Pro-Ject X2 B turntable in walnut - walnut wood

High-end turntable, where the suffix “B” stands for “balanced connectivity”. It is called X2 B and comes with the Ortofon Quintet Red MC cartridge as standard

X2 B – among the first balanced turntables

Turntables have a long history behind them. Technology continues to progress, many things have changed, not only in terms of technology, but also in terms of environmental sustainability. Wireless networks are everywhere and countless electronic devices are making homes “smarter”. This means that there are now additional electromagnetic fields, which could interfere with the turntable signal. This was not the case 30 years ago. To ensure the best connection to the phono stage, Pro-Ject has designed a range of balanced products, "True Balanced Connection".

Why "True Balanced Connection"?

Balanced connections are popular in the professional world, such as recording studios and live concerts. It is very important in this sector to have a stable and interference-free connection, as these signals, especially microphone signals, will later need to be amplified. The same goes for the turntable, where the stylus signal will then need to be amplified by the phono stage. The advantage of a balanced connection is the ability to eliminate noise and interference picked up. Balanced connections use three wires per channel: ground, a hot pole and a cold pole. The cold pole is simply the hot pole with reversed polarity. When receiving, the cold pole is reversed and added to the hot pole. If the cable detects noise, it is added to both signals. By inverting one and adding them together at reception, the noise is cancelled out.

The X2 B is Pro-Ject's first turntable with a fully balanced mini XLR output and interfaces perfectly with the new Phono Box S3 B or Phono Box DS3 B stages.

To use the True Balanced connection, your turntable must be fitted with an MC cartridge. The Pro-Ject X2 B comes standard with a premium Ortofon Quintet Red MC cartridge pre-installed.

High-end tonearm and cartridge

The Pro-Ject X2 B comes standard with a 9" tonearm made from a carbon/aluminium alloy. The carbon layer gives the arm a high degree of rigidity, while the aluminium inner sleeve takes care of the tonearm damping. The ultra-low friction 4-point tonearm bearing ensures precise, stable and accurate tracking. The one-piece arm design avoids vibrations caused by the detachable headshell. Its higher mass makes the arm ideal for low to medium compliance MC cartridges, such as the Ortofon Quintet Red, which is supplied with this turntable.

The damped TPE counterweight reduces arm-cartridge resonances by up to 50%. The X2 B is designed to satisfy those who care about the sound of their turntable. vinyl.

The tonearm base is made entirely of aluminium, with audiophile specifications. It allows for both azimuth and vertical tracking angle (VTA) adjustment. The tonearm height can be adjusted continuously by loosening the two fixing screws. These settings allow the tonearm to adapt to variations in platter height depending on the mat used or the use of other cartridges to improve the sound quality.

Mini XLR and RCA Output

A high quality Connect it E RCA cable is supplied as standard with the Pro-Ject X2 B.

This is a semi-balanced, low capacitance cable with above average shielding. However, to take advantage of the balanced signal transmission, you will need one of Pro-Ject's new balanced phono signal cables, which are not supplied with the turntable. If you want to use the X2 B with a Phono Box S3 B, for example, you will need a "Connect it Phono Mini XLR / Mini XLR".

Stable and quiet rotation

The X2 B's motor is already very quiet, but to further improve performance, Pro-Ject has designed a motor suspension that isolates the motor from the chassis. This allows the motor to run stable and free from external influences. Residual vibrations are dampened and eliminated, so they are not transmitted to the chassis, platter and cartridge. The X2 B's motor is carefully balanced and suspended on an elastic TPE suspension. This effectively decouples the motor from the turntable chassis, for maximum performance.

The playback speed is electronically controlled by a DC/AC generator, ensuring accurate and stable music reproduction. You can switch between speeds at the touch of a button. Using the flat belt, you can switch from 33 to 45 rpm. If you fit the supplied round belt, you can switch from 45 to 78 rpm. For 78 rpm, remember to also replace the cartridge.

Heavy chassis - perfect support

Structurally, the X2 B is supported by its large, heavy MDF chassis, which reduces unwanted resonances to almost imperceptible levels. Thanks to its high mass, the X2 B reproduces vinyl records with greater detail and precision. The new X2 B also features damped, height-adjustable aluminium feet, to ensure the turntable stands perfectly. The X2 B's MDF chassis is painted with 8 coats of lacquer and hand polished to achieve the finest possible finish.

It is available in four different finishes: black lacquer, satin black or white with 8 coats of lacquer or walnut veneer. The new X2 B is completely handcrafted in Europe and only with the finest materials, to meet Pro-Ject's high quality standards.

FEATURES

Speed: 33 / 45 / 78rpm (electronic speed control)

Outputs: Phono RCA and 5-pin mini XLR

Drive: Belt

Platter: 30mm high acrylic, weighing 2kg

Platter bearing: Stainless steel

Speed deviation: 33: ±0.25%; 45: ± 0.2%

Wow & flutter: 33: ±0.12%; 45: ± 0.10%

Signal/Noise: 70dB

Arm: 9“, carbon/aluminium alloy

Arm length and mass: 9“ (230 mm) / 13.5 g

Overhang: 18 mm

Aluminium feet: Height adjustable

Supplied accessories: Dust cover, 45gg adapter, felt mat, Connect IT Phono E RCA cable

Power supply: 15V / 0.8A DC

Consumption: 4.5W / 0.3 W standby mode

Dimensions with lid closed (WxHxD): 460x150x340 mm

Weight: 10kg