Turntables — Pro-Ject Essential II Demon by Parov Stelar

The Pro-Ject Essential II Demon by Parov Stelar is a belt-drive record player from a limited series made with the musician Parov Stelar, outside the company's core catalogue. It uses the mechanical platform of Pro-Ject's Essential II line and differs from it in finish and branding, not in drive technology or tonearm. An Ortofon OM5e cartridge comes pre-fitted.

Key specs that matter

The Demon edition plays records at 33 and 45 rpm. The 300 mm platter is made of particle board and carries a felt mat, in place of the steel platters used on the Debut range. The deck measures 420 x 112 x 330 mm, the same footprint as the entry-level E1.2, but at 4 kg it is heavier.

Pairing

Since the OM5e is of the moving-magnet type, the amplifier needs a standard MM phono input, otherwise an outboard phono stage is required.

Alternatives

The Debut S covers similar mechanical ground with a steel platter and no collaboration branding.