Pro-Ject Turntable A2

Model A2 builds on the success of fully mechanical automatic turntables. With the A2, you can now select the stylus drop-down point for 7" singles or 12" LPs at 45 RPM. The system also adds a 78 RPM speed, so you can go back to your collection of old shellac records. To start listening, simply press the Start button and the tonearm automatically moves to the record's lead-in groove. Once playback begins, the automatic mechanism is completely disengaged. Because the automation is purely mechanical, with no additional electronics, it does not affect or degrade the sound quality during playback. At the end of the record, the tonearm automatically returns and gently rests in its cradle, and the motor switches off. Automatic turntables contain many small mechanical components, which means more hollow space is needed in the chassis to accommodate them. However, hollow spaces are the biggest problem, as they always amplify resonances. By using a sub-chassis, the tonearm and drive are separated from the main chassis. In other words, a sub-chassis is essential for automatic turntables and allows them to achieve excellent sound quality.

Improved automatic mechanism

A new aluminium die-cast top plate covers the entire sub-chassis and automatic mechanism. We have limited the plastic parts of the original German automatic solution as much as possible. This is the first time in the design's 50-year history that the original automatic mechanism has undergone such an improvement. Thanks to the new aluminium die-cast top plate and the massive chassis, the entire sub-chassis construction is more effective and isolates unwanted resonances much better.

Massless tracking force adjustment

The A2 uses a new system for adjusting the cartridge's tracking force. First, the tonearm is balanced using a damped counterweight. Damping the counterweight increases the overall stability of the tonearm while decoupling it from the counterweight, thereby reducing resonance. The tracking force is then set using a rotary dial directly on the tonearm bearing. This system is not only fast, precise, and effective, but it also keeps the centre of gravity directly above the bearing's centre. The spring-based anti-skating can also be adjusted directly on the tonearm base.

Improved tonearm and gimbal bearing

The A2 is equipped with an 8.3" ultra-light aluminium tonearm featuring an improved tube with a larger diameter. It's the ideal match for the slightly heavier Ortofon 2M Red cartridge. Together, they maintain a very fast response and precise rendering of details and subtle microdynamics, while the 2M Red cartridge adds body and musical warmth to the sound. The tonearm bearing has undergone a significant upgrade; it is now made of aluminium and uses a four-point gimbal construction with in-house produced steel-tipped ball bearings. This allows for completely free and unrestricted movement of the tonearm with minimal friction. As a result, the A2 tracks the record groove with maximum precision and confidence.

Ultra-light tonearm

An ultra-light tonearm is a necessity for automatic turntables. The automatic mechanism needs to function like a fine watch movement—precisely and with minimal moving masses. A heavy tonearm would require a more robust and coarse mechanism, as it would need to move a significantly greater mass. Thanks to this concept, the A2 achieves performance parameters that are unrivalled among automatic turntables on the market.

Package contents:
Pro-Ject A2 turntable, Ortofon 2M Red cartridge (mounted), Connect it E RCA cable, dust cover, power cable and user documentation