Pro-Ject unveils a new E1 range of budget turntables

Pro-Ject E1
(Image credit: Pro-Ject)

Pro-Ject is a name that needs no further fanfare where vinyl enthusiasts and regular readers are concerned – and the company has just unveiled a new range of affordable turntables, the E1 line, which include electronic speed control and optional perks such as Bluetooth transmission.

The range comprises three different models: the E1, the E1 Phono SB and the E1 BT. All of the decks feature a low mass synthetic main platter which sits atop a high-density resin subplatter. Interestingly (and unlike much of the competition at the level) the spindle is polished stainless-steel, housed in a low-friction, brass bearing well. 

The turntables also feature a good-looking solid MDF plinth and an aluminium tonearm with factory-mounted Ortofon OM5 cartridge (which costs around £45, $70 or AU$109 if bought separately). Additionally, all models include a DC motor with electronic speed selection for 33 and 45 rpm records.

As their names suggest, the E1 Phono SB model adds a built-in phono preamp, while the E1 BT offers a Bluetooth audio transmitter to send the music spinning on your deck to your Bluetooth headphones or separate Bluetooth speaker

The Pro-Ject E1 range is available in high-gloss black, satin white or satin walnut finishes and will be available later this month. The Pro-Ject E1 is priced $349 (around £279 or AU$489), the Pro-Ject E1 Phono SB is priced $399 (roughly £319 or AU$560) and the Pro-Ject E1 BT comes with a recommended retail price of $499 (approximately £399 or AU$700). 

While we cannot vouch for their worthiness yet, if these decks perform anywhere near as well as Pro-Ject's splendid Pro-Ject Primary E or Pro-Ject Elemental budget-friendly options, the entry-level turntable category may soon have one or two new front-runners...

MORE: 

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Becky has been a full-time staff writer at What Hi-Fi? since March 2019. Prior to gaining her MA in Journalism in 2018, she freelanced as an arts critic alongside a 20-year career as a professional dancer and aerialist – any love of dance is of course tethered to a love of music. Becky has previously contributed to Stuff, FourFourTwo, This is Cabaret and The Stage. When not writing, she dances, spins in the air, drinks coffee, watches football or surfs in Cornwall with her other half – a football writer whose talent knows no bounds. 

  • nopiano
    I love the quality, breadth and depth of their range, but I really hope this is the start of rationalising their range. Heaven knows how their dealers cope with so many overlapping ranges!
    Reply