Pro-Ject 2-Xperience Basic+ review

Strikingly clear sound and is pleasingly fuss-free to use Tested at £600

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

A good package: It offers a strikingly clear sound and is pleasingly fuss-free to use

Pros

  • +

    Impressive clarity and precise sound

  • +

    simple to set-up and use

  • +

    includes cartridge

Cons

  • -

    Rega’s excellent RP3/Elys2 combination is no push-over

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We’ve tested a number of variations of Pro-Ject’s 2-Xperience over the years and they’ve invariably been good. The Basic+ is arguably the best-value version yet.

The main plinth swaps the transparent acrylic of older offerings for a black-gloss covered MDF.

Other differences are the use of a unipivot tone arm (the arm balances on a single point as opposed to moving on rotating horizontal and vertical bearings) and a moving-coil cartridge in the form of Pro-Ject’s, Ortofon-based Pick-it MC-1H.

Sonically, Pro-Ject’s engineering pays off, with the Basic+ delivering an impressively clear view of the music. Play Holst’s Jupiter and you’re met with oodles of detail, all organised in a precise manner.

Cleaner, more precise sound

The leading edges of notes are defined crisply and the stereo imaging is pleasingly expansive. Things are fine tonally, and there’s a good degree of substance to the presentation.

Move onto the likes of Nirvana’s Nevermind and this turntable continues to please with a fine sense of attack and the ability to say in control when things get busy. Importantly, it does a good job of conveying the passion in the music.

Against the class king, the Rega’s RP3, this Pro-Ject delivers a cleaner, more precise sound, but lacks its rival’s rhythmic drive and emotional engagement.

That it’s a tough choice is proof enough of the talent of this new turntable. There’s no doubt the Pro-Ject 2-Xperience Basic+ is a fine buy.

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.


Read more about how we test