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Pro-Ject Audio Systems has once again raised the bar for high-end vinyl playback with the release of The Classic Reference turntable.
Known for its minimalist yet powerful audio gear, Pro-Ject continues to meet the demands of audiophiles who seek both aesthetic appeal and technological superiority. Building on the legacy of their Classic EVO model and the ultra-limited VPO 175 edition, The Classic Reference is a complete package that delivers resonance-free, richly detailed audio quality with every spin. As a result, they've created a meticulously engineered experience for true music lovers.
One of the standout features of The Classic Reference is its EVO 9 AS HG tonearm. This 9-inch S-shaped tonearm is engineered with precision as a priority. Pro-Ject has used Swiss ABEC 7 bearings in an aluminum gimbal, providing near-frictionless movement and stable tracking across the record. The low-resonance, internally damped aluminum armtube ensures that unwanted vibrations are minimized, allowing the needle to extract maximum detail from every groove.
For cartridge aficionados, the removable headshell is a game-changer. This feature lets users swap out cartridges easily, allowing for custom sound profiles and versatility. Whether you're spinning vintage jazz or modern electronic, the EVO 9 AS HG tonearm adapts seamlessly, giving listeners more control over their audio experience.
Another key component of The Classic Reference is its high-mass aluminum alloy platter. Unlike lighter platters that can introduce unwanted ringing, this aluminum platter is damped with TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) to eliminate resonance. TPE is known for its excellent vibration-absorbing properties, ensuring that the platter remains sonically neutral. This careful attention to materials and design results in a purer, richer sound with a more lifelike quality.
Below the main platter sits a precision-machined aluminum sub-platter. This structure enhances the rotational stability and adds mass to the drive system, helping reduce wow and flutter. Together, the platter and sub-platter form a sophisticated system that maintains consistent speed and pitch accuracy. Audiophiles will notice the difference immediately that the Classic Reference brings out the finest details in recordings.
Power supply design plays a crucial role in the overall performance of any turntable. For The Classic Reference, Pro-Ject has implemented a DC/AC generator that takes DC power and converts it into a clean, new AC signal for the motor. This isolates the turntable from fluctuations and “dirty” AC power directly from the mains. By creating a stable, refined power source, Pro-Ject ensures that the motor operates with incredible precision, minimizing speed variances that could detract from the listening experience.
Additionally, the motor and drive belt are carefully designed to reduce vibration and interference. Combined with the motor isolation, this setup allows for ultra-smooth operation that lets the music shine without mechanical noise or jitter.
In a nod to professional audio standards, The Classic Reference is equipped with balanced XLR outputs. Balanced connections are typically found in high-end audio setups because they offer cleaner, interference-free signal transmission, especially over longer cable distances. This feature allows users to connect the turntable directly to a phono stage with balanced inputs, preserving the integrity of the audio signal.
Of course, the turntable also includes traditional RCA outputs for standard home setups, providing flexibility for different audio systems. Pro-Ject even includes their Connect it Phono E RCA cable, which is optimized for phono-level signal transmission. This cable is constructed with high-quality copper and shielding, ensuring that all the musical detail reaches the phono preamp with minimal signal loss.
To further optimize the audio experience, Pro-Ject includes both the Clamp it record clamp and Leather it turntable mat. The record clamp secures the vinyl to the platter, reducing unwanted resonance and helping the stylus track accurately across the record. Meanwhile, the leather mat enhances contact between the record and the platter, dampening additional vibrations that could affect playback. These accessories are part of Pro-Ject’s commitment to delivering a truly immersive, professional-grade experience right out of the box.
The Classic Reference is as visually stunning as it is technically sophisticated. It is available in two luxurious finishes: silver with a gloss black plinth ($5,999) and brass with an Acacia wood plinth ($6,999). Each model is made to order, underscoring the turntable’s exclusivity and hand-crafted quality. These design choices give The Classic Reference a timeless appeal that will blend seamlessly with any high-end audio or home décor setup.
Pro-Ject’s journey to create the ultimate audiophile turntable began years ago with their work on limited-edition models, like the VPO 175 turntable. That model, crafted to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, became an iconic piece and a collector’s dream. Inspired by this legacy, The Classic Reference merges high-end technology with classic Pro-Ject design elements, appealing to collectors and audiophiles alike.
For the technically inclined, here’s a quick look at some of the standout specs:
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