New Products

Austrian turntable specialist Pro-Ject is previewing a new belt-drive model that boasts a “first-of-its-kind” balanced, moving-magnet phono cartridge.

Slated to sell for $1,499 when it ships in the “late fall,” the XA B turntable features a clear acrylic base, a 10-inch one-piece aluminum tonearm, and a balanced 5-pin DIN output to “bring you one step closer to balanced operation.” Pre-adjusted at the factory, the phono cartridge is actually a revised version of the company’s Pick It PRO balanced cartridge in which “we re-route the grounding so it sends a symmetrical signal.”

To achieve a full “true balanced” connection, which boosts gain by 6 dB and “removes accrued noise and interference from the transmission line,” according to Pro-Ject, the turntable must be connected via a 5-pin DIN-to-XLR (or mini-XLR) cable to a balanced outboard phono preamp. Project offers several options, including the Phono Box S3 B ($499), Phono Box DS3 B ($799), Tube Box DS3 B ($1,099), and Phono Box RS2 ($1,999) phono stages.

Other highlights include a precision (0.001mm tolerance) bearing assembly, an adaptive anti-skating mechanism, a die-cast aluminum platter with a felt mat and stabilizing record puck, removable dustcover, and three damped metal-and-rubber isolation feet, two in the front and one in the back, all height adjustable.

Fine Sounds America plans to distribute the XA B turntable in the U.S. in the “late fall.” For more information on the new model click here.