Great review! I like the fact you cover the pros and cons of this turntable ,usually it's just alot of hype and no negatives,thanks so much on this,honesty is a virtue especially when I actually thought about this model for home !
I think reviews that don't point out any flaws are doing their listeners (or readers) a disservice. Everything has ups and downs, it's all about matching what's best for you.
OMG, I brought one of these about 2 weeks ago and had no idea that it had 3 feet!!! Even stuck my head underneath to check. Ha Great review. This is the first real turntable that I have brought in about 30 years and it's wonderful. VERY Very very recommended. Thanks.
Great review, very...balanced. I recently bought a t1. It's my first higher end turntable, and it has been a revelation. I didn't know a record could sound so good. I love my t1. Absolutely no regrets.
I have this exact model. Bought it at the beginning of 2020 having not owned a turntable for years and am very happy with it. Seems to be a good balance of functionality, quality, and price.
I had this table for 2 now, and this week just changed the needle from the OM5e to the OM40. I have tried another cartridge (Goldring 1006) in the past on this table but honestly I did not see the improvement worth the money. I plucked up the courage for the OM40 because the OM5e for the low cost sounded very good, and I have to say that this needle really brought music to life.
I love pro-ject turntables,i've had four of them over the last 20 years-nothing much to add really,man;your sentiments indeed echo mine.To sum up:Top notch entry level turntables,you can't go wrong-you can upgrade the cartridge too..
I don’t have this table but I have the essential 2. Upgraded the platter to a acrylic and sprung for a OM20. Great table. Pro-ject makes nice products. I like the fact that the table are customer upgradable.
This was my first turntable (outside of a Crosley given as a gift) and I had to return it sadly. The lack of adjustment markings in the tonearm hurt. I wanted it since I didn't need to do the adjustments out of the box for anti stake or anything, but quickly found out it needed them seriously. Locally I had no shops that would touch it either since none were pro-ject authorized dealers. Pro-ject support helped me out a ton after I got a scale to test the tracking force before they recommended a straight replacement. Ended up with a fluance rt82 after that. Not as pretty, but amazing tt.
I'm a Pro-Ject turntable fan. I have the 6PerspectX SB w/ Sumiko Blackbird cartridge, love it. I'm also looking seriously at the RPM 10 Carbon w/ Sumiko Starling for my second system, still on the fence on this one. I recommended the Debut Pro for an entry level for my son.
Hi sir I like the fact that you give time and energy to product’s geared towards those entering into hifi . It’s difficult to advise people about gear that you have not had personal experience of , even if i do research and check on customer reviews when friends and family ask for my advice on a particular product . Best wishes and kind regards 😀👍👍👍
LOVE you 😍 and your concise breakdown of this turntable! Ive been considering purchasing one and trying to figure out "is this really worth it for an upgrade.. or should I get a direct drive with bells and whistles"?! I have a huge collection and realize I should upgrade one day SOON and this video definitely helped! I also LOVE your music choices for testing the turntable out. NIN, Coltrane AND Stravinsky 4ever 👏🏾👍🏾
I have come to believe that Audiophiles pursue yet never achieve. Always looking for better and never quite reaching a point at which you can just sit down, listen and smile being happy with the end result. If only-is the Tshirt motto.
@@JKadison on paper it seems to be incredibly good value. Quiet motor, servo controlled, 3 feet for easy leveling, 2m blue cartridge, MDF plinth, acrylic platter, interchangeable head sell for quick cartridge swap. It will probably be my next turntable. Just can't decide on what colour. Is there anything wrong with it?
@@kyron42 I have had my RT85 for just over a year. The only nit picky things are the cue lever and tone arm lock are made with cheap plastic and feel well cheap. I love the convenience of changing from 33 to 45, and the auto stop (not return) after the LP is over. I think the 2M Blue may be above par for the included tone arm. The good thing about this is I have no urge to upgrade my cartridge.
I just bought a brand new in-box Como Audio turntable with matching bookshelf speaker set on eBay for $370, which is less than half off its original price of $900, so I think I scored a great deal. I only bought it because Pro-ject built it and is based off of the T1 so I know it'll be a good midrange turntable. Too bad Como Audio went under, but it seems they had a good product.
First of all I love your channel.Appreciate your input and insight in the world of vinyl.In my opinion 450 dollars for what you and many call a midrange turntable seems crazy to me.I know that the cost of everything has gone up including the cost of the vinyl hobby.This turntable added with an amp/preamp and speakers could easily be 1000 dollars total for a system considered “midrange”.I would think that for a costly higher end system the percentage of people would be very low.I could be wrong.I would say this...the people I know who collect vinyl are happy with much less expensive gear.By the way I own 2 vintage receivers,2 used turntables and a pair of Yamaha speakers.All have been cleaned and refurbished.I might have 400 dollars in all of it.Appreciate your feedback.
Forgive me if I missed it: is the tonearm height adjustable? How would you rate this next to the Fluance RT85? (I'm guessing "better," but I'd rather confirm than guess.)
The tonearm height isn't adjustable on either table. I like the tonearm better overall on the ProJect. Otherwise, it's really up to you which you'd prefer. One isn't really better than the other, in my opinion.
Just bought the T1 BT .... found it all you said it would be.... however the sub platter makes a grinding noise in the brass bearing .. it's really off putting it must affect the sonic resonance ... it's going back to the dealer tomorrow... I was expecting it to be silent.... the motor runs silently with the belt unattached..... im happy for it to be replaced as it seems to tick all the boxes...
My project TT is just 15 months old yet the arm lifter is already failing. My 40 year old Technics in the gerage is still working great. "what does that say".
I've had this turntable for about a year, sounds great but misses some clarity and middle, bass isn't an issue for me but that might be the speakers I have. What's your stance on the Nagaoka MP 10 cartridge? I've heard good things and been told it should transform the sound.. thanks!
I BOUGHT A T1 AND ARRIVED WITH A FAILURE At THE CLUER .... THEN I WENT FOR A AUDIO TECHNICA AT-LI120USBX AND I HAVE NO REGRETS WITH THIS IS A GREAT TURNTABLE WITH A REALLY GOOD CARTRIDGE AT-VM95E
That's funny, I bought a LP-120USBX a couple years ago and the motor started having issues. Wouldn't maintain the speed it was set to. Upgraded to a T1 and arrived in perfect condition and sounds way better than my old Audio Technica. Complete opposite experience lol.
I have to ask myself the question if the inner groove distortion you were talking about with the OM5E is less related to the cartridge and more related to alignment? I asked this because I've had over the last 6 years five different project turntables and in spite of the cartridges being" aligned" from the factory they in fact were not. No I know from the perspective of it being an entry level turntable and something that's expected to be plug and play, that not necessarily what you want, however it is fairly easy to properly align these cartridges with either the included protractor or downloading one from vinyl engine.
I'd say it's probably a bit of both. I've never heard an OM5 (or any of the OM series) that didn't have inner groove distortion, but I've also never had a table at this price point that didn't need to be adjusted.
@@thevinylattack yeah I guess it's a bit of both, and speaking to the OM series, apparently you've never heard the OM 30. A stellar cartridge that easily competes with the 2M bronze or even the black
I'm curious on why the feet are not adjustable,seems like a fairly minor expense for a fairly common feature that makes the setup that much easier for everyone. Not everyone's furniture or even floor is perfectly level.
@@odhinn9 I don't have one in front of me to check, honestly. You could always place the table on a platform that has better feet though. Check out some of the options by Isoacoustics.
Hi Chris, I may have missed it, but how would you compare this to other turntables you have reviewed, and those in your under $500 list? I'm currently looking for a new turntable, and am having a hard time settling on which one.
