Pro-Ject X1 turntable with Sumiko Rainier Cartridge Review
The Pro-Ject X1 turntable with Sumiko Rainier Cartridge represents the next step up in turntables from their entry-level models.
Having just reviewed and enjoyed the Essential III turntable from Pro-Ject, it only made sense to have a listen to the non-budget models in their lineup. The X-line made sense. My Secrets colleague Glenn Young recently reviewed the X2 and now I’m checking out the X1.
Both, the X1 and X2 sit above the Debut line, which sits above the Essential line of turntables offered by Pro-Ject. The X Series is heavier (a good thing), features an improved aluminum carbon fiber tonearm (another good thing), a better motor with easier speed adjustment (a super good thing), and upgraded styli from Sumiko. Sumiko is the US distributor of Pro-Ject, and they graciously outfit each Pro-Ject model with one of their cartridges. Of the two, the Pro-Ject X2 is quite a step up from the X1. It’s bigger, heavier, and larger in overall dimension and features a thicker plinth. That translates to lower resonances and therefore better sound. The X2’s platter is thicker too and a pound heavier than the X1’s. The X2 outweighs the X1 by a good bit, tipping the scales at 22 versus 15 pounds. To top it off, the X2 ships with the higher end Sumiko Moonstone cartridge. The bodies of the Oyster series cartridges are the same, so you do have the option of switching out the stylus on the X1 for an upgrade in the future. Lastly, the X2 is priced at $1299 where the X1 is priced at $899.
Introduction
Before you continue, you’d do well to take a gander at two previous reviews of Pro-Ject turntables. First, my review of the premium, yet entry-level Pro-Ject Essential III Turntable.
Glenn Young did a super deep dive on the Pro-Ject X2 turntable fitted with the Sumiko Moonstone cartridge. He went hard in the paint on setting up the X2 as he went all digital years ago and got to see if switching to a higher-end turntable would lure him back into the world of vinyl. It’s worth a read for sure and he covers the setup—which is pretty much identical—with so much detail that it’s not worth me regurgitating it all again in this article.
Design
The differences between the two X’s are palpable but place the X1 next to the Essential III and it’s a clear step up in build and size. Pro-Ject doesn’t let innovation cloud their vision however and doesn’t stray from their design ethos. They keep it simple; high-quality materials, handcrafted by expert engineers. No frills or fancy, unnecessary features; it’s strictly a manual turntable design, built with modern materials and production methods.
Pro-Ject has succeeded in making all their turntables beautiful. I loved the look of the gloss red on the Essential III that I reviewed and the X1 tops that. It’s gorgeous. The X line is available in three beautiful finishes. Gloss white, piano black, and satin walnut. I’m partial to white for anything HiFi and fortunately for me, that is the finish my review sample arrived in. It is eight layers of paint hand-polished to a high gloss. Man, I wish the world offered hand-polished white amps too. Le sigh…
The X1 is a belt drive system, but it looks like a direct drive turntable as the belt and motor are hidden below the platter and electronically controlled. You can switch the speed from 33 to 45RPM with the press of a button. Personally (bias alert!), coming from a DJ background I hate having to change the belt for speed control as I’m very much used to speed buttons of my Technics 1200mk2’s, so I’m happy to see a speed box integrated. The motor is isolated from the drive mechanism and comes fitted with a new suspension system. On the surface of the deck, the speed indicator on the turntable blinks on startup until the desired speed is stabilized. Only then does the light stop blinking and remains on. The X1 comes up to speed quickly and the motor is silent.
The X1 features an 8.6-inch carbon-aluminum tonearm, which is light and stiff. It’s finished in one piece without a separate headshell. This approach further reduces resonance and leads to better resistance from external interference. The counterweight has also been damped with TPE—Thermoplastic Elastomer, a plastic, and rubber composite, to protect against unwanted vibration. Additionally, the X1 features a stainless-steel platter bearing with a soft brass bushing and Teflon mirrors for the lowest rumble and noise; and a stable, accurate speed transmission. The turntable feet are isolating aluminum/TPE and height-adjustable. They also serve to isolate the turntable from the surface it’s placed on. The platter is resonance-free acrylic and weighs a hefty 3.3 pounds.
Like the Essential III, the X1 ships with a high-quality phono RCA cable. It’s a semi-balanced, low-capacitance part, with superior shielding. The dustcover is the same one you get with the Essential line.