Turntable Pro-Ject X2 B Quintet Red Piano Black

The MC pickup is balanced in nature and by balancing the entire signal path, all radiated noise can be kept to an absolute minimum. The ultra-weak signal from an MC pickup is extremely sensitive to noise, so it makes sense to go the extra mile. On the other hand, a balanced design requires twice as many components in the signal path as an RIAA amplifier. For this reason, it is usually found only in hi-fi equipment that is in the heavy price category. And also in professional equipment, where everything must work, and price comes second.

Together with the matching Phono Box S3 B balanced RIAA amplifier, the X2 B received the coveted EISA 2022-2023 "Best Product" award in the Vinyl System category. This proves that the balanced concept works and that you get exceptional value for money. But even if you buy the X2 B without planning to purchase a balanced RIAA Phono Box, you won't be wasting a lot of money on an expensive balanced turntable. Precisely because MC pickups are balanced by nature, preparing the X2 B for a subsequent balanced upgrade is limited to a set of XLR connectors and an additional cable.

Sleek and elegant design

With its elegant and stylish design, the X2 B can become the jewel of your interior without attracting too much attention. If you really care about your vinyl sound and want it to look good, the X2 B is a great choice.

As many as eight layers of varnish are applied to the base to give it special depth and splendor. Alternatively, you can opt for the incredibly attractive real walnut veneer version. Comfort is also top notch because, unlike many other high-end turntables, you get electronic switching between 33/45 rpm.

Availability and flexibility

The X2 B comes with an exclusive factory Ortofon Quintet Red MC cartridge that perfectly matches the massive and ultra-stiff tonearm. With countless fine-tuning options, you can optimize the X2 B for the vast majority of pickups on the market.

The included RCA signal cable is of very high quality, but if desired, it can be replaced with an even higher quality one. If you want to use a fully balanced signal path - for example, with one of Pro-Ject's RIAA-compliant amplifiers - a balanced phono cable can be purchased as an option.

The X2 B is available in lacquered or natural walnut veneer. Includes dust cover, Ortofon Quintet Red MC cartridge, felt mat and RCA signal cable.

The path is closed to resonances

The X2 B's plinth is made from heavy, resonance-damping MDF, which provides an unshakably stable base for the rest of the components. The ultra-quiet motor is separated from the chassis by a precision TPE belt, and the rotation speed is electronically controlled via an integrated AC/DC generator that provides superbly clean and stable power to the motor.

The solid acrylic disc weighs a whopping two kilograms, so it effectively suppresses resonances and vibrations and looks great at the same time. Durable aluminum and TPE rubber feet isolate ground vibration and are height adjustable, making it easy to level the X2 B.

The tonearm is an exclusive low-resonance carbon fiber/aluminum laminated design where the pickup body and arm tube are machined from one piece. The aluminum base provides maximum stability, and you can adjust both the azimuth and vertical tracking angle to ensure perfect stylus-to-groove contact. On a heavy platform, this graceful arm really gets the chance to reach its full potential.

Peculiarities:

• Fully balanced signal path using optional moving coil cartridge and matching RIAA amplifier
• Exclusive 8-layer finish with varnish or natural wood veneer
• Heavy acrylic disc with low resonance
• Ready to use with factory installed Ortofon Quintet Red MC cartridge
• 9" carbon fiber/aluminum tonearm
• Electronic shifting 33/45 rpm
• Adjustable aluminum legs with TPE damping
• Exclusive 8-layer finish with varnish or natural wood veneer
• Dust cover and high quality RCA cable included
• Hand assembled in Europe
• Dimensions (H/W/D), mm - 150 x 460 x 340
• Vaga - 10 kg