Turntables — Pro-Ject X8 B

The X8 B is an accomplished belt-drive turntable from Pro-Ject, featuring a heavy, damped, weight-loaded platter precision-chiselled from a solid aluminium block and perfectly balanced. The X8 B brings Pro-Ject's considered engineering to a serious, mass-loaded analogue playback format at the top of the X-series range.

Key specs that matter

Two speeds are supported - 33 and 45rpm - via belt drive with a DC motor. The pre-installed Pro-Ject 9cc EVO tonearm comes fitted with a factory-mounted Ortofon Quintet Blue cartridge. The platter is a massive 5.1kg lathed-aluminium design with TPE damping. Signal-to-noise is 73dB. At 465 x 150 x 350mm and 15kg, the X8 B represents a serious commitment reflecting Pro-Ject's most accomplished current X-series engineering.

Sound and use context

Expect exceptional rotational stability reflecting the massive 5.1kg precision-machined aluminium platter, with the TPE damping and the factory-matched Ortofon Quintet Blue cartridge delivering a refined, low-noise playback foundation.

Pairing

The factory-matched Ortofon Quintet Blue cartridge comes pre-aligned on the 9cc EVO tonearm, and the X8 B's substantial mass benefits from a solid, vibration-resistant equipment support.

Alternatives

Pro-Ject's own X2 B offers a more accessible alternative with balanced mini-XLR outputs within the same broader X-series turntable catalogue.