Pro-Ject A2 Automatic Subchassis Turntable Black - Automat

A2 Technology

The A2 continues the success of our fully mechanical automatic turntables. With the A2, you can now select the release point for 7" (singles) or 12" (LPs) for 45 rpm records. We've also added 78 rpm to the system, allowing you to dig into old shellac collections again. To enjoy listening to your A2, simply press start and the tonearm automatically moves to the lead-in groove of the record. Once playing, the automatics are completely removed from the equation.

And because the automatics work entirely mechanically, with no additional electronics required, they don't actually affect or degrade the sound quality during playback! At the end of the record, the tonearm is automatically returned and gently lowered to its resting position and the motor switches off.

Why a subchassis? Automatic turntables have a lot of small mechanical parts, which means you need more empty space in the chassis to fit them in. Empty spaces are the biggest problem as they always reinforce resonances. By using a subchassis, you decouple the tonearm and drive from the chassis. In other words, a subchassis is a MUST for automatic turntables and allows them to achieve excellent sonic performance.

Floating Subchassis The A2 uses a subchassis construction, where the tonearm, platter bearing and motor are mounted on a separate floating subchassis. This further isolates all the most critical elements of the turntable and adds an extra layer of protection against external noise, resonances and interference. This has particularly big advantages when the speakers are very close to the turntable.

Pro-Ject Design Philosophy Adding Pro-Ject design and ideas, we spent a lot of time on the clean design language of the A2. You will notice similarities with iconic designs from the German audio industry. Today, we believe this minimalist approach is very modern again.

Improved automatic mechanism We have invested in a new die-cast aluminum cover for the entire subchassis and automatic mechanism. We have tried to avoid the plastic parts of the original German automatic design as much as possible. This is the first time in all 50 years of its existence that the original automatic design has received an improvement like this. Thanks to the new die-cast aluminum cover and the massive chassis, the entire subchassis construction is more effective and isolates unwanted resonances much better.

Massless tracking force adjustment The A2 uses a new system to set the tracking force. As usual, you first level the tonearm with the damped counterweight. Damping the counterweight makes the tonearm as a whole more robust and decouples the counterweight from the tonearm, reducing resonance frequencies. The tracking force is then set by turning a knob directly on the arm bearing. This system is not only very fast, precise and efficient, but also keeps the center of gravity directly on top of the center of the bearing. The spring-loaded anti-skating can also be adjusted directly on the tonearm base.

Improved tonearm and gimbal bearingThe A2 features an ultra-lightweight 8.3" aluminium tonearm with an improved tonearm tube with larger diameter. It is a perfect match for the slightly heavier Ortofon 2M Red. In combination, we retain the super-fast response and all the transient details with plenty of fine microdynamics, while the new 2M Red adds plenty of body and musical warmth. The tonearm bearing has received a major upgrade, it is now made of aluminium and features a 4-pin gimbal construction with steel ball bearings from our own production. This allows for free and unobstructed arm movement with the least amount of friction possible. The A2 will track your vinyl records with maximum precision and tightness.

Audiophile features

Ortofon 2M Red - Moving magnet cartridge - The 2M Red is a multipurpose cartridge that delivers an open and dynamic sound with a slight touch of warmth. (*US version features Sumiko Rainier)

New Headshell - Carbon Fiber Reinforced Anti-Magnetic Headshell - The headshell is made from carbon fiber reinforced polymer, making it extremely stable and rigid, while keeping weight to a minimum to work perfectly with the ultra-light tonearm design.

Heavy MDF Main Chassis - Heavy and No Gaps - The new heavy MDF main chassis is crafted and engineered in Austria and carefully hand painted in a luxurious 8-layer matte black finish. It provides a very sturdy base for the subchassis and reduces gaps to avoid resonances. Such a massive chassis is very unusual in this price range and the basis for a natural sound.

Floating subchassis - With die-cast aluminum top - Isolating all the most critical elements of the turntable adds an extra layer of protection against external noise. A must for automatic turntables.

Damped platter - Precision balanced aluminum - The damping ring inside adds weight and reduces resonances. In the last step the platter is precisely turned and balanced to receive its thin edges and the lowest deviations of wow and flutter.

Plug it in - Semi-balanced RCA cable - To ensure a perfect connection to your amplifier we use a high quality RCA phono cable. Our Connect it E is a semi-balanced, low capacitance cable with superior shielding.

33/45/78 RPM - Ready for Singles, LPs and Shellacs - No need to change the belt position. Easily change speeds with the push of a single button and listen to your favorite LP, single or shellac.

Automatic Line - Handmade in Germany - The A2 is entirely handmade in Germany and benefits from decades of experience. Combined with Pro-Ject technology, it sets new standards in automatic turntable design.

SPECIFICATIONS

Speeds: 33, 45, 78 (electronic speed change)

Drive principle: belt drive, fully automatic

Platter: damped aluminium platter

Wow and flutter: 33: +/-0.14%; 45: +/-0.12%

Speed drift: 33: +/-0.27%; 45: +/-0.22%

Signal/Noise: 74 dB

Tonearm: 8.3" ultra-lightweight aluminum tonearm

Effective tonearm length: 211mm

Effective tonearm mass: 7g

Protrusion: 19.5mm

Included accessories: 15V DC / 0.8A power supply, dust cover, 7'' single adapter, felt mat, cable phono

Power consumption: 1.5W

Dimensions: 430 x 150 x 365 mm (WxHxD)

Weight: 7.3 kg net / 10 kg with packaging