Проигрыватели виниловых дисков — Pro-Ject X2 B

The X2 B is a belt-drive turntable in the X-Line of Pro-Ject Audio Systems, and the B in its name stands for balanced. It was built around what Pro-Ject calls True Balanced Connection, an approach aimed at the electromagnetic interference produced by wireless networks and smart home devices in modern households. The deck comes with an Ortofon Quintet Red moving coil cartridge aligned at the factory and is made in the EU, in high gloss, satin or real wood finishes.

Key specs that matter

Three speeds - 33, 45 and 78 rpm - are selected electronically. Pro-Ject lists speed variance of 0.25 percent at 33 rpm and 0.20 percent at 45 rpm, wow and flutter of 0.12 and 0.10 percent, and 70 dB signal to noise. The acrylic platter is 30 mm thick and weighs 2 kg, and its main bearing pairs a stainless steel spindle with a brass housing. The 9 inch arm has a sandwich tube of carbon and aluminium, 230 mm effective length, 18 mm overhang and 13.5 g effective mass, with tracking force adjustable from 0 to 30 mN. Signal leaves the deck through a mini XLR socket or through RCA jacks. Power comes from a 15 V DC adapter rated at 0.8 A, and consumption is 4.5 W at most and 0.3 W in standby. Width is 460 mm, height 150 mm and depth 340 mm, for a total mass of 10 kg.

Engineering and use context

Pro-Ject bases the balanced concept on the fact that a phono cartridge is by nature a balanced signal source. Carried over a balanced line, the full signal from the groove reaches the phono stage, while a single-ended RCA link, by the maker's account, loses roughly half of the usable signal. Both connection types are fitted, so the owner can start on RCA and move to fully balanced operation later. The arm tube is made in one piece with no detachable headshell to add resonance, and azimuth and VTA can both be adjusted. Its counterweight is damped with TPE. A revised TPE belt suspension separates the motor chassis from the main plinth, a DC/AC generator board supplies the motor with stable power, and three damped aluminium feet with height adjustment reduce acoustic feedback. A dust cover, felt mat and Connect it E phono cable with RCA plugs are included.

Pairing

For balanced playback the X2 B needs a phono preamplifier with a balanced input and a mini XLR cable, and Pro-Ject names its Phono Box S3 B and Phono Box DS3 B for that role. On RCA it works with any phono stage that accepts moving coil cartridges.

Alternatives

The Pro-Ject X1 B is another balanced-output deck of the X-Line, supplied with the Pick it PRO Balanced moving magnet cartridge.