Check out the Crosley C6 - Bluetooth version can be had new for $100 more or less on eBay and it is very similar - I’m reasonably sure that it’s made by Pro-Ject, as the Crosley C10 is definitely made by Pro-ject.
I'd say they're pretty damn close. Both boast a great tone arm which is their bread and butter. Honestly I'd say it's just down to personal preference.
Only the T1 Phono SB version has this selector button. SB stands for Selector Button. The standard T1 and the T1 Phono BT (for Bluetooth) don't have one.
I am quite satisfied with the several pieces of Pro-ject gear I currently use. Especially for the money I spent. Lots of room on their model line, everything from blue-collar everyman to elitist golden ears. Another fine show Chris! Got any phono amp reviews lined up? Like, maybe, a Vincent? Great sound track this week, gonna tell us who it was?
The only phono pre I have in the house to review is my EAT, but I have some other things happening first. Hopefully I'll be able to contact some manufacturers for additional pieces to review. I honestly didn't pay any attention to the music other than the vibe. I subscribe to a royalty free site that has great music I can use in these videos.
My issue with Pro-ject is that it is taylored to these old school low mass high compliance OM cartridges. That limits the upgradebility as for example AT VM95 is off the table. That´s why I like Rega and Technics more with their medium mass tonearms.
@@thevinylattack I talk about compliance and mass. T1 effective tonearm mass is 8g, that is low mass tonearm and it needs high compliance cartridge like OM5 for best results. Technics effective mass is 12g, that is medium mass and needs medium compliance cartridge, VM95 is OK. Manufacturers state the compliance of cartridges using different methods, so it is a bit mess, but the rule of thumb is that the lower the required tracking force of cartridge, the higher the compliance… In the past the 'low mass tonearm/high compliance cartridge' was considered the best combo (see Dual ULM for extreme example), but it seems to be out of fashion now for various reasons… but Pro-ject and Ortofon stick to it.. Sorry for rambling…
Question: why don't belt driven turntables no longer have speed adjustments any longer? After about a year those belts stretch. Are the motors now shelf adjusting?
Some higher end models still have speed adjustments, it just costs more to produce. My guess is that replacing belts is so easy and relatively cheap that the manufacturers aren't as concerned anymore.
@@thevinylattack What I dont understand is that if it is set at the factory, it never needs to be adjusted? Then why do other tables have anti-skate? Wjhy wouldnt the manufacturers all just set anti skate at the factory? What am I missing? Thank You
Project has really upped their game lately. Their Debut Pro looks really interesting. Seems like a much better value than the Planar 3 for the same price.
New to the vinyl game, but love how my neighbors setup sounds. Any suggestions where I can actually look, touch, listen to equipment instead of buying online? In western suburbs of Chicago…have plenty of vintage stores, but haven’t found anything that carries anything found in your (or other) reviews. Thanks for help!
Make the trip to Music Direct. 1811 W Bryn Mawr Ave Chicago, IL 60660. I think they're appointment only right now so I'd call ahead. I'd also talk to your neighbor and see where they got their setup and what it is.
Great review man ! I am new in the vinyl world .I got my eyes on the T1 BT with the built in phono .What speakers do you recommend with it (budget around 250$) with built in amp as well, dont have a lot of space for separate ampd and phono and wires.Appreciated !
I’ve had my White Phono T1 SB now for about 6 months.. Got mine going through a NAD PP 2e phono pre-amp into a NAD T 358 v3i AV receiver The best change I made was swapping the Ortofon OM5e cart to a Nagaoka MP110. It's a night & day difference. I see many higher end tables using acrylic platters. How do they compare to the glass platter of the T1 ??
5:05 I'm a bit confused now. Which EXACT T1 model you got there? From what I've researched so far, only the "T1 Phono SB" has the speed select button you showed in the video! The "T1" and "T1 BT" (which I was interested in) has this awkward manual belt repositioning _feature_ which is a no go for me and lets me delete this turntable from my whishlist! All photos and the pdf manual from the Pro-Ject homepage show this difference between the T1 models.
It makes me just a little uncomfortable knowing that I spent the extra scratch on my Debut Carbon Esprit when this looks so similar. The Debut Pro has me intrigued I must say. The metal bits, VTA, and especially the toggle switch. The on off button on my Esprit is my least favorite thing about it. But I’m the end I’ll probably just upgrade my cartridge in a year. Anyone out there thinking of upgrading the cart on their T1, I recommend skipping the obligatory Ortofon Red for a Sumiko Moonstone
@@thevinylattack I just watched a video about it and then yours about the T1, I don't understand why the T1 has a glass platter but the Pro has aluminium and costs quite a bit more?
@@_AJH_ My only guess is maybe more weight? It could potentially help with the flywheel effect which keeps speed stable. Then again, maybe Pro-Ject just wants you to buy upgrades.
I upgraded my Carbon Evo with a acrylic platter and I don’t think I’ll ever go back to any other type of platter. Definitely a different price point than the T1 though so not really a good comparison.
I’m looking to do the same - do you recall specifically which acrylic platter you purchased for your Debut Carbon Evo? (and was it made by Pro-ject?) I noticed multiple off-brands make them too.
That Ortofon OM 5E is waaay better in the long run than a 2M Red or Blue! You can upgrade the OM cartridge all the way from OM10 stylus to an OM40 stylus, which is a high-end Fritz Gyger 70 line contact stylus!
I recently read that there is no difference in the cartridges between Ortofon OM 5 and OM 10 and only the stylus is different. In my experience this is true and worth considering if you want to upgrade a project. I have had two projects and I wouldn’t buy another, however snazzy they look. A Denon DP 300 just blows them away with an upgraded pick up and it’s easy to change or use multiple headshells.
In a MM cartridge there is no difference no matter the model. MC has coil so that makes a difference with the cartridge ”house” part. Its plastic in different colours.
@@thevinylattack Hi! The 300 is great value - about €300 in Europe - but they do look chunky and crap, so I quite understand why people would like to have something more stylish. Still, style over content can be dangerous.
Hello! I am new into the vinyl world and I am looking for a turntable. I'm in doubt between AT-LPW40/LPW50 and Pro-Ject T1. I am brazilian and here it´s difficult because of value, so I have a limited budget. What turntable do you prefer between those two or at the same value? Thank you for your review, was the best I watched.
If you already have a phono pre-amp or a stereo with a built in phono pre, I'd take the Pro-Ject. If you don't have that, the LPW40 would be a good choice as it has one built in.
Personally, no. If I were upgrading the cart I'd look at other options. But, many people like the 2M blue and you might as well. It's all personal preference.
@@thevinylattack done! Just ordered! I realize that as my collection grows I’ll need different cartridges for different genre of music. This seems to be a great all arounder!
@@TheUsmc0802 Contrary to popular belief, you don't need different cartridges for different styles of music. While some carts might suit certain styles better, a good quality cart will perform uniformly across the board and give you quality playback no matter what's on the turntable.
Thanks for the review Chris, entertaining and rightfully informative as always. My #1 complaint with vinyl records is always the dreaded, Oh no! I’m approaching song 4 or 5, I better brace myself for the inner groove distortion (or maybe it’s outer sometimes?). In all your years, what are some changes, outside of spending $1000 on a turntable that can help eliminate “IGD”?
The only thing that really eliminates that is a solid cart and a good set up by a professional. I had an old used Technics SL 1200 with a Nagaoka MP 110 (neither of which cost very much) that I had set up by my hifi guy Chris, and I never had any inner distortion to speak of.
@@thevinylattack Thank you for the advice Chris, I am definitely going to look into this. As a vinyl enthusiast, when vinyl is sounding its best, there is nothing more frustrating then waiting for the sonic decay to kick in toward the last song or two on Side A and Side B. This probably happens to 70% of my collection, but I do have some gems that don’t seem to suffer the same fate.
