The E1.2 Phono sits in the middle of Pro-Ject's three-strong E1.2 range, the second generation of the company's entry-level E-Line. It shares the same chassis, platter, tonearm and cartridge as the standard E1.2, and adds a switchable high quality phono preamplifier so it can be connected directly to any line or CD input. The third version, the E1.2 BT, replaces that with a Bluetooth 5.4 transmitter instead.
Built-in phono stage
Where most low-cost turntables rely on a very basic single-chip phono stage, the E1.2 Phono uses a true phono preamplifier designed to deliver clean, accurate signal amplification. The input is loaded at 47 kOhms and 100 pF for the fitted moving magnet cartridge, and RIAA equalisation accuracy is quoted at 20Hz to 20kHz within +/- 0.5 dB. Because the stage is switchable it can be turned off, so a separate phono stage can be added later without changing the turntable. Output is on gold-plated RCA sockets.
Platter and bearing
The E1.2 replaces the ABS polymer main platter of the original E1 with a 730g die-cast aluminium platter, reworked and precision-balanced in an extra production step so that it spins evenly. The additional mass helps maintain consistent speed and gives the stylus a more solid, anti-resonant platform to track. It turns on a stainless steel axle and ball in a bronze bushing, belt driven from a damped DC motor beneath the platter, with a glass fibre reinforced ABS sub platter machined to 0.001% precision. Changing between 33 and 45 RPM is electronic, at the push of a single button.
Tonearm and cartridge
The tonearm has an effective length of 218.5 mm and is CNC-machined from aluminium, built around a high mass gimbal design with a precision pinpoint bearing and zero play. A carbon-reinforced headshell stiffens the front of the arm to reduce vibration, and the oversized counterweight is placed closer to the moving parts to improve balance and tracking. The Pick it MM E moving magnet cartridge is fitted at the factory with tracking force and anti-skating pre-adjusted, so no tools or setup are needed. Its miniature neodymium generator magnet keeps moving mass low for better tracking accuracy, while the conical diamond tip delivers a warm, smooth sound with low background noise.
Chassis and finish
The chassis is CNC-machined from a rigid composite fibre and engineered with no hollow spaces inside, a solid, resonance-resistant construction that keeps unwanted vibration away from the record. Damping feet decouple the turntable from the surface beneath it and reduce the risk of acoustic feedback, and an acrylic dust cover is included along with the power supply and a 7 inch single adaptor. This version is finished in Walnut, with High Gloss Black and Satin White also available. Every E1.2 is handmade in the Czech Republic and carries 25 years of guaranteed spare part availability.
