The Pro-Ject E1 sits at the entry point of Pro-Ject's turntable range, designed to make vinyl playback accessible without compromising on engineering fundamentals. Hand-assembled in Europe, the E1 delivers a level of build quality and acoustic performance that sets it apart from mass-produced budget turntables. It is the base model in the three-strong E1 family, which also includes the E1 Phono (with a built-in switchable phono preamplifier) and the E1 BT (adding Bluetooth wireless audio).
Drive System & Speed Control
The E1 uses a sub-platter belt-drive system powered by a damped DC motor with a built-in AC generator for stable rotation. Unlike many belt-driven turntables at this price point, there is no need to manually reposition the belt to change speed — an electronic speed switch on the plinth toggles between 33⅓ and 45 RPM. Speed variance is rated at 0.7% at 33 RPM and 0.6% at 45 RPM, with wow and flutter figures of 0.25% and 0.23% respectively.
Platter & Plinth Construction
The main platter is a low-mass ABS polymer disc with anti-resonant ridging on its underside, sitting on a high-density resin sub-platter. The spindle is polished stainless steel housed in a low-friction brass bearing well. The plinth is CNC-machined from composite fibre board, providing a stable, acoustically inert platform. A felt mat is included for the platter surface, and the turntable sits on non-slip anti-resonance isolation feet.
Tonearm & Cartridge
The 8.6-inch tonearm is a one-piece aluminium tube with an effective length of 218.5 mm, 22 mm overhang, and an effective mass of 7.0 g. It uses a two-point bearing assembly. Tracking force and anti-skating are factory-set by experienced technicians, so the E1 is ready to play straight from the box with no user adjustment required. The pre-installed cartridge is an Audio Technica AT3600L moving magnet design.
Output & Connectivity
The standard E1 outputs a phono-level signal via fixed RCA cables (1.23 m length, directly soldered). This means an external phono preamplifier or an amplifier with a phono input is required. For users without a phono input, Pro-Ject offers the E1 Phono variant with a built-in switchable moving magnet phono stage, and the E1 BT which adds Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD wireless audio alongside the phono stage.
What the Press Says
- "An excellent all-rounder and a particularly good option for vinyl newcomers or returners." — TechRadar ★★★★☆ (July 2024)
| Drive System | Sub-platter belt drive |
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| Motor | Damped DC with built-in AC generator |
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| Speeds | 33⅓ and 45 RPM (electronic speed change) |
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| Speed Variance | 33 RPM: 0.7% | 45 RPM: 0.6% |
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| Wow & Flutter | 33 RPM: 0.25% | 45 RPM: 0.23% |
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| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | 65 dB |
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| Platter | 300 mm ABS polymer with anti-resonant ridging, felt mat |
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| Tonearm | 8.6" aluminium, one-piece tube |
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| Effective Arm Length | 218.5 mm |
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| Overhang | 22 mm |
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| Effective Tonearm Mass | 7.0 g |
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| Cartridge | Audio Technica AT3600L (pre-installed, factory-set) |
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| Output | Phono level (fixed RCA cables, 1.23 m) |
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| Power Supply | 15 V DC / 800 mA (external adapter, 110–240 V) |
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| Power Consumption | 4.5 W maximum |
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| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 420 × 112 × 330 mm |
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| Weight | 3.5 kg |
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| Included Accessories | Felt mat, acrylic dust cover, 7" single adapter, power supply |
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| Also Available As | Black, Walnut |
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