Information

True Balanced

The X1 B utilises Pro-Ject's True Balanced connection to deliver music that's defined by incredible clarity and free of noise and distortion. When mounted with a moving coil cartridge and equipped with a 5-pin mini XLR cable, and connected to a Pro-Ject 'True Balanced' phono stage, the X1 B serves up thrillingly pure and precise analogue audio.

Balanced audio connections are widely recognised in professional settings, such as recording studios and live concerts, due to their crucial role in providing stable and interference-free signals for heavily amplified signals. Similarly, when connecting your turntable to the phono preamplifier, it is essential to maintain a noiseless connection. One of the significant benefits of balanced connections is their ability to eliminate noise and interference picked up during signal transmission. Moreover, cartridges are naturally balanced signal transducers, making the True Balanced approach particularly advantageous since it utilises the full potential of the cartridge's signal. In contrast, traditional single-ended RCA phono connections discard half of the signal.

The Chassis

Starting with the chassis, Pro-Ject have crafted the X1 from MDF, rather than standard particle boards resulting in a better sounding and feeling turntable. This chassis is then finished with 8 layers of painting and a hand-polished finish, designed to look good and remain looking good, especially when compared to the commonly used foil painting techniques.

The Motor

The chassis houses a sophisticated DC/AC generator board which, combined with the convenient speed control board, delivers clean and stable power to the quiet-running motor. For improved performance the motor is decoupled from the main plinth using a new motor suspension system.

The Sub-platter

In the X1, the motor drives a new, heavy, non-resonant Acryl platter via a sub-platter drive system and a premium grade main bearing for liquid smooth rotation. This is the perfect platform on which to place your precious vinyl records, guaranteeing absolute reliability in its performance and sonic character.

The Tonearm

The X1 is also better than its predecessors thanks to the super-stiff, perfectly tempered Carbon/Alu sandwich construction tonearm. This new 8.6” tonearm design is incredibly light and stiff, with improved resistance to external interference. Finished as one-piece, with a non-resonance-inducing headshell, the X1 tonearm can also be set for azimuth and VTA adjustment, offering the flexibility that so many people are asking for. The tonearm is then supplied with a TPE-damped counterweight, further reducing cartridge-tonearm resonances.

The Cartridge

The new Pick it PRO Balanced cartridge is a revised version of the Pick it PRO which allows you a "True Balanced“ signal transmission. Standard MM cartridges cannot be used with a symmetrical connection, as it would result in a difference between the left and right channel. The big advantage of a balanced connection is its ability to remove picked up noise and interference.

Our "True Balanced" cable range offers you the perfect cable to connect your turntable to either the Phono Box S3 B or Phono Box DS3 B.