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Pro-Ject Unveils Latest Turntable Range, the E1

The lineup consists of three record players, starting at $349.

Ty Pendlebury Editor
Ty Pendlebury is a journalism graduate of RMIT Melbourne, and has worked at CNET since 2006. He lives in New York City where he writes about streaming and home audio.
Expertise Ty has worked for radio, print, and online publications, and has been writing about home entertainment since 2004. He majored in Cinema Studies when studying at RMIT. He is an avid record collector and streaming music enthusiast. Credentials
  • Ty was nominated for Best New Journalist at the Australian IT Journalism awards, but he has only ever won one thing. As a youth, he was awarded a free session for the photography studio at a local supermarket.
Ty Pendlebury
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Pro-Ject

Hi-fi manufacturer Pro-Ject has unveiled its latest range of affordable turntables, the E1 line, which include electronic speed control and extras such as Bluetooth.

The range includes three different models: the $349 E1, the $399 E1 Phono SB and the $499 E1 BT. All of the tables feature a "low mass synthetic main platter" sitting upon a high-density resin subplatter. Unlike many competitive Rega models, the spindle is a polished stainless-steel design, which is housed in a low-friction, brass bearing well. 

The turntables feature a solid MDF plinth plus an aluminum tonearm with a factory-mounted Ortofon OM5 cartridge. They all include a DC motor with electronic speed selection for 33 and 45 rpm records, so no more removing the platter to change speeds.

The E1 Phono SB model adds a defeatable phono preamp while the E1 BT offers a Bluetooth audio transmitter as well for wireless connectivity. The range is available in high-gloss black, satin white or satin walnut finishes and will be available this month.

The E line appears to be an update on both the existing Elemental line and the Jukebox E models, but looks sleeker than either. It could offer a viable alternative to our favorite budget model, the Fluance RT8x.

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