@@thevinylattack I just got a T1 and love it. I keep hearing great things about the Nagaoka MP-110 cart online. One of my buddies had one on his turntable and loves it. Definitely going to be upgrading to that cart in the future. Seems like the best one for the price point.
Chris....love the coverage and great review.....well done. These turntables are a great entry. I had one years ago but for me I went over to Rega.....presently at P8. Just personal preference and to each there own. You can't go wrong with the T1....Solid entry...solid. Cheers and all the best. BTW Chris....how is the flood recovery coming? Fully recovered yet? Be safe man.
I'm glad you liked the review, I'm certainly doing my best to convey the information I'm hearing. The flood damage has long been cleaned, but I lost tens of thousands of dollars of collectibles so I doubt I'll ever fully 'recover'. I'm up and running though and I have my health.
@@thevinylattack Glad to hear ....glad to hear. Srry about the collectables. As long as you have your health and strength you're golden. Be safe brother.
Great review. I own the much more humble Pro-Ject (2007) Debut III (red) with Ortofon OM 5E. I really have loved it although it has seen very light usage. Imagine my sadness that in the last few months, the table's motor had begun to make a considerable screeching noise. Then it wants to play backward at times and is shaking so much that you feel it on the plinth. With research, I had found that this motor failure is not so uncommon, which is shocking because of its light usage. I think back decades ago when I bought my first table, a Pioneer PL-S30 semi-auto that needed a belt replacement, but after 15-years its motor too failed. I did not love it enough to repair it, however, my I do love my red Pro-Ject Debut III. Pro-Ject replied that a replacement motor would cost about $85 (IIRC) here in the States which seems a ridiculous premium for a one-off order coming from Europe. Their US distributor Sumiko should maintain a standing stock of what should be a $25 part. You know these were built in China for about $5 OEM cost. I can barely hear the extra TT rumble at the highest volumes, so I have decided to suffer the indignity of the limping motor until it completely dies. I feel that I am being soaked for a generic asynchronous motor part for a $300 TT. Gah... The T1 model looks OK, but I am more than disappointed that it is not offered in red (superficial, I know). My eye is drawn much more to the Debut Carbon EVO for the $150 Sumiko cartridge (US only) and the Carbon arm. If it included an acrylic platter, it would be a home run. But alas, "You can't get everything your want" at around $500. What keeps the decision path clear is that you can easily add an acrylic platter to a Debut Carbon EVO, but you cannot upgrade the tonearm on a T1. The $150 Sumiko cart is the value prop compared to the $50 Ortofon which is good, but not great. Another bit that is bothering me is when will Pro-Ject answer Fluance with the simple feature of auto stop at the end of the record's play?
I’ve had a pro ject dc1 with upgraded ort 2m blue stylus and acrylic mat. Changing to 45 rpm is a pain. I have about 200 45s and I’ve done it once. Also I wish mine had auto return, does that one? Also I didn’t see an anti skate weight on that t t🤘
Almost none of the higher priced tables have an auto anything these days. With a collection like yours, you might consider switching to a table that can select 45 rpm easier, you'll live longer, lol. There is no adjustable anti-skate.
@@Love_Street It's possible, but with the factory setting up the table with the OM 5 in mind, I'd imagine they set the anti-skate to that cart in production. Hard to say.
I understand the point you were trying to make, but your example of speakers that exceed the limits of human hearing is not a good one. If a woofer extends down to 10Hz you can be assured that it has a linear response within the human hearing range and the characteristic tail-off common to any speaker will not be audible. The same is true with Elac tweeters at the other end of the human hearing range, and I wouldn't care to second guess Andrew Jones on this matter.
Good and (seemingly) honest review. Regarding inner groove distortion though, isn't that mostly due to setup? Maybe the factory setting isn't as good as it could/should be? Just a thought. Keep up the good work! 🤘⚡
It very well could be, but the cart looked to be set up properly and the tracking force was good. It may have been the locked in anti-skate but I don't know for sure.
I'd start by checking the tangency/null points with a protractor. Could be overhang or a slight twist to the cartridge, both of which would be revealed by the protractor. Anyway, the main message I wanted to send was that I appreciate your videos. Alignment could be a topic for another time. 🙂
When Ortofon came out with the OM series in the late 70s (YES, they are THAT old!), their whole idea was to have true to original sound and be neutral. They also adapted them to Dual's new ULM (ultra low mass) arms. When CDs hit, they advertised with their CD-like sound! I for one ended up not liking them, because they sound just too ... well, dead and neutered, instead of neutral! 50 years later, and my favourites are the now dead Shure bodies (I have many Shure bodies in my trunk) with new line-contact styli, and Audio-Technica cartridges with nudes. Gotta love a nude ...
The OM-10, -20, and -30 bring better tracking ability according to Ortofon and most reviewers. Since upgrades simply involve replacing the stylus, it shouldn't be a fatal flaw.
Since you, like me, value context I am going to ask you a 3 part question: would your review of the T1 have been different had you used a different cartridge (MM or MC, your choice), a different hifi set up, and different speakers? The answer, I suspect, is of course it would. This is why I tuned out of your review after you began your sonic impressions. Up to then, I enjoyed your review. The table is a transport method, pure and simple. Did you hear or test for wow, flutter, rumble, noise? Those would have been very good specs to see compared to whatever model turntable you use regularly or compared to another model to let us know where this table sits in the grand scheme of other turntables. Kindest regards, Jim
Comparing this table to my Clearaudio concept wouldn't have done anyone any good as their not even in the same league. I'd very much like to do comparisons when I'm able, but that's not always the case. So, I just relay what I'm personally hearing in hopes that it helps.
@@pointsbeingmade7996 My gear is vintage from 1972-80, all restored. I use a Dual 721 turntable that I bought in 1972. It's a direct drive. It's been completely restored to better than factory original. I tri-amp my rig using an Electronic Crossover Network and Pre-amp.
The turntable's role in sound reproduction should be transparent. Unlike the cartridge, which does affect the sonic quality (because that is its job). The turntable cannot, in the same way, affect the low end, mids or highs. The turntable is just a transport device. It has one function to perform: to turn the record, nothing more. It can produce rumble, wow, and flutter. But those are noises added into the sound reproduction chain. Sonic impression is shaped by the cartridge, amp, pre-amp and speakers - not the turntable. If you change your turntable, but keep the same cartridge I do not believe you would hear a difference. I like this channel very much. I introduced Chris to the Furutech Destat III, which he reviewed. I think "transparent" would have been a correct way to describe the turntable, not "balanced." Just sayin' - Cheers, J
@@jim_wicks The table construction has much to do with the sonic qualities heard. Certainly not as much as a different cartridge, but it absolutely has an impact. That's why so much R&D is done on the materials used and the way in which they're constructed.
These turntables are not 100% factory set. You have to check it before playing! It can be that VTF is set too high or too low and you need a scale to see that on this model. And also cartridge alignment is usually off. They just put the cartridge at the end of the holes, which means nothing. And also azimuth can be off, because designers said that it is ok if a cart is little sideways. But when you are playing worse quality pressings, cantilever can make a nick on your record because of this.
There is no azimuth adjustment on the T1, and it was set up and ready to go when I took it out of the box. While it's always a good idea to double-check, their goal is to get you playing as fast as possible with no hassle. Thus their claim.
@@thevinylattack Yes, no azimuth adjustment. But I do azimuth adjustment by myself: to put a silicon or metal washer between a cart and a headshell on the one side, which is higher. Then you can level the bottom of the cart correctly.
@@thevinylattack 1. You are moving up in logic without looking down on others. 2. You admit to being off subject (I have Adhd type 2). 3. You make a good case for the Project and what you can expect. I look at it from a wellread point of view since the debut carbon was the least malfunctioning TT I have owned.
