users can expect more precise control during setup. Vertical Tracking Angle (VTA) can also be adjusted with a simple thumb screw, adding to the system’s ease of use.
The Pro-Ject Signature 12.2 is a belt-driven turntable, compatible with both 33⅓ rpm and 45 rpm playback speeds. An electronic speed change allows users to switch between these two speeds seamlessly. The flywheel belt-drive system is designed to provide superior isolation and speed stability, a feature that has been compared to similar designs from other high-end turntables like those from VPI.
The motor itself is housed in an aluminum motor block, which contributes to damping vibrations from the motor that could interfere with the platter's rotation. A DC-driven AC generator ensures that the motor receives clean, steady power, further reducing any potential noise or instability during playback.
Technical Specifications:
While Pro-Ject is known for its affordable models like the Debut Pro and the X2 B, the Signature 12.2 is positioned as a serious competitor in the high-end audiophile market, aiming to deliver a product that balances technical prowess with accessibility.
It’s also worth noting that while some models in this price range come with a phono cartridge, the Signature 12.2 does not, which could be a positive or a drawback depending on the buyer’s preferences. The absence of a cartridge allows for customization, but it also means an additional investment for users who need to buy a compatible cartridge separately.
At $14,999, it competes with some of the most respected models in the sub-$20,000 category, and while it may not come with a cartridge, this design choice provides audiophiles with the opportunity to tailor the turntable to their specific listening preferences.
Set to be released in November 2024, the Pro-Ject Signature 12.2 will undoubtedly attract attention from those seeking the pinnacle of analog sound performance.
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