The entire region is so rich in turntable tradition resulting in totally unique quality and products. We have a feeling many people who start out with the A1 will realize, a turntable is nothing to be scared of and will eventually get a better manual turntable. The tonearm headshell is reinforced with carbon fibre, and is fitted with a very acceptable Ortofon OM10 moving magnet cartridge its pre-aligned and pre-adjusted for tracking force. So yes, its a wooden, resonance-rejecting chassis with a dust cover on the top and some pliant, resonance-rejecting feet on the bottom. The bass is powerful and full. This is the first fully automatic turntable that I have nothing to complain about. A damping ring on the inside is added to increase weight and reduce resonances. Our new A1 is your best companion to comfortably enjoy your favourite vinyls. However, like every other Pro-Ject turntable, the A1 is properly built and finished. Switchable for playing 45 RPM records or standard 33 RPM LPs, its also outfitted with an Ortofon OM10 phono cartridge. If a turntable is manual, this means you must push the power button, then move the tonearm over the record lead in the groove and gently lower the arm onto the record surface using the cue lever. Widescreen Explained: Whats With The Black Bars? In the A1, it is made from MDF panels glued together to reduce resonance. Mark Levinson No 5909 Over-Ear Headphones, Wall-to-Wall True Widescreen Home Theater, Cambridge Audio ALVA TT V2 Direct Drive Turntable, Technics SL-1200GR Single Rotor Coreless Turntable. Damping feet help keep external vibrations out of the turntable which can degrade the sound, especially when you crank up the volume. Really, all thats required is to connect the A1s hard-wired phono cables (and grounding cable) to your speaker system and youre in business. This makes it perfect for vinyl beginners and experienced listeners alike as the sound quality is carried by all the audiophile features the A1 has on offer. Its a detailed and communicative listen throughout but given a vocalist to work with, the Pro-Ject is particularly eloquent. If you don't have a phono preamplifier in your current HiFi setup you will benefit of the A1s built-in one. The interface of Pro-Jects A1 fully automatic turntable is a dream. We think the A1 will be very popular with some of our great powered speakers as a simple, easy-to-use vinyl rig. We follow the IPSO Editors code of practice to underpin these standards. 33.3/45rpm speeds are supported and you can change between the two via the switch on the side of the record player. Today, we have millions of users a month from around the world, and assess more than 1,000 products a year. If you are not worried about your skills, please stick with a manual turntable choice. It was the ultimate winning combination. The Pro-Ject A1 is on sale now, and in the UK is priced at 369. We like to start with the bottom and work up, so here we go. Read one of our many positive A1 Automat turntable reviews for more info. All and all a great system that makes playing vinyl a piece of cake! These have a big advantage too if you decide to move to another room and just let the record play, you dont have to worry about rushing back to lift up the stylus at the end. Its worth noting that the A1 has never heard of 12in discs that spin at 45rpm so if you have 12in singles, or one of those expensive remasters of albums that turn at 45rpm, theres quite a lot more manual input into getting your record playing than the word automatic might imply. While there are plenty of lower-cost semi-automatic turntables out there, there are no audiophile grade automatic turntables like this. So as long as you dont think an automatic record player will put your vinyl back in its sleeve or anything, theres no reason not to have a long, hard think about the A1. So Pro-Ject has tried its best to bring a degree of automation to the process, with generally successful results. So does the A1 have what it takes to become an automatic choice? If you want to switch to another cartridge, it will accept any cartridges with half-inch mounting holes. When the A1 detects its reached the end of the record, the tonearm lifts and returns to its cradle as the record stops spinning. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Attempts to update or reimagine the design of the turntable are doomed to failure. Second spoiler alert of the review: the Pro-Ject A1 does almost all the stuff that people who are interested in the vinyl format are partial to. While we feel like it is really not that hard at all to use a manual turntable, we understand how some people could feel that way. Were particularly taken with Audio-Technicas AT-LP5X, which doesnt have the Pro-Jects automatic stop/start feature but counters this with a USB output (for making digital copies of your vinyl) and is a few quid less expensive, too. By focusing all our efforts and energy into making the best sounding HiFi as affordable as possible. This makes it perfect for vinyl beginners and experienced listeners alike as the sound quality is carried by all the audiophile features the A1 has on offer. Our Connect it E is a semi-balanced, low-capacitance cable, with superior shielding. Take timing and integration, for example. A little-known fact is that the OM series of cartridges have