The EVO 9 CC Black sits within Pro-Ject's EVO tonearm range, which represents the Austrian manufacturer's flagship offering for the current generation of high-performance turntables. The EVO range spans three arm lengths (9, 10, and 12 inch) and two specification tiers: the EVO CC (Standard) with copper wiring and aluminium bearing block, and the EVO CA and EVO AS Premium versions featuring silver wiring and a stainless steel bearing block.
Bearing Design
At the heart of the EVO 9 CC is an inverted cardanic ABEC 7 quality bearing with four stainless steel tip points. This bearing geometry is noted for its stability and very low friction, which promotes accurate stylus tracking and helps preserve fine groove detail. The bearing is housed in a full aluminium block that provides the structural rigidity needed to resist flex during playback.
Arm Tube Construction
The arm tube is machined from a single piece of carbon fibre and features a conical profile that tapers from the bearing housing towards the headshell mount. This tapering geometry is intended to suppress standing wave reflections within the tube, which can otherwise colour the signal. The arm tube attaches to the bearing block with a single locking screw, allowing azimuth adjustment by rotating the tube about its own axis.
Counterweight and Height Adjustment
The counterweight is damped with TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) to attenuate resonances that would otherwise feed back through the bearing. VTA (vertical tracking angle) and arm height are adjustable continuously by loosening two grub screws, allowing the arm to be matched to different turntable platter heights and cartridge body geometries. The silicone-damped armlift is also adjustable in height to suit the set VTA.
Connections and Finish
Internal wiring is flexible high-purity copper, terminated at a gold-plated 5-pin DIN output socket at the base of the bearing housing. The aluminium parts are hand-polished and finished in the matte Black version presented here. The outside ring of the bearing housing is open rather than enclosed, an engineering decision intended to avoid bell-mode resonances in the housing itself.
The EVO 9 CC is compatible with cartridges weighing 7 to 14 g and accepts tracking forces of 0 to 3 g. The 9-inch effective length and 212 mm mounting distance make it suitable for a wide range of turntables in the mid to upper-mid price bracket. The arm is manufactured in Europe and carries a Pro-Ject factory warranty.