“Balanced” compared to what? You obviously have the competition in mind. Which one? A ratings scale for different aspects of the product would help understand what “balanced” means. Not trying to be whiny, I’m a follower and do appreciate your effort and the good quality of your commentary.
@@thevinylattack I think you (we) are comparing all the time. “Balanced” means for me that it’s a good value for the money... again, compared to the competition.
Accuracy does not exist in most recorded music! First off the recordings are an illusion! The engineers put "reverb" sometimes "compression" and "layer" the instruments and vocals (among other sounds not particularly associated with the music)! Second, you'll never be able to duplicate all the monitors used by the engineers, as all speakers have different sound characteristics! I'm an advocate of "tone controls" , because every room and speakers are different and the whole purpose of listening to recordings are to "re-create" the moment of creation!
I look at it a different way. You're not necessarily recreating the direct amp or drum tone recorded in the live room, you're recreating what was put down on the final product.
The record producer is not intending people to reproduce the sound of the recording studio. They're producing a piece of art for you to play around with so you can enjoy it.
@@kyron42 Like almost all things in audio, I think it depends on the producer. The albums I recorded had a certain sound we were after and I'd be quite happy if people can get as close to that as possible. The producer felt the same. BUT, people should enjoy the music however they'd like.
@@kyron42 There might be a couple of live songs from about 8 million years ago, but there are no recordings anywhere that I know of. It's been quite a while since that band played together.
Every time I watch a turntable review, only stereo records are tested on the deck. For collectors of 50/60s vintage records it’s important to know what to expect from mono playback. Personally, I have moved on to using dedicated mono pick ups for vintage records. The sound is strikingly different - true mono as opposed to that weird 3D effect from a stereo cart, less surface noise, zero inner groove distortion and the punch of the music is phenomenal. How does an OM 10 on this deck sound in mono? Is this TT up to the job of vintage vinyl? That would be useful to know.
Unfortunately, mono records are such a minority that they don't get much testing and review done. I don't own a mono cartridge and I think I might have one mono record in my collection. I'm just not set up to do a proper mono review.
After two years I still don't understand how it sounds and if I like it. I love the concept of manual 100%. But it seems dull and suffocated. Maybe I haven't got the hi-fi connection chain right yet
It would depend on how poor the turntable performs. There's not much value in making a video that shreds a manufacturers product, so I'd probably just politely let them know and not post anything about it. I am, however, always trying to point out the positive and negative sides to a product for an accurate picture.
Your comment about humans not being able to hear audio at 11 Hz, while true, does not account for the fact that with sub-bass, the human body can feel infrasound vibrations, giving a visceral sensation that requires no transmission through the human auditory canal. Hence, humans can experience infrasound. Just sayin....
The human ear...20-20000hz let me tell you as a doctor that that is in theory, most cant hear below 60 or above 15000 but your Pet can so...never could understand the hype for ultra hi res bs
Pro-Ject are over priced for what you get, thanks for not hyping it up because it’s a Pro-Ject. I literally sold my EVO carbon for a loss because it was so awful. Now a happy Technics owner.
I'm surprised to hear that. Most people I know who have a Pro-Ject are quite happy with them. You can rest assured however, that I'll neve hype anything unless I'm absolutely blown over by its performance. I'm trying to have fair reviews so people have a good idea of what they might be buying.
Great review! I like the fact you cover the pros and cons of this turntable ,usually it's just alot of hype and no negatives,thanks so much on this,honesty is a virtue especially when I actually thought about this model for home !
I think reviews that don't point out any flaws are doing their listeners (or readers) a disservice. Everything has ups and downs, it's all about matching what's best for you.
OMG, I brought one of these about 2 weeks ago and had no idea that it had 3 feet!!! Even stuck my head underneath to check. Ha
Great review. This is the first real turntable that I have brought in about 30 years and it's wonderful. VERY Very very recommended. Thanks.
It's a solid piece of kit.
Great review, very...balanced. I recently bought a t1. It's my first higher end turntable, and it has been a revelation. I didn't know a record could sound so good. I love my t1. Absolutely no regrets.
I have this exact model. Bought it at the beginning of 2020 having not owned a turntable for years and am very happy with it. Seems to be a good balance of functionality, quality, and price.
I'd have to agree.
I had this table for 2 now, and this week just changed the needle from the OM5e to the OM40. I have tried another cartridge (Goldring 1006) in the past on this table but honestly I did not see the improvement worth the money. I plucked up the courage for the OM40 because the OM5e for the low cost sounded very good, and I have to say that this needle really brought music to life.
They should have options for different cartridges like u-turn
Did the change in cartridge affect the anti skate thingy?
I love pro-ject turntables,i've had four of them over the last 20 years-nothing much to add really,man;your sentiments indeed echo mine.To sum up:Top notch entry level turntables,you can't go wrong-you can upgrade the cartridge too..
Thanks for the shout out to recent patrons. The T1 has made several improvements to the Debut Carbon which keeps it competitive at its price point.
Thanks for being a Patron! I definitely found the T1 something to consider around this price.
What a guy! I could listen to you all day, great review. Thanks.
Thanks for watching!
Just bought one for my daughter. Hope it's ok.
It's a solid buy.
I don’t have this table but I have the essential 2. Upgraded the platter to a acrylic and sprung for a OM20. Great table. Pro-ject makes nice products. I like the fact that the table are customer upgradable.
This was my first turntable (outside of a Crosley given as a gift) and I had to return it sadly. The lack of adjustment markings in the tonearm hurt. I wanted it since I didn't need to do the adjustments out of the box for anti stake or anything, but quickly found out it needed them seriously. Locally I had no shops that would touch it either since none were pro-ject authorized dealers. Pro-ject support helped me out a ton after I got a scale to test the tracking force before they recommended a straight replacement. Ended up with a fluance rt82 after that. Not as pretty, but amazing tt.
A scale is definitely a must with this table.
I'm a Pro-Ject turntable fan. I have the 6PerspectX SB w/ Sumiko Blackbird cartridge, love it. I'm also looking seriously at the RPM 10 Carbon w/ Sumiko Starling for my second system, still on the fence on this one. I recommended the Debut Pro for an entry level for my son.
They make a fine product and I'm looking forward to hearing a Debut Pro myself.
Get it! The starling is fantastic !!
Great review and video, as always Chris
I appreciate that.
Hi sir I like the fact that you give time and energy to product’s geared towards those entering into hifi . It’s difficult to advise people about gear that you have not had personal experience of , even if i do research and check on customer reviews when friends and family ask for my advice on a particular product . Best wishes and kind regards 😀👍👍👍
I'm glad you found the video useful. Thanks for the kind words.
LOVE you 😍 and your concise breakdown of this turntable! Ive been considering purchasing one and trying to figure out "is this really worth it for an upgrade.. or should I get a direct drive with bells and whistles"?! I have a huge collection and realize I should upgrade one day SOON and this video definitely helped! I also LOVE your music choices for testing the turntable out. NIN, Coltrane AND Stravinsky 4ever 👏🏾👍🏾
I'm glad to hear it was helpful. Thanks for watching.
As has been said in hifi.
" if something can be asserted without evidence, it can also be dismissed without evidence ".
I have come to believe that Audiophiles pursue yet never achieve. Always looking for better and never quite reaching a point at which you can just sit down, listen and smile being happy with the end result. If only-is the Tshirt motto.
I know many who I'd say fit that category, but I also know a couple who, while always wanting to try new things, are quite happy with what they have.
At least you got one audiophile here who’s extremely happy and that have found it’s end station in hi-fi equipment. Music will always be the journey!
I have an xpression 1 which doesn't get any respect at the vintage shop, no regrets!