their developmental roots and legacy in ultra-light-mass tonearm designs. He spent five years as editor of What Hi-Fi? Moving on to the tonearm, it is an 8.3 low mass aluminum design. It is made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer which makes it super stable and rigid, all while keeping the weight at the lowest to work perfectly with the ultra-light-mass tonearm design. The Pro-Ject 1 was a simple-looking turntable. The A1 is fully handmade in Germany and looks back on decades of experience in turntable manufacturing. We also like the fact you could upgrade it later when you go to replace the stylus by going with the stylus for the OM20 cartridge. Should you wish to raise or lower the arm manually, there is a cue lever and there also is a stop lever that will bring the arm back and shut things down. This particular series of cartridges were designed for low-mass arms like we have on the A1. It has a smooth, steady feel to the music. Results for {phrase} ({results_count} of {results_count_total}), Displaying {results_count} results of {results_count_total}. 16.93 in x 5.12 in x 14.37 in (W x H x D). For those of you just jumping into turntables, we should explain what we mean. Its called Automat, and the A1 is the inaugural product. Yeah, I did too but were wrong. One of the reasons people love the vinyl format is its tactility but then again, its extremely hands on nature doesnt always make for the most relaxing listening experience. Pro-Ject Audio Systems has always had one purpose since its establishment in 1991: bring HiFi Stereo music enjoyment to as many people as possible. You own a lot of 12in 45rpm vinyl The A1 is more bothersome than a manual deck in this regard. Certainly more than is necessary with a fully manual turntable. In our minds, this was the right choice for an entry-level turntable like this as it makes it just so simple to install. The technology Pro-Ject pulled from their vast knowledge of turntables, along with the zero interference Automat system, is what makes it really impressive. Pro-Ject chose the Ortofon OM10 moving magnet phono cartridge, which is a very good value cartridge. We have to admit, we thought, what the heck when we first heard about this new turntable, but after learning from Pro-Ject as to why they wanted to come out with it and then finding out how they implemented the Automatic system, we got it. Simon Lucas is a journalist of 15 years standing, with particular emphasis on the world of consumer electronics. We never, ever, accept money to review a product. Pro-Ject Audio Systems is now extremely proud to announce that we have finally found access to exactly the kind of technology that allows us to make automatic turntables without degrading the sound quality to below our standards. Similarly, a 45rpm 12in single of Cabaret Voltaires Sensoria (laboriously cued up, though, because no-one wants to start hearing it from five inches in) highlights a slight, but definite, reticence where the bigger dynamic shifts of volume and attack are concerned. Playing anything that isnt a 33.3 12in disc or a 45rpm 7in alternative makes the A1 a lot less automatic, however, which is a pity. It comes with this engaged, which means you can connect the A1 up to powered speakers, or an amp that does not have a phono preamp. From the second you open the box, youll have it up and running to your stereo speakers or plugged into a bluetooth speaker in mere minutes. Easily change speed with the push of only a single button & listen to your favourite LPs aswell as singles. At the end of the record, the record player will automatically return the tonearm to the resting place. Theres a pair of very decent analogue interconnects hard-wired into the rear panel, along with an earthing cable to prevent hum. This means the Pro-Ject is able to amplify its own weakling signal to a point that any system at all will be able to deal with it. Because, back then, the CD format was in its infancy, had its fair share of problems and CD players were too expensive. This technically reliable technology is what enables us to bring the Pro-Ject sound and philosophy to an entirely new audience, and, with it, affordable and accessible high-quality HiFi to peoples homes. What do you think the word automatic means? The A1 is pretty much ready to go. Plug-and-play convenience, great specification and entertaining, expressive sound. All you have to do is remove a protective piece or two, connect it to power and your powered speakers or receiver, take off the stylus guard, and push play. The platter is really pretty cool and gets trickle-down tech from the bigger Pro-Ject tables. No, instead you have to take the slipmat off the platter and search for a very tiny switch through one of the platters cutaways. It is a semi-balanced, low-capacitance cable, with superior shielding. Fully Automatic turntables are just the opposite. Man-oh-man, it sounds swell right out of the box. To guarantee a perfect connection to your amp we use a high-quality phono RCA cable. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. And the Pro-Ject automatic mechanism is entirely disengaged once the cartridge engages with the vinyl, so you can be certain the sound the A1 is making is uncorrupted by any internal influence. One of the most impressive parts about this turntable is the fact it is 100% assembled in Germany with 99% of the components used either made in their factory or sourced from local companies, with the exception of the Denmark-made Ortofon phono cartridge. And because the automatics are working entirely mechanically no additional electronics needed they are truly not influencing or degrading sound quality during playback! Together with the Ortofon OM10, which fits this design principle perfectly, we get extraordinary fast response and detail in terms of transients and microdynamics. https://pro-jectusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Pro-Ject-Automat-A1-Video.mp4, Pro-Ject A1 Automatic Turntable Setup Guide, Factory installed and aligned Ortofon OM10 cartridge, Precise mechanics with automated start and stop, Carbon fiber reinforced non-magnetic headshell, Electronically controlled playback speeds, Captive semi-symmetrical Connect it E phono cable, Gold-plated male RCA connectors (amplifier end), Drive principle: belt drive, fully automatic, Wow & flutter: 33: +/-0.27%; 45: +/-0.25%, Tonearm: ultra-light-mass 8.3 aluminum tonearm, Included accessories: 15V DC / 0.8A power supply, dust cover, 7 single adapter, felt mat, phono cable. Pro-Ject, we never doubted you. You want to add some convenience to this most inconvenient format Auto stop/start turns out to be properly labour-saving. Pro-Ject developed some tech for better damping feet for their new Evo turntables in 2021. We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. However, it may well be the first that makes switching the phono amplification on or off feel quite so unauthorised. We are very happy to expand our product catalog with a fully automatic entry-level turntable and create new opportunities for future vinyl beginners and enthusiasts. After that, it goes directly to our next local German supplier for phosphating and de-oiling. The Pro-Ject needs to be coaxed into dealing with these records, much more so than a fully manual turntable does. As mentioned, the A1 is far from the only game in town at this sort of money. We have always had one purpose since our establishment in 1991: bring HiFi Stereo music enjoyment to as many people as possible. The automatics, platter bearing and tonearm are mounted on a solid and 2cm thick MDF base plate. In three operations it is first stamped, bent and perforated. Put your vinyl on the platter, and press start. It just doesnt breathe deeply enough to put the required distance between the low-key intro (and outro) to Arctic Monkeys When the Sun Goes Down and the garage-punk angst assault of the stuff in between. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. Even the individual components are 98% made and produced in Germany. The new feet effectively decouple the turntable from the surface it is placed on using an internal silicon damping layer. Compared to other digital and analog music sources, the signal coming from a turntable cartridge is very fragile in nature and cheap RCA cables often do not provide the ideal conditions for getting a phono signal to an amplifier. If youre new to the hobby and have concerns about setting up cartridges, antiskating, and counterweights, this is an ideal choice. For anyone who has not gotten into vinyl because the idea of setting up or operating a turntable scared them, the Pro-Ject A1 will be the perfect solution. And It all starts with the A1. Theres no such thing as set it and forget it in the world of vinyl, but Pro-Jects new Automat A1 does make starting and stopping sides easier than most. Parker Hall, Wired, so I think this sounds great, I think the automatic functionality is awesome Randy Messman, Cheap Audio Man, 2022 Pro-Ject Audio USA. Find out more about how we test in ourethics policy. The sound is finer and even more detailed than before. The damping ring on the inside adds weight and reduces resonances. Once the whole side of the record has played, the tonearm lifts itself back into its cradle and the platter stops spinning. The low-end is substantial and punchy, but controlled enough to keep up the momentum of a recording. You'll be among the first to know about product launches, exclusive online deals, and the hottest audio trends. While the Automat A1 does not have the same fine watch-like fit and finish as Pro-Jects higher-end turntables, it is extremely well put together for its cost with some components you typically only see on more expensive turntables. The Pro-Ject A1 model has an auto-stop feature, whereby when the record is finished, the tonearm will lift off the record and return to its initial position. It will take great care of your records while delivering wonderful sound. As far as controls go, the A1 has just about enough. Unpacking and setting up the Automat A1 was just as easy as Pro-Ject told us it would be. Tracking force and anti-skating are factory pre-adjusted which make the A1 plug & play ready within a few seconds. Its a belt-drive arrangement that moves the platter, and theres a very decent Ortofon cartridge attached to the tonearm and ready to go. We test every turntable we review thoroughly over an extended period of time. Build quality and craftsmanship had to be excellent so it could keep spinning records for the next 30 years and longer. I think the automatic functionality is awesome. A reasonably busy recording