Turntables — Pro-Ject RPM 9 Carbon

The RPM 9 Carbon is an accomplished belt-drive turntable from Pro-Ject, built with a combined chassis providing near-complete vibration and resonance damping alongside a massive aluminium support platter. The RPM 9 Carbon brings Pro-Ject's considered engineering to a serious, upper-tier format within the celebrated RPM series.

Key specs that matter

Two speeds are supported - 33 and 45rpm - via belt drive with a DC motor. A 9cc Evolution tonearm comes fitted with a factory-mounted Ortofon Quintet Blue cartridge. The platter is a substantial 7.2kg aluminium design at 300mm diameter. Signal-to-noise is 73dB. At 440 x 180 x 325mm and 16.5kg, the RPM 9 Carbon represents a serious commitment reflecting Pro-Ject's considered upper-RPM-series engineering.

Sound and use context

Expect excellent rotational stability reflecting the substantial 7.2kg aluminium platter combined with the near-complete vibration damping of the combined chassis, with the factory-matched Ortofon Quintet Blue cartridge and 9cc Evolution tonearm delivering refined tracking accuracy.

Pairing

The factory-matched Ortofon Quintet Blue cartridge comes pre-aligned on the 9cc Evolution tonearm, and the RPM 9 Carbon's substantial mass benefits from a solid equipment support.

Alternatives

Pro-Ject's own RPM 10 Carbon offers the flagship alternative and RPM 3 Carbon a more accessible one within the same broader RPM series.