Hi-Fi Hall of Fame
Business Inductee
Pro-Ject Audio Systems

Pro-Ject Audio Systems: Introduction

Our next inductee is a business that has been producing a wide range of excellent and affordable Hi-Fi equipment since 1991. The company is “Pro-Ject Audio Systems”.

Founded in 1991 by Heinz Lichtenegger, Pro-Ject is based in Mistelbach, Austria. Products are designed in Austria and manufactured in Europe, with facilities in Germany, Czech Republic, and Slovakia. The company specializes in turntables, often considered reference models for entry-level audiophiles, and offers a wide range of hi-fi components, including preamplifiers, speakers, and accessories. Pro-Ject is celebrated for its commitment to exceptional sound quality, innovative design, and affordability, making high-end audio accessible to a broader audience.

Let’s take a deeper dive into Pro-Ject Audio Systems.

Founding of Pro-Ject Audio Systems

Pro-Ject has an extraordinary origin story. The company was founded in 1991, amidst the tsunami of digital music and Compact Discs. Many people thought that analog audio and vinyl records were obsolete technologies. Against the odds, founder Heinz Lichtenegger believed that turntables and records offered the best way to enjoy music. Pro-Ject had a simple mission: to deliver the finest analogue experience at affordable prices.

Their first product was a simple belt drive turntable called the Pro-Ject 1. It was essentially a modified version of the Tesla NC-500, which was designed and manufactured in the Czech Republic for the central and eastern European markets.

Lichtenegger bought a batch of these turntables and sold them in his shop in Vienna, Austria. They were well received and, encouraged by the success, restarted production at the original factory in the Czech Republic. Pro-Ject Audio Systems was born, and now, more than thirty years later, the company is still going strong.

Pro-Ject Turntables

Pro-Ject is best known for their wide range of innovative, high quality turntables that they have been producing ever since their founding. Here are a few of their most iconic models, past and present….

Pro-Ject 6

After the success of the Pro-Ject 1 in 1991, Pro-Ject aimed a little higher with the Pro-Ject 6 turntable, which was launched in 1993. The 6 was designed for audiophiles, and it was priced accordingly. The 6 evolved over the next few years. In 1996 Pro-Ject released the 6S/A which sported a Sumiko tonearm and Ortofon MC25 FL cartridge, and then in 2016 a Perspex (clear plastic) version called the 6 Perspex SB.

Debut

In 1999, Pro-Ject released the “Debut” turntable. It was a very simple belt drive machine, but delivered excellent sound at a highly affordable price point.

The Debut evolved very quickly, with the Mark II model arriving just a year later in 2000. It was available in a range of colours. Just a year later, Pro-Ject released the Debut Phono, which included a built-in phono preamplifier. In 2012 the line took a big leap forward with the Debut Carbon which was equipped with a carbon fibre tonearm.

The Debut continues to evolve, and as of 2024, the Debut is available in “EVO 2” and “Pro” versions.

RPM

Pro-Ject designers did away with the conventional turntable chassis when they created the “RPM” line. The idea was to minimize resonances by separating the platter from the motor. The first model in that series was the RPM 5, launched in 2006.

Since then, the RPM series has expanded to include more models. The top-of-the-line RPM 10 Carbon employs a heavy base, with the platter and motor suspended above.

Elemental

Elemental is another affordable turntable from Pro-Ject, aimed at the listener who prefers a minimalist appearance.

First introduced in 2014, Elemental is a “plug and play” turntable with everything included and pre-configured at the factory. In addition to the usual tabletop design, Elemental is available in a “vertical” version that operates standing up. It’s available in several colours, can be wall-mounted if desired, and there is even a version for left handed people!

Juke Box

Juke Box is Pro-Ject’s “all in one” turntable. The pre-amplifier and power amplifier are built right into the turntable base, so you just need to add speakers and you’re all set. It is sold by itself if you want to pick your own speakers, or it can be bought in a package with a fine pair of Pro-Ject speakers.

Just for a change, we’ll show you a rear view of the Juke Box. You can see a line level input, for connecting a CD player or tuner. There are also line out and phono out jacks for connecting a separate amplifier. Inside, there’s also a Bluetooth receiver, so you can stream music from a cellphone or laptop.