Great Review Chris!!! But I'm still leaning towards the RT85. Thank You for what you do! 👍👍👍
You won't go wrong with either one. Neither is better than the other really, it's about what works best for you.
I recently purchased an RT85 and love it especially because of the cartridge provided.
@@JKadison It's a damn fine table and many people like that 2M Blue cart.
@@JKadison on paper it seems to be incredibly good value. Quiet motor, servo controlled, 3 feet for easy leveling, 2m blue cartridge, MDF plinth, acrylic platter, interchangeable head sell for quick cartridge swap. It will probably be my next turntable. Just can't decide on what colour. Is there anything wrong with it?
@@kyron42 I have had my RT85 for just over a year. The only nit picky things are the cue lever and tone arm lock are made with cheap plastic and feel well cheap. I love the convenience of changing from 33 to 45, and the auto stop (not return) after the LP is over. I think the 2M Blue may be above par for the included tone arm. The good thing about this is I have no urge to upgrade my cartridge.
Got one for myself for Christmas 2020. I think you're right on the money when it comes to your wrap up 🙂
I appreciate the feedback. It's always nice to hear when people have similar experiences.
Great input and objective view.
Subbed!, enuff said.👍🏾
Welcome aboard!
I just bought a brand new in-box Como Audio turntable with matching bookshelf speaker set on eBay for $370, which is less than half off its original price of $900, so I think I scored a great deal. I only bought it because Pro-ject built it and is based off of the T1 so I know it'll be a good midrange turntable. Too bad Como Audio went under, but it seems they had a good product.
Love mine, own the basic version.
Only changed the mat for a leather one......great little turntable.
I didn't mind the felt, but I'd probably change it up too if I owned it.
First of all I love your channel.Appreciate your input and insight in the world of vinyl.In my opinion 450 dollars for what you and many call a midrange turntable seems crazy to me.I know that the cost of everything has gone up including the cost of the vinyl hobby.This turntable added with an amp/preamp and speakers could easily be 1000 dollars total for a system considered “midrange”.I would think that for a costly higher end system the percentage of people would be very low.I could be wrong.I would say this...the people I know who collect vinyl are happy with much less expensive gear.By the way I own 2 vintage receivers,2 used turntables and a pair of Yamaha speakers.All have been cleaned and refurbished.I might have 400 dollars in all of it.Appreciate your feedback.
In the current market, spending a thousand dollars on a turntable setup is indeed easy to do.
Forgive me if I missed it: is the tonearm height adjustable? How would you rate this next to the Fluance RT85? (I'm guessing "better," but I'd rather confirm than guess.)
The tonearm height isn't adjustable on either table. I like the tonearm better overall on the ProJect. Otherwise, it's really up to you which you'd prefer. One isn't really better than the other, in my opinion.
Just bought the T1 BT .... found it all you said it would be.... however the sub platter makes a grinding noise in the brass bearing .. it's really off putting it must affect the sonic resonance ... it's going back to the dealer tomorrow... I was expecting it to be silent.... the motor runs silently with the belt unattached..... im happy for it to be replaced as it seems to tick all the boxes...
I hoped they get it sorted for you.
Hi, I have te same problem. Have you solved it?
My project TT is just 15 months old yet the arm lifter is already failing. My 40 year old Technics in the gerage is still working great. "what does that say".
I'd contact Pro-Ject and let them know what's happening.
@@thevinylattack Waiting to hear back from the retailers Rep. Im trying to return it for store cedit but not expecting much from either one.
@@richardrosetta2728 I surely hope they fix the problem for you one way or another.
Great review..... a knowledgeable man..... thank you.....
Glad it was helpful.
I've had this turntable for about a year, sounds great but misses some clarity and middle, bass isn't an issue for me but that might be the speakers I have. What's your stance on the Nagaoka MP 10 cartridge? I've heard good things and been told it should transform the sound.. thanks!
The MP 110 is a great buy for the money.
I BOUGHT A T1 AND ARRIVED WITH A FAILURE At THE CLUER .... THEN I WENT FOR A AUDIO TECHNICA AT-LI120USBX AND I HAVE NO REGRETS WITH THIS IS A GREAT TURNTABLE WITH A REALLY GOOD CARTRIDGE AT-VM95E
That's funny, I bought a LP-120USBX a couple years ago and the motor started having issues. Wouldn't maintain the speed it was set to. Upgraded to a T1 and arrived in perfect condition and sounds way better than my old Audio Technica. Complete opposite experience lol.
I have to ask myself the question if the inner groove distortion you were talking about with the OM5E is less related to the cartridge and more related to alignment?
I asked this because I've had over the last 6 years five different project turntables and in spite of the cartridges being" aligned" from the factory they in fact were not.
No I know from the perspective of it being an entry level turntable and something that's expected to be plug and play, that not necessarily what you want, however it is fairly easy to properly align these cartridges with either the included protractor or downloading one from vinyl engine.
I'd say it's probably a bit of both. I've never heard an OM5 (or any of the OM series) that didn't have inner groove distortion, but I've also never had a table at this price point that didn't need to be adjusted.
@@thevinylattack yeah I guess it's a bit of both, and speaking to the OM series, apparently you've never heard the OM 30. A stellar cartridge that easily competes with the 2M bronze or even the black
@@Audiorevue I have indeed heard the OM30 and I don't think it's that spectacular. Solid, but nothing special.
@@thevinylattack well, I guess we all hear things differently, but in any case I've always been more of a grado guy anyway
I'm curious on why the feet are not adjustable,seems like a fairly minor expense for a fairly common feature that makes the setup that much easier for everyone. Not everyone's furniture or even floor is perfectly level.
I was a little surprised by this myself.
@@thevinylattack it's swapping out the feet for better, adjustable feet something that can be done on the T1?
@@odhinn9 I don't have one in front of me to check, honestly. You could always place the table on a platform that has better feet though. Check out some of the options by Isoacoustics.
Hi Chris, I may have missed it, but how would you compare this to other turntables you have reviewed, and those in your under $500 list?
I'm currently looking for a new turntable, and am having a hard time settling on which one.
I quite like the T1 and think it's a good buy. I still like the Evo more, but I hear it's recently gone up in price.
Check out the Crosley C6 - Bluetooth version can be had new for $100 more or less on eBay and it is very similar - I’m reasonably sure that it’s made by Pro-Ject, as the Crosley C10 is definitely made by Pro-ject.
With Crosley selling so many tables that ruin records, I have no interest in any of their products.
@The Vinyl Attack!
Chris, Did you do any comparison comments of this versus Fluance RT85 ?
I honestly don't recall.
Great review man. How would you say this stacks up to the Rega p1? That’s my current table. Thanks!
I'd say they're pretty damn close. Both boast a great tone arm which is their bread and butter. Honestly I'd say it's just down to personal preference.
I've had that cartridge before. A stylus upgrade can do wonders.
I'd give it a try if I weren't sending the review sample back to the manufacturer.
Looking at these online, none of the ones I see have the 33/45 RPM selector button that you show in this video. ???
You might be looking at an older version.
Only the T1 Phono SB version has this selector button. SB stands for Selector Button. The standard T1 and the T1 Phono BT (for Bluetooth) don't have one.
I am quite satisfied with the several pieces of Pro-ject gear I currently use. Especially for the money I spent. Lots of room on their model line, everything from blue-collar everyman to elitist golden ears. Another fine show Chris! Got any phono amp reviews lined up? Like, maybe, a Vincent? Great sound track this week, gonna tell us who it was?
The only phono pre I have in the house to review is my EAT, but I have some other things happening first. Hopefully I'll be able to contact some manufacturers for additional pieces to review. I honestly didn't pay any attention to the music other than the vibe. I subscribe to a royalty free site that has great music I can use in these videos.
