Pro-Ject RPM 1 Carbon Turntable
Entry-Level High-End Analog Package Delivers Sonic Thrills: Pro-Ject RPM 1 Carbon Turntable Includes 8.6-Inch Carbon-Fiber Tonearm, Sumiko Pearl MM Cartridge, and Precision Motor
Pro-Ject's RPM 1 Carbon belt-driven turntable wraps powerful performance and engineering innovation into an entry-level high-end package whose value belies its affordable price. For starters, superbly tracking, carbon-fiber-based tonearms like the 8.6-inch S-shaped model on RPM 1 are certainly not standard equipment on budget turntables.
In addition, the ‘table's unique, ultra-modern design makes it an attractive conversation-starter you'll proudly place as the center of a main audio system.
Packed with cutting-edge touches like thermoplastic elastometers (TPE) for damping and a useful magnetic anti-skate mechanism, RPM 1 produces the kind of remarkably refined and detailed sound you'd expect from more expensive analog rigs.
The luscious detail you'll hear via the factory-installed Sumiko Pearl moving-magnet cartridge – coupled with Pro-Ject's reputation for state-of-the-art European engineering and rock-solid build quality – further turn RPM 1 a winning analog package that punches far above its weight class.
Pro-Ject founder Heinz Lichtenegger's obsession with transparency and intelligent design can be seen in RPM 1's ultra-precision outboard 15V AC motor. The unit's placement prevents mechanical resonances from interfering with the ‘table and leads to smooth, effortless playback.
An intensely complicated three-step heat-treatment process done at the factory significantly strengthened the tonearm's rigidity, which makes RPM 1 compatible with a vast array of moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges. And there's more.
RPM 1's low-resonance chassis – and the ceramic ball used in conjunction with the inverted platter bearing – drastically reduces the noise and mechanical rumble that plague many budget turntables.
Add to the aforementioned features Pro-Ject's proprietary counterweight-damping technology, and you have a turntable that can unearth the addictive rhythm, pacing, and dynamics embedded in the grooves of your LPs.
"We're happy with the Pro-Ject's balanced tonality and refinement. There's an impressive amount of detail on show, and it's rendered with a pleasing degree of precision."
– What Hi-Fi?, four-star review
Specifications:
Speed: 33, 45 (manual speed change)
Drive principle: belt drive
Platter: 300mm MDF
Mains bearing: stainless steel axle with ceramic ball
Wow & flutter: 33: +/- 0.14% I 45: +/- 0.13%
Speed drift: 33: +/- 0.27% I 45: +/- 0.19%
Signal to noise: - 71dB
Tonearm: 8.6" carbon; aluminum and resin
Effective arm length: 218.5 mm
Effective arm mass: 13.5 g
Overhang: 22mm
Tracking force: 0 - 25mN
Included accessories: 15 volts DC / 500 mA power supply
Power connection: 110/240 Volt - 50 or 60 Hz
Power consumption: 5 watt max / < 0.5 watt standby
Dimensions: 15.0" x 4.3" x 13.8"
Weight: 18 lb
