Pro-Ject Audio Systems is set to expand its True Balanced Connection concept with the introduction of a ground-breaking turntable. The X2 B (SRP £1,399.00) is a premium record player, finished for the first time with a fully balanced mini-XLR output, which offers users a symmetrical connection to the recently announced Phono Box S3 B or Phono Box DS3 B phono stages.
Since its introduction in April 2022, Pro-Ject’s True Balanced Connection concept has excited music lovers around the world for its ability to bring notable improvements to their vinyl playback. Now, the X2 B seeks to expand the offering, and makes accessing the technology easier than ever before.
X2 B features include:
- Luxury manual turntable system with True Balanced Connection output
- Electronically controlled playback speeds (33 and 45RPM) with support for 78RPM
- 9.0in one-piece tonearm made from aluminium wrapped in carbon fibre
- Pre-adjusted Ortofon Quintet Red moving coil cartridge
- Sub-platter drive system for ultimate convenience and a clean visual appearance
- Heavy, anti-resonant acrylic main platter
- Stainless steel platter bearing with soft bronze bushing and Teflon mirrors
- Adjustable, heavy metal vibration-absorbing feet
- Output terminal features RCA phono and five-pin mini-XLR output options
- Heavy, CNC machined MDF chassis
- Supplied with shielded, semi-symmetrical, low-capacitance Connect-IT E cables
- Removable dust cover included
- Handmade in Europe
The X2 B in detail
The X2 B is a luxury high-end turntable that can push your musical enjoyment to new limits thanks to Pro-Ject’s True Balanced Connection concept. It features a high-quality moving coil cartridge and a balanced output option for class-leading convenience and sonic superiority.
Structurally, the X2 B is supported by its large, CNC machined MDF chassis, sat upon three vibration absorbing feet, reducing unwanted resonances to almost imperceptible levels. Inside, it houses a sophisticated DC/AC generator board which, combined with the convenient speed control board (for automatic switching between 33 and 45RPM as well as additional 78RPM support), delivers clean and stable power to the silent motor system. For even further improved performance, the motor is carefully balanced and suspended on a precision tuned TPE belt; effectively decoupling the motor from the main plinth.
In the X2 B, the motor drives a 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 X2 B also benefits from a one-piece Carbon/Alu tonearm with integrated head shell. This 9in tonearm design is incredibly light and stiff, with improved resistance to external interference and better internal damping. The tonearm can also be adjusted for accurate azimuth and VTA settings, allowing advanced analogue audiophiles to fine-tune their sound. The tonearm is then supplied with a TPE-damped counterweight, further reducing cartridge/tonearm resonances.
Supplied with an Ortofon Quintet Red moving coil cartridge pre-installed, the X2 B is capable of benefiting from Pro-Ject’s True Balanced Connections concept. By connecting to a balanced-capable phono stage (Pro-Ject Phono Box S3 B pictured) using the mini-XLR output on the back of the turntable, you can benefit from increased dynamics, less noise and improved signal-to-noise ratios. Going true balanced is like hearing parts of your music that were not there before.
The X2 B is fine-tuned to focus on audio excellence. It has all the features needed for convenient day-to-day use, but no superfluous add-ons that start to negatively impact the sonic character. The end result is a highly engaging, musical turntable that delivers deep, detailed lows, crisp high frequencies and an engaging well-presented midrange. By going True Balanced, it also avoids any unwanted electrical interference commonly found in your home.
Due to Pro-Ject’s advanced manufacturing experience, while delivering great sound the X2 B is also a beautiful piece of engineering that can stand proud as the focal point in any home environment. It’s available in four finishes; a premium walnut wood veneer, a luxurious black 8-layer high gloss paint, or black or white eight-layer hand-polished satin paint.