My issue with Pro-ject is that it is taylored to these old school low mass high compliance OM cartridges. That limits the upgradebility as for example AT VM95 is off the table. That´s why I like Rega and Technics more with their medium mass tonearms.
I didn't get a chance to swap carts on this, but the specs say that you should be able to run most carts that weigh between 5 and 10 grams.
@@thevinylattack I talk about compliance and mass. T1 effective tonearm mass is 8g, that is low mass tonearm and it needs high compliance cartridge like OM5 for best results. Technics effective mass is 12g, that is medium mass and needs medium compliance cartridge, VM95 is OK.
Manufacturers state the compliance of cartridges using different methods, so it is a bit mess, but the rule of thumb is that the lower the required tracking force of cartridge, the higher the compliance…
In the past the 'low mass tonearm/high compliance cartridge' was considered the best combo (see Dual ULM for extreme example), but it seems to be out of fashion now for various reasons… but Pro-ject and Ortofon stick to it..
Sorry for rambling…
recently upgraded the cartridge to an ortofon blue. sounds pretty great to me....
It's a very popular cartridge for sure.
Question: why don't belt driven turntables no longer have speed adjustments any longer? After about a year those belts stretch. Are the motors now shelf adjusting?
Some higher end models still have speed adjustments, it just costs more to produce. My guess is that replacing belts is so easy and relatively cheap that the manufacturers aren't as concerned anymore.
Hello I am considering buying this Turnatble but I am concerned about its lack of an anti-skate adjustment. Is this a legitamate concern?
Thank You
At this price point, I don't really think so. It's a solid performer for the money. But if you're concerned, you might consider a different table.
@@thevinylattack What I dont understand is that if it is set at the factory, it never needs to be adjusted? Then why do other tables have anti-skate? Wjhy wouldnt the manufacturers all just set anti skate at the factory? What am I missing?
Thank You
Project has really upped their game lately. Their Debut Pro looks really interesting. Seems like a much better value than the Planar 3 for the same price.
I'm hoping to get my hands on one before long to see for myself. It looks very nice.
Hi mate, what would you recommend between project T1 and essential 3 ? Thanks!
The T1 is a better table overall.
@@thevinylattack appreciate it!
New to the vinyl game, but love how my neighbors setup sounds. Any suggestions where I can actually look, touch, listen to equipment instead of buying online? In western suburbs of Chicago…have plenty of vintage stores, but haven’t found anything that carries anything found in your (or other) reviews. Thanks for help!
Make the trip to Music Direct. 1811 W Bryn Mawr Ave
Chicago, IL 60660. I think they're appointment only right now so I'd call ahead. I'd also talk to your neighbor and see where they got their setup and what it is.
@@thevinylattack thanks! Neighbor moved from TX and it’s way out of the price range, if I want to avoid a divorce!
Great review man ! I am new in the vinyl world .I got my eyes on the T1 BT with the built in phono .What speakers do you recommend with it (budget around 250$) with built in amp as well, dont have a lot of space for separate ampd and phono and wires.Appreciated !
I'd take a look at the Fluance Ai 41
Beautiful and awsome beard btw!
I think he's trying to compete with bad seed tech but he won't admit it.
Great review
Thanks.
I’ve had my White Phono T1 SB now for about 6 months.. Got mine going through a NAD PP 2e phono pre-amp into a NAD T 358 v3i AV receiver
The best change I made was swapping the Ortofon OM5e cart to a Nagaoka MP110. It's a night & day difference.
I see many higher end tables using acrylic platters. How do they compare to the glass platter of the T1 ??
I don't recall really looking at the differences in the platter and nothing really stood out, so I'd say they're pretty similar.
Great video, but isn’t this the pro-ject T1 phono SB and not just the T1?
Thanks for all the info!
This was the T1. The SB has a built in phono stage which is the only difference outside of price.
5:05 I'm a bit confused now. Which EXACT T1 model you got there? From what I've researched so far, only the "T1 Phono SB" has the speed select button you showed in the video! The "T1" and "T1 BT" (which I was interested in) has this awkward manual belt repositioning _feature_ which is a no go for me and lets me delete this turntable from my whishlist!
All photos and the pdf manual from the Pro-Ject homepage show this difference between the T1 models.
It's been so long now that I'm not even sure. I think it was the SB.
@@thevinylattack it is indeed the SB
Since the price of the Debut Carbon Evo went up $100, should I just get the Rega Planar 2? (only a $100 now)
It really boils down to which brand you prefer. Either option will do a fine job for you.
Is the tonearm height adjustable?
It makes me just a little uncomfortable knowing that I spent the extra scratch on my Debut Carbon Esprit when this looks so similar.
The Debut Pro has me intrigued I must say. The metal bits, VTA, and especially the toggle switch. The on off button on my Esprit is my least favorite thing about it. But I’m the end I’ll probably just upgrade my cartridge in a year. Anyone out there thinking of upgrading the cart on their T1, I recommend skipping the obligatory Ortofon Red for a Sumiko Moonstone
I'm on the list to review a Debut Pro, but I don't know when it'll happen. It does look like a nice piece though.
@@thevinylattack I just watched a video about it and then yours about the T1, I don't understand why the T1 has a glass platter but the Pro has aluminium and costs quite a bit more?
@@_AJH_ My only guess is maybe more weight? It could potentially help with the flywheel effect which keeps speed stable. Then again, maybe Pro-Ject just wants you to buy upgrades.
I like my esprit with a blue cart
I upgraded my Carbon Evo with a acrylic platter and I don’t think I’ll ever go back to any other type of platter. Definitely a different price point than the T1 though so not really a good comparison.
I don't think it's all that far apart for comparison. But the main thing is your happy.
I’m looking to do the same - do you recall specifically which acrylic platter you purchased for your Debut Carbon Evo? (and was it made by Pro-ject?) I noticed multiple off-brands make them too.
Very professional 👍👍
Thank you.
@@thevinylattack your welcome,wish I kept my records but I'll pay and get the rt85 and hook it to my fluance fi70,a beautiful speaker
That Ortofon OM 5E is waaay better in the long run than a 2M Red or Blue!
You can upgrade the OM cartridge all the way from OM10 stylus to an OM40 stylus, which is a high-end Fritz Gyger 70 line contact stylus!
It doesn't sound as good in most people's opinions though, so there's that.
Great review! But how well does it perform on a 180g record ?
I used a couple of 180's in the review.
I recently read that there is no difference in the cartridges between Ortofon OM 5 and OM 10 and only the stylus is different. In my experience this is true and worth considering if you want to upgrade a project. I have had two projects and I wouldn’t buy another, however snazzy they look. A Denon DP 300 just blows them away with an upgraded pick up and it’s easy to change or use multiple headshells.
In a MM cartridge there is no difference no matter the model. MC has coil so that makes a difference with the cartridge ”house” part. Its plastic in different colours.
I can't speak on that as I've never used the Denon.
@@thevinylattack Hi! The 300 is great value - about €300 in Europe - but they do look chunky and crap, so I quite understand why people would like to have something more stylish. Still, style over content can be dangerous.
The hinges get really stiff. Spray bo-shield, it will fix it immediately.
Hello! I am new into the vinyl world and I am looking for a turntable. I'm in doubt between AT-LPW40/LPW50 and Pro-Ject T1. I am brazilian and here it´s difficult because of value, so I have a limited budget. What turntable do you prefer between those two or at the same value? Thank you for your review, was the best I watched.
If you already have a phono pre-amp or a stereo with a built in phono pre, I'd take the Pro-Ject. If you don't have that, the LPW40 would be a good choice as it has one built in.
@@thevinylattack The T1 phono SB has one built in as well.
