Pro-Ject Audio’s latest X Series turntable, model XA B, aims to deliver the highest quality audio with a premium aesthetic, right out of the box. In addition to offering a ‘True Balanced Connection’ via the 5-pin DIN output, the turntable features a plinth constructed of transparent acrylic, a material that has existed in Pro-Ject’s repertoire for decades.
At $1,499, the XA B is sandwiched between Pro-Ject’s X1 B ($1,299) and X2 B ($1,799) which we reviewed back in February. All three models are fully balanced turntables but there are some key differences.
What’s New
- 5-pin DIN balanced output (no RCA output, but DIN > RCA/ground cable included)
- Balanced MM cartridge (new cable & balanced phono pre required for balanced operation)
- 10” aluminum armtube & wider plinth to accommodate that length
- Different isolation feet
- Different platter (die-cast TPE-damped aluminum like Debut PRO)
- Includes Record Puck E
Design
In turntable design & manufacture, thoughtful selection of materials is critical. Each material has its own resonant frequency that must blend well with the other materials involved. In the XA B development process, measurement and critical listening revealed that acrylic alone can potentially over-damp sonics. This is why Pro-Ject made the decision to utilize a livelier-sounding 10-inch one-piece aluminum tonearm, die-cast aluminum platter, Pick it PRO Balanced cartridge and purpose-selected isolation feet.
Together with the acrylic plinth, Pro-Ject says these materials render music in a lively, dynamic and detail-rich manner. With the simple addition of the proper cable and any of Pro-Ject’s Phono Box S3 B, Phono Box DS3 B, Tube Box DS3 B or Phono Box RS2 balanced phono preamps, listeners can take the plunge into the world of balanced vinyl playback.
The following are balanced cable types that would do the trick: 5-pin DIN > Mini XLR or 5-pin DIN > XLR (depending on the phono preamp).
Comparison
| X1 B | XA B | X2 B | |
| MSRP | $1,099 | $1,499 | $1,599 |
| Plinth | MDF | Acrylic | MDF (50mm) |
| Speeds | 33/45rpm, 45/78rpm (flat, round belts) | 33/45rpm (electronic speed change) | 33/45rpm, 45/78rpm (flat, round belts) |
| Speed variance | ±0.30% (33rpm), ±0.25% (45rpm) | 0.30% (33rpm), 0.20% (45rpm) | ±0.25% (33rpm), ±0.20% (45rpm) |
| Wow & flutter | ±0.15% (33rpm), ±0.13% (45rpm) | 0.13% (33rpm), 0.12% (45rpm) | ±0.12% (33rpm), ±0.10% (45rpm) |
| Platter | 1.5 kg (20mm) resonance-free acrylic record platter | 1.7 kg (30mm) die-cast aluminum platter | 2 kg, (30mm) resonance-free acrylic record platter |
| Tonearm | 8.6” one-piece carbon-wrapped aluminum | 10″ one-piece aluminum arm tube | 9” one-piece carbon-wrapped aluminum |
| Effective tonearm mass | 10 g | 10 g | 13.5 g |
| Dimensions (WxHxD lid closed) | 415 x 135 x 335 mm (16.34 x 5.31 x 13.19 inches) | 460 x 130 x 340 mm (18.11 x 5.12 x 13.39 inches) | 460 x 150 x 340 mm (18.11 x 5.91 x 13.39 inches) |
| Weight | 7 kg (15.43 lbs) | 8 kg (17.64 lbs) | 10 kg (22.05 lbs) |
| Outputs | 5-pin mini XLR output, RCA phono | 5-pin DIN balanced output | 5-pin mini XLR output, RCA phono |
| Isolation feet | Adjustable TPE-damped isolation feet | Special TPE-damped height-adjustable metal feet | Adjustable TPE-damped isolation feet |
| Cartridge | Sumiko Rainier MM | Pick it Pro Balanced MM cartridge | Sumiko Rainier MM |
| Included | 15V 0.8A DC power supply, dust cover, DIN > RCA cable, felt mat | 15V/0.8A DC universal power supply |
Initial Thoughts
The XA B is the least expensive acrylic turntable among over a dozen balanced Pro-Ject Turntables priced up to $13,999. With a street price just $100 less than the X2 B, consumers have an interesting choice. However, Pro-Ject says the XA B’s longer 10-inch tonearm reduces tracking errors while delivering different sonics than a MDF base.
Price & Availability
The Pro-Ject XA B Turntable is expected to be available in the U.S. beginning October 15, 2024 for $1,499 at Crutchfield and other authorized retailers.
For more information: pro-jectusa.com
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HW
August 12, 2024 at 12:22 am
Couldn’t a different name other than XA be chosen? AR had the XA turntable. Pro-Ject already has X1, XA should be X2 and X2 should be X3.
Ian White
August 12, 2024 at 1:28 pm
HW,
I’m sure Pro-Ject has its reason for the name. Very few consumers outside of the audiophile kingdom (under the age of 50) will remember the venerable AR XA table. Sadly. Pro-Ject’s customer base is generally younger so the branding seems to be working.
Best,
Ian White