The Pro-Ject X2 B sits in the upper tier of Pro-Ject’s turntable range, positioned above the X1 B and below the flagship X8 series. The “B” designation denotes True Balanced Connection — a fully balanced signal path from cartridge to output via mini XLR, designed to reduce noise and interference compared to conventional single-ended RCA connections. Pro-Ject developed this technology to deliver measurably lower noise floors and increased dynamics, particularly over longer cable runs between turntable and phono stage.
Platter & Drive System
The X2 B uses a 30 mm-thick, 2 kg acrylic platter machined to tight tolerances. Acrylic was chosen for its resonance-damping properties — it absorbs vibrations rather than reflecting them back into the vinyl, resulting in a quieter background than metal or glass alternatives. The platter sits on a stainless steel and brass main bearing assembly. Belt drive is via a precision-tuned TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) belt that decouples the motor from the platter, and the motor itself is an AC synchronous design driven by a DC/AC generator board. Electronic speed change covers 33, 45, and 78 RPM at the push of a single button, with speed variance rated at 0.25% (33 RPM) and 0.20% (45 RPM), and wow & flutter at 0.12% and 0.10% respectively.
Tonearm & Cartridge
The 9-inch tonearm uses a carbon/aluminium sandwich construction that combines the stiffness of carbon fibre with the damping characteristics of aluminium. It offers fully adjustable azimuth and VTA (vertical tracking angle), allowing precise alignment for different cartridges. The effective arm length is 230 mm with 18 mm overhang and an effective mass of 13.5 g. The X2 B comes factory-fitted with an Ortofon Quintet Red moving coil cartridge, pre-aligned for immediate playback out of the box.
True Balanced Connection
The headline feature of the X2 B is its True Balanced output. A mini XLR connector on the rear panel carries the balanced signal, which can be connected to any of Pro-Ject’s balanced phono preamplifiers (such as the Phono Box S3 B) using the appropriate True Balanced Phono Cable. An RCA output is also provided via the included Connect it E semi-balanced phono cable, so the turntable works with any phono stage. The balanced path offers increased dynamics and an improved signal-to-noise ratio of 70 dB.
Build & Isolation
The MDF chassis is finished in high-gloss piano black lacquer. Height-adjustable damped aluminium feet provide isolation from surface vibrations and allow levelling on uneven furniture. A dust cover is included as standard.