like Lordes Green Light is delivered as a unified whole, with the sort of naturalistic expression of the rhythm track that is one of vinyls calling-cards. In an extra step, it is then turned and precision balanced to receive its fine edges and lowest wow and flutter deviations. The headshell is made of carbon fibre reinforced polymer which is super stable and rigid, while keeping the weight super low. In the end, our assessment was, the Automat A1 just does not do anything wrong. Of course, your system may already have a phono stage, in which you can decide which one you prefer. The great part is, right after the arm drops, the Automat system is completely disengaged. The low-end is substantial and punchy, but controlled enough to keep up the momentum of a recording, and although the top-end is short of ultimate extension, its still bright and attacks crisply. Its not just as a champion of automation for which the A1 deserves recognition: it also proves that a sub-400 all-in-one package can truly satisfy. The A1 comes with our Connect it E phono cable. The A1 is far from the first record player to feature sufficient onboard amplification to make a record audible, even through systems that dont have the necessary oomph. If you have been thinking about jumping into vinyl but have been worried about not having the skill to set up or use a manual turntable, the Automat A1 is the answer you have been looking for. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Pro-Ject Audio launched its first product in 1991, the Pro-Ject One. The fully mechanical automatics are engaged when you press start and the tonearm is automatically moved to the lead in groove of the record. The headshell is made from a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer. and his subsequent work as a freelance wri, Unbiased and independent advice on what to buy, Phono stage can be switched off for an external one, Record player comes with the cartridge pre-fitted, Cant make the most of dynamic variations, Integrated and well-hidden phono stage, Even, balanced and information-rich sound. From the best-selling brand of audiophile turntables, the A1 is the perfect turntable for anyone worried about how to use a turntable. The A1 is fully handmade in Germany and looks back on decades of experience. SKU A1 Categories Automat Record Players, Casual Crate Digger, Turntables, Vinyl Curious. Learn more. Towards the end of the 90s, we decided to make our most popular product, the DEBUT, in many fancy colours. That is something you normally only see on more expensive turntables. The platter will start spinning, the Automat mechanism will engage to move the tonearm over the record, then lower it. A hefty reissue of Sufjan Stevens Come On Feel the Illinoise is up and running in no time the automatic element of the A1 doesnt take the hard graft away from the end user, but what it does it does flawlessly. One is to switch between 33.3 and 45rpm, one is to lift or lower the tonearm, and one is labelled start/stop. This gives you the performance that has made Pro-Ject turntables famous and the ease of use of a fully Automatic turntable. All the character, all the immediacy, all of the emotional intention a singer creates, is handed over in full. The Pro-Ject A1 comes with an Ortofon OM10 cartridge thats pre-fitted to the tonearm. And its not the most adept with the more subtle, but equally important, harmonic dynamics of the strummed guitar, either. After a quick three decades setting the pace in the world of mainstream record players, Pro-Ject has decided the time is right for a range of automatic turntables. Take the record player out of the packaging, put on the dust cover and youre done. You wont mistake it, though its next to some rather dangerous-looking exposed wiring. Paired with Pro-Ject technology, it sets new standards in automatic turntable design. Only certain record sizes appear to work, however (33.3rpm 12-inch, 45rpm 7-inch). In the US it costs $499, while in Australia youll need to part with AU$699. Compared to other digital and analog music sources, the signal coming from a turntable cartridge is very fragile in nature and cheap RCA cables often do not provide the ideal conditions for getting a phono signal to an amplifier. The revival of the analog record started in the mid-90s and like the snowball effect it rolled on inexorably. The belt drive motor system is isolated from the platter bearing, to again reduce noise and resonance. In three operations it is first stamped, bent and perforated. These cookies do not store any personal information. The fully mechanical automatics are engaged when you press start and the tonearm is automatically moved to the lead-in groove of the record. This is a true performance turntable that is fully automatic, and incredibly easy to use. The problem in the world of fully Automatic turntables, up until now, is all of them had mechanical systems that would interfere with the turntables tonearm being friction-free and reducing sound quality. Why a turntable? Audio Advice is North Carolinas #1 smart home and automation company. Or, at least, youre in business once youve switched the integrated phono stage on or off. If you have questions or need audio advice, you can chat with an expert at AudioAdvice.com, call us or visit one of our world-class showrooms.