Pro-Ject’s Entry-Level Turntable Promises Audiophile Sound at a Low, Low Price

Many of today’s “entry-level” turntables are designed for the modern vinyl enthusiast. They come with integrated components and modern features, making setup and listening straightforward.

Pro-Ject’s new entry-level turntable is different. The E1.2 is designed to deliver audiophile sound at an extremely affordable price, while also providing the listener with a refreshingly old-school vinyl experience.

Pro-Ject E1.2

Pro-Ject

1991 inspiration

The Pro-Ject E1.2 is the Austrian hi-fi manufacturer’s newest entry-level belt-drive turntable — it’s a new and improved version of its E1 turntable, which was released in 2022.

According to the brand, the E1.2 is a turntable built with the same ethos (and image) as its original 1991-released turntable, the Pro-Ject 1. It combines a minimalist design with high-quality components — including a solid plinth, an advanced tonearm and a heavy platter — and promises to deliver excellent sound.

Pro-Ject

Authentic vinyl experience

The Pro-Ject E1.2 is a turntable that feels old-school because it lacks many modern features and conveniences. It doesn’t have a built-in phono-preamplifier; thus, you’ll need to buy an external one (Pro-Ject makes several affordable options). This gives the listener greater freedom and flexibility to build out their vinyl system the way they want.

There’s also no Bluetooth or USB, which a lot of modern today’s have. This means it doesn’t allow you to stream vinyl to a wireless speaker or headphones. And it doesn’t allow you to digitize your records.

Pro-Ject

Additionally, the E1.2 is a fully manual turntable that requires you to physically place the stylus on the record at the start and then remove it at the end — there’s no button or mechanism that does it for you.

This means that you have to pay more attention to the record while it’s playing, which, again, feels very traditional.

Pro-Ject

Hi-Fi Upgrades

Pro-Ject claims that the E1.2 has several significant upgrades over its predecessor, the 2022-released E1.

It features a heavier main platter with an aluminum die-cast design that has a built-in TPE damping ring; this promises to better eliminate unwanted vibrations and deliver more accurate playback.

Pro-Ject

The new E1.2 borrows the sub-platter, which features a glass-fibre-reinforced ABS design, from Pro-Ject’s higher-end Debut turntable range.

And Pro-Ject upgraded the cartridge on the E1.2. Instead of the Audio Technica AT 3600 L that came equipped on the E1, the E1.2 comes with Pro-Ject’s own Pick it MM E cartridge, which the brand claims “offers precise tracking, smooth tonal balance, and reduced distortion.”

Pro-Ject

Price and availability

The Pro-Ject E1.2 comes in three different finishes: high-gloss black, satin white or walnut.

The turntable is available now in Europe and costs £249 or €329, which translates to approximately $335. And it is being distributed exclusively by Henley Audio, a UK-based hi-fi retailer.

At the time of writing, US pricing and availability have yet to be announced. We’ll update this article once that information is revealed.

Pro-Ject

Pro-Ject E1.2

• $335 at Pro-Ject
• $335 at Henley Audio

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