Mistelbach, Austria – September 24th, 2024 – Pro-Ject Audio Systems is proud to announce the latest edition to the T Series of turntables, the T1 EVO, T1 EVO Phono & T1 EVO BT. Improvements include a classic groove-slayer in the Ortofon OM10 MM phono cartridge, a larger Debut-sized sub-platter as well as electronic speed change for all 3 models. The precision-machined chassis remains free of resonant hollow spaces. The high-mass tempered glass record platter is anti-resonant & great for rotational stability (not to mention its alluring visual appeal!). As always, you can count on a top-notch tonearm – the T1 EVO uses the tried & true 8.6” 1-piece aluminum armtube with high-quality bearings to tie everything together sonically. Most importantly, there are 3 models that cover varying needs for system integration & convenience. The T1 EVO is a conventional turntable (pick your own phono preamp!). The T1 EVO Phono of course has a built-in MM phono preamp that’s also defeatable, while the T1 EVO BT has a built-in phono preamp that also sends Bluetooth for wireless enjoyment of vinyl.
T1 EVO turntables will begin shipping in the U.S. market late October, retailing for $449 (T1 EVO), $499 (T1 EVO Phono) & $599 (T1 EVO BT) USD
| T1 EVO Features:Just as before, 3 models are available! – T1 EVO ($449): conventional turntable (requires phono preamp)- T1 EVO Phono: built-in switchable phono preamp- T1 EVO BT: BT 5.0, aptX HD for wireless streaming – Electronic speed change for all models (push-button control, no belt handling)- Pre-adjusted Ortofon OM10 cartridge- Anti-resonant sub-platter design- Heavy 8mm-thick tempered glass platter- CNC-machined chassis(no resonant hollow spaces!)- 8.6″ one-piece aluminum tonearm- Low-friction, no-vibration tonearm bearing- Connect it Phono E RCA/ground cable- Vibration-absorbing isolation feet- Elegant dust cover with adjustable hinges- Gloss black, satin white & satin walnut- Handmade in Europe | Technical Specifications:– Speed: 33 & 45rpm (electronic speed change) Principle: belt-driven sub-platter- Speed variance: 0.7% (33rpm), 0.6% (45rpm)- Wow & flutter: 0.25% (33rpm), 0.23% (45rpm)- Platter: heavy 8mm-thick blasted-glass platter- Main bearing: Stainless steel axle in brass bushing- Signal to noise: 65dB- Tonearm: 8.6” one-piece aluminum- Effective arm length: 218.5mm- Overhang: 22.0mm- Effective tonearm mass: 8.0g- Counterweight for mass: 5-10g (pre-adjusted)- Tracking force range: 0-5g (set at 1.75g)- Included accessories: dust cover, felt mat, power supply, high-quality phono/line RCA cable- Power supply: 110-240V 50-60Hz 15V DC (800mA)- Power consumption: 4.5W max- Dimensions (WxHxD): 415 x 100 x 335mm Dimensions (standard): 16.34 x 3.94 x 13.19″- Mass (weight): 3.8kg (8.38 lbs) net |
The Audiophile History of Pro-Ject Turntables
Pro-Ject Audio Systems was founded in 1991 by Heinz Lichtenegger in Austria, at a time when many in the audio industry had already written off the vinyl record. The CD had become the dominant format, and most manufacturers were pivoting toward digital. Lichtenegger took a different approach. He believed that analog playback—done well—still offered something digital couldn’t: warmth, depth, and a kind of musical engagement that many listeners weren’t ready to give up.
Pro-Ject’s earliest turntables were simple, belt-driven designs, focused on performance over frills. The idea was to strip analog playback down to its essentials and rebuild it with quality parts, smart engineering, and no unnecessary features. The first model, the Pro-Ject 1, was made in a small factory in the Czech Republic and became the foundation for a product line that would grow into one of the largest and most respected in the world of turntables.
What made Pro-Ject different from the beginning was its focus on affordability without sacrificing core performance. Rather than chase the ultra-high-end audiophile market, the company aimed to serve music lovers who wanted to get serious about vinyl playback without spending a fortune. That philosophy still drives the company’s product strategy today.
As demand for vinyl began to return in the 2000s and especially into the 2010s, Pro-Ject was already well-positioned to lead the resurgence. Its product line expanded rapidly, from basic entry-level tables like the Debut Carbon—a modern classic with its carbon-fiber tonearm and upgraded platter—to more advanced designs like the X1, X2, and RPM series, which began to appeal to more critical listeners.
One of the company’s key strengths has been its modular approach. Pro-Ject often offers multiple upgrade paths within each model line—better platters, higher-end tonearms, and optional cartridges—allowing users to evolve their systems over time without replacing the entire turntable. This long-term, system-building mindset has helped Pro-Ject maintain a loyal customer base.
In addition to turntables, Pro-Ject has expanded into phono preamps, tonearms, record cleaning machines, and compact digital components under the “Box Design” label. But turntables remain the core of the brand. With dozens of models in production across various price points and aesthetic styles, Pro-Ject has one of the most extensive analog catalogs in the industry.
All manufacturing is done in Europe, mostly in the Czech Republic, where Pro-Ject owns its own factory. This level of vertical integration allows the company to maintain quality control and keep production costs in check, which is rare in the current global manufacturing landscape.
Today, Pro-Ject is widely recognized as one of the key players in the vinyl revival. The brand is present in hi-fi shops around the world and is often recommended as a first serious turntable by audio professionals and reviewers alike. Whether you’re buying your first Debut Carbon or investing in a higher-end X8 or Signature model, Pro-Ject’s design philosophy has remained consistent: keep it simple, focus on sound, and let analog do what it does best.
The Others Highly Respected German Audiophile Turntable Brands
Germany has long held a reputation for precision engineering, and that tradition extends directly into the world of high-end turntables. Several German manufacturers have played key roles in shaping the analog playback landscape, offering a mix of performance, mechanical innovation, and build quality.
Clearaudio, based in Erlangen, is arguably the most internationally recognized German turntable brand. Known for its acrylic plinth designs and linear tracking arms, Clearaudio offers everything from entry-level models like the Concept to ultra-high-end statement tables such as the Master Innovation. Their emphasis on tight tolerances and mechanical silence sets them apart in the ultra-competitive high-end market.
Thorens, though now operating under Swiss ownership, has German roots going back decades and remains a staple for both vintage and modern vinyl playback. The TD series turntables, especially the TD 160 and its modern derivatives, are beloved for their suspended chassis designs and musical, engaging sound.
Acoustic Signature, located in Süßen, Germany, specializes in mass-loaded designs and advanced bearing technology. Their turntables, like the Typhoon and Invictus, focus on ultra-low noise floors and rock-solid speed stability.
Brands like Dual and Transrotor also deserve mention. Dual offers solid, budget-friendly options with a long legacy, while Transrotor’s heavier, sculptural designs appeal to buyers seeking both aesthetics and sonic performance.
German turntables are often built for longevity and mechanical precision, offering a quieter, more stable analog experience. For vinyl lovers who value engineering discipline and long-term reliability, Germany remains a top source for analog playback gear.