Automat

The “Automat” is Pro-Ject’s fully automatic turntable, which means you just have to push a button to begin playing a record, and at the end it will lift the tonearm, return it to the rest position, and shut off the motor. There are two versions of the Automat available, a basic “A1” model and an advanced “A2” model. The A2 is very well equipped, with support for three speeds (33, 45, and 78 rpm), and a record size selector for both 7 inch (single) and 12 inch (long play) records.

Signature

Let’s look at one more turntable and then we’ll look at some other equipment from Pro-Ject. The Signature is Pro-Ject’s audiophile turntable for those who want the very best performance. The latest model in the series is the Signature 10 which employs a “High Mass” design and a record clamp to minimize any vibrations.

Pro-Ject EVO Tonearms

In addition to turntables, Pro-Ject produces a wide range of tonearms. Their first tonearms were called “Evolution” and were produced starting around 2010. Since then, the company has expanded the range considerably. They are now called “EVO” and come in four ranges:

• EVO “CC” tonearms employ carbon fibre for the armtube
• EVO “AS” tonearms employ aluminum for the armtube
• EVO “CA Premium” tonearms employ a carbon fibre shell on an aluminum core
• EVO “AS Premium” tonearms employ an aluminum tube with other premium components

These tonearms can be fitted to suitable Pro-Ject turntables, or they can be used with turntables from other manufacturers.

Pro-Ject Electronics

In addition to turntables and tonearms, Pro-Ject offers a wide range of amplifiers, tuners, streamers, preamplifiers, and other electronic components.

Products are grouped into ranges, from the budget conscious “E Line” to the audiophile level “RS Line”. Most of the components are compact in size, and rather minimalist in terms of controls, making them ideal for the modern home.

E Line

The “E Line” range includes the most economical components in the Pro-Ject lineup. They are designed to offer high-quality audio performance with simplicity and affordability in mind. This series includes a variety of components such as phono preamplifiers, Digital-to-Analog Converters (DAC), and Analog-to-Digital converters for making digital recordings of analog material.

Some of the products in the E Line include:

Record Box E is a phono preamplifier that works with both Moving Magnet (MM) and Moving Coil (MC) phono cartridges.

CD Box E is a Compact Disc (CD) player.

S Line

Pro-Ject Audio Systems’ “S Line” range provides a step up in performance from the E Line at a slightly higher price point. Some “S Line” products employ advanced technologies such as vacuum tubes, balanced inputs and outputs, all-discrete components, and advanced encoding and decoding.

Some of the products in the S Line include:

Phono Box S2 Ultra is a phono preamplifier that employs all discrete components instead of operational amplifiers (“op amps”), as well as all polystyrene capacitors.

Tube Box S2 is a phono preamplifier that uses vacuum tubes and allows the user to select input impedance and gain for the best sound quality.

The Vinyl NRS Box S3 is a “Noise Reduction System” (NRS) to remove unwanted noise from vinyl records. All of the “de-crackling” is done in the digital domain, and the amount can be adjusted by the user. The noise reduction can be bypassed with a front panel switch, if desired.

Stream Box S2 Ultra is a really unique component that is both a network streamer and a network bridge. It works with all of the top music streaming services including Spotify, TIDAL, and Qobuz. The Stream Box employs a high quality USB connection to your Hi-Fi system, and works with Roon music management software.

DS Line

The next “step up” is the Pro-Ject Audio System “DS Line”. These components are distinguished by their use of more powerful amplifiers, wider range of inputs, and the use of premium materials and components.

Some of the products in the DS Line include:

Tube Box DS3 B is a “dual mono” balanced phono preamplifier that employs E88 vacuum tubes, connects to two turntables, and offers a wide range of adjustments to precisely adjust the sound.

Amp Box DS2 Mono is a single channel “Class D” power amplifier which can drive even the most inefficient speakers with up to 205 watts of power.

MaiA (My Audio Integrated Amplifier) DS3 is the latest iteration of Pro-Ject’s all-in-one integrated amplifier. It has nine inputs, supports apxT HD Bluetooth wireless, and puts out up to 140 watts per channel.

RS Line

Finally, at the very top of the Pro-Ject line you will find the “Reference Series” (RS) products. These components provide the very best performance and are aimed at experienced audiophiles who are willing to pay for the best.

Some of the products in the DS Line include:

Power Box RS2 Phono, a standalone power supply which will power a Pro-Ject turntable and phono preamplifier, providing a cleaner source of power than a conventional connection to the mains (wall) outlet.

