Turntables — Pro-Ject AUTOMAT A1.2

The AUTOMAT A1.2 is a belt-drive turntable from Pro-Ject, a well-established Czech manufacturer with a considerable reputation for accessible, well-engineered turntables, built with a factory-fitted tonearm and cartridge. The AUTOMAT A1.2 brings Pro-Ject's considered engineering to a comprehensive, ready-to-play analogue package.

Key specs that matter

Two speeds are supported - 33 and 45rpm - via belt drive using a DC motor and fixed (non-suspended) chassis design. The pre-installed Pro-Ject 8.3-inch ultra-light-mass aluminium tonearm and Pro-Ject MM E cartridge remove setup uncertainty for the buyer. The damped die-cast aluminium platter is chosen for favourable dimensional stability and resonance damping. Wow and flutter spans 0.25-0.27%. Signal-to-noise ratio is 65dB. At 430 x 130 x 365mm and 5.6kg, the AUTOMAT A1.2 maintains a manageable footprint.

Sound and use context

Expect smooth, well-controlled rotation reflecting the belt-drive mechanism's inherent motor isolation, combined with the factory-fitted ultra-light-mass tonearm and MM cartridge's capable performance straight out of the box.

Pairing

Because the tonearm and cartridge ship pre-installed, the AUTOMAT A1.2 arrives ready to play directly with any amplifier offering a phono input.

Alternatives

Pro-Ject's broader turntable catalogue offers alternatives at different specification tiers for buyers wanting either a more accessible or more elaborate expression of the brand's engineering philosophy.