I bought one of these about 6 months ago. Would you recommend upgrading to a orthogonal blue or red cartridge?
Personally, no. If I were upgrading the cart I'd look at other options. But, many people like the 2M blue and you might as well. It's all personal preference.
@@thevinylattack what would you recommend? Very new to the vinyl world.
@@TheUsmc0802 I like the Nagaoka MP 110
@@thevinylattack done! Just ordered! I realize that as my collection grows I’ll need different cartridges for different genre of music. This seems to be a great all arounder!
@@TheUsmc0802 Contrary to popular belief, you don't need different cartridges for different styles of music. While some carts might suit certain styles better, a good quality cart will perform uniformly across the board and give you quality playback no matter what's on the turntable.
Which do you like better? This or the Fluance RT-84/85?
I like them both for different reasons, but right now I'm pretty impressed with that T1 tonearm.
I personally do not like Pro-Ject TTs. Did you check the anti-skate? I have found it to always be off with no way to correct.
This table doesn't have an adjustable anti-skate. Something I failed to mention in the review. My apologies.
I tested skating on my Pro-ject table, and it was perfect...
Thanks for the review Chris, entertaining and rightfully informative as always. My #1 complaint with vinyl records is always the dreaded, Oh no! I’m approaching song 4 or 5, I better brace myself for the inner groove distortion (or maybe it’s outer sometimes?). In all your years, what are some changes, outside of spending $1000 on a turntable that can help eliminate “IGD”?
The only thing that really eliminates that is a solid cart and a good set up by a professional. I had an old used Technics SL 1200 with a Nagaoka MP 110 (neither of which cost very much) that I had set up by my hifi guy Chris, and I never had any inner distortion to speak of.
@@thevinylattack Thank you for the advice Chris, I am definitely going to look into this. As a vinyl enthusiast, when vinyl is sounding its best, there is nothing more frustrating then waiting for the sonic decay to kick in toward the last song or two on Side A and Side B. This probably happens to 70% of my collection, but I do have some gems that don’t seem to suffer the same fate.
@@thevinylattack I just got a T1 and love it. I keep hearing great things about the Nagaoka MP-110 cart online. One of my buddies had one on his turntable and loves it. Definitely going to be upgrading to that cart in the future. Seems like the best one for the price point.
Chris....love the coverage and great review.....well done. These turntables are a great entry. I had one years ago but for me I went over to Rega.....presently at P8. Just personal preference and to each there own. You can't go wrong with the T1....Solid entry...solid.
Cheers and all the best.
BTW Chris....how is the flood recovery coming? Fully recovered yet? Be safe man.
I'm glad you liked the review, I'm certainly doing my best to convey the information I'm hearing. The flood damage has long been cleaned, but I lost tens of thousands of dollars of collectibles so I doubt I'll ever fully 'recover'. I'm up and running though and I have my health.
@@thevinylattack Glad to hear ....glad to hear. Srry about the collectables. As long as you have your health and strength you're golden. Be safe brother.
Great review. I own the much more humble Pro-Ject (2007) Debut III (red) with Ortofon OM 5E. I really have loved it although it has seen very light usage. Imagine my sadness that in the last few months, the table's motor had begun to make a considerable screeching noise. Then it wants to play backward at times and is shaking so much that you feel it on the plinth. With research, I had found that this motor failure is not so uncommon, which is shocking because of its light usage. I think back decades ago when I bought my first table, a Pioneer PL-S30 semi-auto that needed a belt replacement, but after 15-years its motor too failed. I did not love it enough to repair it, however, my I do love my red Pro-Ject Debut III. Pro-Ject replied that a replacement motor would cost about $85 (IIRC) here in the States which seems a ridiculous premium for a one-off order coming from Europe. Their US distributor Sumiko should maintain a standing stock of what should be a $25 part. You know these were built in China for about $5 OEM cost. I can barely hear the extra TT rumble at the highest volumes, so I have decided to suffer the indignity of the limping motor until it completely dies. I feel that I am being soaked for a generic asynchronous motor part for a $300 TT. Gah...
The T1 model looks OK, but I am more than disappointed that it is not offered in red (superficial, I know). My eye is drawn much more to the Debut Carbon EVO for the $150 Sumiko cartridge (US only) and the Carbon arm. If it included an acrylic platter, it would be a home run. But alas, "You can't get everything your want" at around $500. What keeps the decision path clear is that you can easily add an acrylic platter to a Debut Carbon EVO, but you cannot upgrade the tonearm on a T1. The $150 Sumiko cart is the value prop compared to the $50 Ortofon which is good, but not great. Another bit that is bothering me is when will Pro-Ject answer Fluance with the simple feature of auto stop at the end of the record's play?
$170 used? What do you think?
Sounds like a pretty good buy to me.
I’ve had a pro ject dc1 with upgraded ort 2m blue stylus and acrylic mat. Changing to 45 rpm is a pain. I have about 200 45s and I’ve done it once. Also I wish mine had auto return, does that one? Also I didn’t see an anti skate weight on that t t🤘
Almost none of the higher priced tables have an auto anything these days. With a collection like yours, you might consider switching to a table that can select 45 rpm easier, you'll live longer, lol. There is no adjustable anti-skate.
@@thevinylattack then that may be why you heard noise on the inner grooves on that one?
@@Love_Street It's possible, but with the factory setting up the table with the OM 5 in mind, I'd imagine they set the anti-skate to that cart in production. Hard to say.
I understand the point you were trying to make, but your example of speakers that exceed the limits of human hearing is not a good one. If a woofer extends down to 10Hz you can be assured that it has a linear response within the human hearing range and the characteristic tail-off common to any speaker will not be audible. The same is true with Elac tweeters at the other end of the human hearing range, and I wouldn't care to second guess Andrew Jones on this matter.
Good and (seemingly) honest review. Regarding inner groove distortion though, isn't that mostly due to setup? Maybe the factory setting isn't as good as it could/should be? Just a thought. Keep up the good work! 🤘⚡
Yes it's worth checking the azimuth adjustment.
It very well could be, but the cart looked to be set up properly and the tracking force was good. It may have been the locked in anti-skate but I don't know for sure.
This table doesn't have adjustable azimuth.
I'd start by checking the tangency/null points with a protractor. Could be overhang or a slight twist to the cartridge, both of which would be revealed by the protractor. Anyway, the main message I wanted to send was that I appreciate your videos. Alignment could be a topic for another time. 🙂
@@simonsmedberg7508 Fair points indeed. Thanks again.
When Ortofon came out with the OM series in the late 70s (YES, they are THAT old!), their whole idea was to have true to original sound and be neutral. They also adapted them to Dual's new ULM (ultra low mass) arms. When CDs hit, they advertised with their CD-like sound! I for one ended up not liking them, because they sound just too ... well, dead and neutered, instead of neutral! 50 years later, and my favourites are the now dead Shure bodies (I have many Shure bodies in my trunk) with new line-contact styli, and Audio-Technica cartridges with nudes. Gotta love a nude ...
The OM's don't do much for me either, but they are a solid buy with a table at this price.
I hope to zee a fluance 85 vs the project
I don't have the ProJect anymore.
@@thevinylattack :(ahh man oh well I think I know from watching Enough of your content to know which I'll get thank you
You may have heard IGD, because the arm is a bit on the short side...maybe
It is possible.
The OM-10, -20, and -30 bring better tracking ability according to Ortofon and most reviewers. Since upgrades simply involve replacing the stylus, it shouldn't be a fatal flaw.
@@1mctous I personally didn't find better tracking with the OM 10, but the carts are also on two different tables.
