The Pro-Ject Pick it MM EVO sits above the standard Pick it MM E in Pro-Ject Audio Systems' cartridge range, representing an evolved and upgraded take on the moving-magnet principle. Manufactured by phono cartridge specialists Ortofon in collaboration with Pro-Ject's design team, it is carefully voiced to deliver high dynamic output with musical precision.
Design and Construction
The Pick it MM EVO employs Ortofon's renowned split pole pin technology, which enables a flat, extended frequency response comparable to that of moving-coil designs, despite operating on the more convenient and user-serviceable moving-magnet principle. The cartridge body is a compact black housing with the Pro-Ject 'P' logo, designed for easy 1/2-inch standard mounting. Threaded holes are provided for tool-free installation without requiring separate nuts.
At the heart of the Pick it MM EVO is an elliptical stylus with a tip radius of 8/18 micrometres, mounted on a cantilever sourced from high-end DJ applications, chosen for its combination of rigidity and resilience. This robust foundation ensures the cartridge tracks demanding passages reliably whilst maintaining composure at all tracking force settings within its specified range.
Performance
With a high output voltage of 7mV, the Pick it MM EVO will drive any phono stage designed for moving-magnet cartridges with ease. Its frequency response spans 20Hz to 20kHz, and the elliptical stylus delivers low distortion, detailed retrieval of fine groove detail, and an expansive stereo image. Channel separation at 1kHz is specified at 22dB, and trackability is rated at 70 micrometres at 315Hz lateral, indicating very secure groove contact even in demanding musical passages.
The recommended tracking force of 1.8 grams places it in a comfortable mid-range for MM cartridges, and its suitable range of 1.6 to 2.0 grams provides flexibility during setup. It is compatible with low to medium tonearm masses, making it an excellent match for the tonearms fitted to most Pro-Ject and comparable entry-to-mid-level turntables.
Compatibility and Mounting
The Pick it MM EVO uses standard 1/2-inch mounting geometry and carries a stylus tip-to-mounting-surface height of 18mm, ensuring compatibility with most standard headshells and tonearm geometry. The recommended load resistance of 47k ohms is the universal MM standard, and the recommended load capacitance of 150 to 300 picofarads is met by the majority of phono stages. The replacement stylus is available separately, extending the working life of the cartridge body.