Pro-Ject X2B

The X2B is a belt-driven turntable from Pro-Ject, designed for playing records at the three standard speeds: 33, 45 and 78 rpm, with electronic speed change. It is supplied fitted with an Ortofon Quintet Red MC cartridge, factory-aligned, sparing the user the task of mounting and initially setting up the cartridge.

The platter, made of 30 mm thick acrylic and weighing 2 kg, rests on a main bearing made of stainless steel and brass, a combination of materials intended to limit unwanted vibrations. The tonearm, a carbon/aluminium sandwich type measuring 9 inches, has an effective length of 230 mm, an overhang of 18 mm and an effective mass of 13.5 g, with a tracking force adjustment range of 0 to 30 mN. The turntable is quoted with a signal-to-noise ratio of 70 dB and a speed variation of 0.25% at 33 rpm and 0.20% at 45 rpm.

A distinctive feature of this model is that it offers both conventional RCA outputs and mini XLR outputs, designed for a balanced connection known as True Balanced to a compatible phono preamplifier. The turntable is supplied with the semi-balanced Connect it Phono E RCA cable; the fully balanced mini XLR cable is sold separately.

This type of turntable is aimed at a user wanting a complete and coherent setup straight out of the box, MC cartridge included, while retaining the option to upgrade their system to a balanced connection with a suitable phono preamplifier. It will suit both a first serious vinyl system and an enthusiast looking to explore the benefits of a balanced link.