Since you, like me, value context I am going to ask you a 3 part question: would your review of the T1 have been different had you used a different cartridge (MM or MC, your choice), a different hifi set up, and different speakers? The answer, I suspect, is of course it would. This is why I tuned out of your review after you began your sonic impressions. Up to then, I enjoyed your review. The table is a transport method, pure and simple. Did you hear or test for wow, flutter, rumble, noise? Those would have been very good specs to see compared to whatever model turntable you use regularly or compared to another model to let us know where this table sits in the grand scheme of other turntables. Kindest regards, Jim
Great points. What gear do you use?
Comparing this table to my Clearaudio concept wouldn't have done anyone any good as their not even in the same league. I'd very much like to do comparisons when I'm able, but that's not always the case. So, I just relay what I'm personally hearing in hopes that it helps.
@@pointsbeingmade7996 My gear is vintage from 1972-80, all restored. I use a Dual 721 turntable that I bought in 1972. It's a direct drive. It's been completely restored to better than factory original. I tri-amp my rig using an Electronic Crossover Network and Pre-amp.
The turntable's role in sound reproduction should be transparent. Unlike the cartridge, which does affect the sonic quality (because that is its job). The turntable cannot, in the same way, affect the low end, mids or highs. The turntable is just a transport device. It has one function to perform: to turn the record, nothing more. It can produce rumble, wow, and flutter. But those are noises added into the sound reproduction chain. Sonic impression is shaped by the cartridge, amp, pre-amp and speakers - not the turntable. If you change your turntable, but keep the same cartridge I do not believe you would hear a difference. I like this channel very much. I introduced Chris to the Furutech Destat III, which he reviewed. I think "transparent" would have been a correct way to describe the turntable, not "balanced." Just sayin' - Cheers, J
@@jim_wicks The table construction has much to do with the sonic qualities heard. Certainly not as much as a different cartridge, but it absolutely has an impact. That's why so much R&D is done on the materials used and the way in which they're constructed.
These turntables are not 100% factory set. You have to check it before playing! It can be that VTF is set too high or too low and you need a scale to see that on this model. And also cartridge alignment is usually off. They just put the cartridge at the end of the holes, which means nothing. And also azimuth can be off, because designers said that it is ok if a cart is little sideways. But when you are playing worse quality pressings, cantilever can make a nick on your record because of this.
There is no azimuth adjustment on the T1, and it was set up and ready to go when I took it out of the box. While it's always a good idea to double-check, their goal is to get you playing as fast as possible with no hassle. Thus their claim.
@@thevinylattack Yes, no azimuth adjustment. But I do azimuth adjustment by myself: to put a silicon or metal washer between a cart and a headshell on the one side, which is higher. Then you can level the bottom of the cart correctly.
This was 10/10
I don't know about all that, but I certainly appreciate the encouragement.
@@thevinylattack 1. You are moving up in logic without looking down on others. 2. You admit to being off subject (I have Adhd type 2). 3. You make a good case for the Project and what you can expect. I look at it from a wellread point of view since the debut carbon was the least malfunctioning TT I have owned.
“Balanced” compared to what? You obviously have the competition in mind. Which one? A ratings scale for different aspects of the product would help understand what “balanced” means. Not trying to be whiny, I’m a follower and do appreciate your effort and the good quality of your commentary.
Balanced as in the frequencies blend very well. It wasn't about comparing it to something else specifically.
@@thevinylattack I think you (we) are comparing all the time. “Balanced” means for me that it’s a good value for the money... again, compared to the competition.
You can not hear it but you can feel it
Accuracy does not exist in most recorded music! First off the recordings are an illusion! The engineers put "reverb" sometimes "compression" and "layer" the instruments and vocals (among other sounds not particularly associated with the music)! Second, you'll never be able to duplicate all the monitors used by the engineers, as all speakers have different sound characteristics! I'm an advocate of "tone controls" , because every room and speakers are different and the whole purpose of listening to recordings are to "re-create" the moment of creation!
I look at it a different way. You're not necessarily recreating the direct amp or drum tone recorded in the live room, you're recreating what was put down on the final product.
The record producer is not intending people to reproduce the sound of the recording studio. They're producing a piece of art for you to play around with so you can enjoy it.
@@kyron42 Like almost all things in audio, I think it depends on the producer. The albums I recorded had a certain sound we were after and I'd be quite happy if people can get as close to that as possible. The producer felt the same. BUT, people should enjoy the music however they'd like.
@@thevinylattack Are any of those recordings on UA-cam? Would you be able to link to them.
@@kyron42 There might be a couple of live songs from about 8 million years ago, but there are no recordings anywhere that I know of. It's been quite a while since that band played together.
Every time I watch a turntable review, only stereo records are tested on the deck. For collectors of 50/60s vintage records it’s important to know what to expect from mono playback. Personally, I have moved on to using dedicated mono pick ups for vintage records. The sound is strikingly different - true mono as opposed to that weird 3D effect from a stereo cart, less surface noise, zero inner groove distortion and the punch of the music is phenomenal. How does an OM 10 on this deck sound in mono? Is this TT up to the job of vintage vinyl? That would be useful to know.
Unfortunately, mono records are such a minority that they don't get much testing and review done. I don't own a mono cartridge and I think I might have one mono record in my collection. I'm just not set up to do a proper mono review.
@@thevinylattack Fair enough! I have about 800! Still looking forward to it, sometime. 😀
Time to save my pennies for a upgrade from my Fluance RT81....Great review.
Thanks.
180gr should be the industry standard
It is now, it didn't used to be.
After two years I still don't understand how it sounds and if I like it. I love the concept of manual 100%. But it seems dull and suffocated. Maybe I haven't got the hi-fi connection chain right yet
If you're not sure you like it, it's probably time to try another table to see if it's a better fit. No reason to settle.
11hz is frequency you FEEL!!! You should know better FFS.
Just what your turntable wants, frequencies it can feel...
@@thevinylattack hahaha!
I like your channel but I'm curious if you ever review a turntable you don't like?
It would depend on how poor the turntable performs. There's not much value in making a video that shreds a manufacturers product, so I'd probably just politely let them know and not post anything about it. I am, however, always trying to point out the positive and negative sides to a product for an accurate picture.
You can feel 11 Hertz.
Yes, but why would you want to? You can feel 20Hz as well.
Your comment about humans not being able to hear audio at 11 Hz, while true, does not account for the fact that with sub-bass, the human body can feel infrasound vibrations, giving a visceral sensation that requires no transmission through the human auditory canal. Hence, humans can experience infrasound. Just sayin....
...but brilliant review :-)
The human ear...20-20000hz let me tell you as a doctor that that is in theory, most cant hear below 60 or above 15000 but your Pet can so...never could understand the hype for ultra hi res bs
Show us the darn thing. Lol.
Pro-Ject are over priced for what you get, thanks for not hyping it up because it’s a Pro-Ject. I literally sold my EVO carbon for a loss because it was so awful. Now a happy Technics owner.
I'm surprised to hear that. Most people I know who have a Pro-Ject are quite happy with them. You can rest assured however, that I'll neve hype anything unless I'm absolutely blown over by its performance. I'm trying to have fair reviews so people have a good idea of what they might be buying.
@@thevinylattack I can only assume they haven’t heard anything else. For instance Fluance have a far superior wow & flutter to Pro-Ject.
Okay your beard is too bouncy it’s almost distracting but great review tho
I'm glad you liked the review.
The preamp on this turd is the weak link on an otherwise just ok budget turntable.
It's garbage! I sold it after 3 weeks and bought a far away better vintage turntable for 1/3 of the price. Just beautiful marketing!
“It’s garbage!” he shouts, without a single example as to what makes it so.
"We gonna take a good look of this turntable"; vid himself for the rest of the video 🤦♂️
Sorry that the several shots of the T1 weren't enough for you. How dare I put myself in my own video. The nerve!