Pre Box RS2 Digital is Pro-Ject’s high end preamplifier, DAC, and headphone amplifier. It uses top quality ESS Sabre converters, has both solid state and vacuum tube output stages, and supports MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) coding for the very best in streaming audio.

Pro-Ject Speakers

In addition to turntables, tonearms, and electronics, Pro-Ject offers a small range of loudspeakers designed to cater to various audio needs and preferences.

For those who prefer a very small speaker, Pro-Ject offers the ultra compact “Speaker Box 3E”. Despite it’s diminutive size, it uses high quality components, a solid cabinet, gold plated terminals, and pre-drilled holes for easy wall mounting.

If you’ve got a little more space, there is the “Speaker Box 5”. These are compact 2-way monitors with a bass-reflex enclosure design. There are two versions, the “E” version for those on a tight budget and the “S2” version for those looking for monitor level sound quality. The enclosures are magnetically shielded, making them safe to place near computers and other sensitive electronics. They are available in a wide range of finishes.

For those with a larger space, and looking to fill a big room with sound, “Speaker Box 15 DS2” is a floorstanding design that employs dual woofers, has a sand filled base for extra stability, uses point-to-point wiring, and is equipped with floor spikes for a solid connection to the room.

Customization, Accessories, and Maintenance

The people at Pro-Ject know that Hi-Fi is a hobby, and that hobbyists like to tinker with their systems. To satisfy this market, they produce a wide range of products to customize, accessorize, and maintain their systems.

To customize a turntable, Pro-Ject produce platters, headshells, clamps, pucks, and feet. Many of these are designed for Pro-Ject players, but can also be used with turntables from other manufacturers.

Pro-Ject make tonearm gauges and alignment tools to tweak the turntable, tonearm, and cartridge for best performance. And to keep everything clean, they make a range of record cleaners, brushes, brooms, and dust covers.

Lastly, it never hurts when a Hi-Fi system looks as good as it sounds, so they offer wooden side panels for their DS amplifiers.

Vinyl Records

To make sure their customers have some great records to play, Pro-Ject have partnered with a few record labels to produce some world class vinyl records. These are carefully mastered, pressed on quality vinyl, and deliver great Hi-Fi sound.

A Splash of Style

Many Hi-Fi components employ a standard – some might say boring – silver or black aesthetic. These can look great but sometimes you (or your family) want a little splash of style in your home or office. Pro-Ject has a number of products that are designed for a beautiful look as well as a beautiful sound. They are dressed in exotic woods and designer colours and allow the owner to customize them to suit their own style.

Pro-Ject have also collaborated with designers to produce an “Artist” collection of turntables that are like works of art! Here are a few examples, there are many more on the company’s website.

The “Dark Side of the Moon” turntable evokes the spirit of Pink Floyd’s iconic 1973 album. The base has a prism, just like the album cover, and a dimmable backlight. You can also purchase a pyramid-shaped, glass record weight to spin along with the record!

The “Metallica” turntable is styled with the band’s logo integrated into the base and a mirrored platter. Very cool!

The “Yellow Submarine” has a playful base and platter based on the Beatles’ 1969 album. That’s groovy, baby!

The rest of the Artist collection includes turntables inspired by the Rolling Stones, indiviudual members of the Beatles, the Hard Rock Cafe, and others.

If you’d like to check out all of Pro-Ject Audio System’s current products, we encourage you to visit their website. Just click on the buttons below.

Induction to the Hi-Fi Hall of Fame

Pro-Ject Audio Systems had a most unlikely start, going against the trend by making a turntable their very first product in 1991. But founder Heinz Lichtenegger clearly saw a market, created a great product, and the company has prospered ever since.

Pro-Ject Audio Systems belong in the Hi-Fi Hall of Fame for several reasons.

First, they helped to keep analog Hi-Fi, turntables, and vinyl records thriving by getting into the business just as digital media was beginning to make analog obsolete.

Second, by keeping much of their design and manufacturing facilities in Europe, instead of offshoring to low cost manufacturers in Asia or elsewhere, they are preserving those skills and capacity for future generations of Europeans.

Third, Pro-Ject offer products over a wide range of price points, so their products appeal to folks on a budget, newcomers to the hobby, people who are “trading up”, as well as seasoned audiophiles with deeper pockets.

Finally, Pro-Ject are keeping this hobby fun – like all hobbies should be! – with so many customizations, accessories, and stylish products.

For all of these reasons, Pro-Ject Audio Systems is inducted into the Hi-Fi Hall of Fame.