Turntables — Pro-Ject Xtension 12 Evolution

The Pro-Ject Xtension 12 Evolution is a belt-driven turntable that relies on a heavy, damped aluminium platter for speed stability. Of the two Xtension decks it is the larger one, and it sits below the Signature 12.2 in Pro-Ject's upper turntable range, well above the entry-level Debut models.

Key specs that matter

Playback speeds are 33 and 45 rpm. The 300 mm aluminium platter weighs 10 kg, and the signal-to-noise ratio of 73 dB is higher than on Pro-Ject's entry-level decks. The whole turntable measures 550 x 235 x 450 mm and weighs 30 kg.

Engineering and use context

The platter is damped with TPE material to control resonance.

Pairing

Pro-Ject's listed specifications name neither a tonearm nor a cartridge for this deck, so the choice of phono stage depends on the cartridge that is eventually fitted.

Alternatives

The Pro-Ject Xtension 10 Evolution is the junior deck in the Xtension range, with a smaller platter.