The RPM 10 Carbon sits at the apex of Pro-Ject's RPM series — the range that established the Austrian manufacturer's reputation for no-compromise engineering at attainable prices. It replaces the RPM 10.1 Evolution, retaining the distinctive teardrop plinth silhouette whilst fundamentally rebuilding the chassis, bearing, and drive system. Above it in the Pro-Ject catalogue sit the Xtension and Signature series; the RPM 10 Carbon offers much of their technical foundation at a more accessible point in the high-end market.
Chassis & Plinth
The plinth is a complex sandwich construction built around a CNC-machined MDF plate that is densely packed with hard resin-coated steel pellets. The entire structure is then subjected to a heat treatment process before being finished with a carbon fibre surface coating. The result is a non-resonant chassis that combines the damping characteristics of MDF, the inertia of steel mass-loading, and the rigidity of carbon fibre — three materials working together to prevent vibrational energy from reaching the stylus. The mass-loaded subchassis is decoupled from the base via a set of magnetic feet, each using two opposing magnets to create a floating support point that further isolates the platter and tonearm assembly from external vibration.
Platter & Bearing
The 300 mm aluminium platter is the same design used on the Xtension 10. The polished outer surface conceals an inner layer of Thermo-Plastic Elastomer damping material, with a vinyl mat on top — a combination that suppresses resonance within the platter itself and provides correct stylus rake angle for vinyl playback. The platter rotates on an inverted ceramic main bearing: the stainless steel spindle terminates in a ceramic ball bearing against a ceramic plate below, a geometry that minimises friction, eliminates metal-on-metal contact noise, and contributes to the measured signal-to-noise ratio of 73 dB.
Drive System & Motor
Drive is by a flat belt from a completely outboard DC motor mounted on its own heavy steel base — a deliberate mechanical separation that prevents motor vibration from coupling into the plinth. The motor incorporates a precision DC-driven AC generator circuit (equivalent to Pro-Ject's Speed Box), generating a clean, low-distortion AC waveform to drive the motor coils rather than using mains power directly. This yields tight speed accuracy of ±0.11% at 33 rpm and ±0.10% at 45 rpm, with wow & flutter measured at ±0.01%. Speed switching between 33 and 45 rpm is electronic, operated from the motor unit without touching the turntable.
Tonearm
The 10CC Evolution tonearm is pre-installed at the factory. The armtube is a conical carbon fibre tube — chosen for its combination of rigidity and low mass — allied with an inverted bearing design at the pivot. The effective length is 254 mm with 16 mm overhang and effective mass of 8.5 g, giving it broad cartridge compatibility across a tracking force range of 10–35 mN. Internal wiring uses top-grade copper conductors, and Pro-Ject supply a selection of counterweights to accommodate a wide range of cartridge weights. The tonearm ships with a Connect-IT 5P-CC cable terminated in RCA plugs (XLR termination is available as an option).
What's Included
The RPM 10 Carbon is supplied as a complete high-end package. Included in the box is the 14.5 kg Ground-IT Carbon equipment base — a dedicated isolation platform that further decouples the turntable from the supporting furniture — along with a record puck, a 7" single adaptor, and a spirit level for precise installation. The Connect-IT 5P-CC phono cable with RCA plugs is also included.