Turntables — Pro-Ject X8 Special Edition

The X8 Special Edition is a striking belt-drive turntable from Pro-Ject, combining black lacquer with metallic-coated edges for a strict, refined look, equipped with the flagship Ortofon MC Quintet Black S cartridge. The X8 Special Edition brings Pro-Ject's most accomplished current engineering to a distinctive top-tier X-series format.

Key specs that matter

Two speeds are supported - 33 and 45rpm. The Pro-Ject 9cc Evolution tonearm comes fitted with the flagship Ortofon Quintet Black S cartridge. The platter is a massive 5.1kg lathed-aluminium design. Signal-to-noise is 73dB. At 465 x 150 x 350mm and 15kg, the X8 Special Edition represents Pro-Ject's most accomplished current X-series engineering in a distinctive black-and-metallic finish.

Sound and use context

Expect exceptional rotational stability reflecting the massive 5.1kg lathed-aluminium platter, with the flagship Ortofon Quintet Black S cartridge delivering the concentration, depth, and transparency Ortofon's top-tier MC design is celebrated for.

Pairing

The flagship Ortofon Quintet Black S cartridge comes pre-aligned on the 9cc Evolution tonearm, and the X8 Special Edition's substantial mass benefits from a solid equipment support.

Alternatives

Pro-Ject's own standard X8 B offers the same platform with a different factory cartridge and finish within the same broader X-series.