Pro-Ject Signature 12.2: The Pinnacle of Vinyl Turntable Craftsmanship

Experience the ultimate in vinyl playback with Pro-Ject’s Signature 12.2, a masterpiece of design and precision.

A New Benchmark for Vinyl Enthusiasts

If you're a vinyl lover like me, you know that the turntable is the heart of any setup—a true ritual instrument. Austrian hi-fi giant Pro-Ject Signature 12.2 turntable has just raised the bar with two fresh premium turntables, and the star of the show is undeniably the Signature 12.2. This model isn’t just another player; it’s hailed as the most advanced turntable the brand has ever crafted, signaling a design summit after years of refining their craft.

Previously seen only as prototypes, both the Signature 12.2 and The Classic Reference are now available in the UK through Henley Audio, ready to elevate your listening experience.

Handcrafted Brilliance in Every Detail

The Signature 12.2 is a marvel, built from over 100 CNC-machined parts. What truly blew me away is the level of hand-finishing: every metal component is painstakingly polished by hand for two full days before assembly. It’s like watching artisans pour their soul into each element, and you can feel that dedication in every groove.

The chassis itself is no ordinary MDF board; it’s painted meticulously by hand and coated with 10 layers of piano lacquer. But this isn’t just about looks. The chassis design is tuned for performance too, featuring rounded edges that minimize standing waves that could interfere with sound quality. The adjustable feet are crowned with conical tips and spring suspension, ensuring that your turntable sits perfectly level, ready to spin your records flawlessly.

Precision Engineering Meets Vinyl Magic

At 10.5 kilograms, the aluminum platter is CNC-machined and topped with a mat made from recycled vinyl records—a thoughtful nod to both form and function. The platter is perfectly balanced and rotates on an inverted ceramic ball bearing with magnetic support underneath, resulting in whisper-quiet operation. You almost forget it's spinning beneath your favorite album.

Adding to the precision is the new 12-inch aluminum tonearm featuring a three-point pivot bearing. This strategic design provides increased stability and reduces friction, which means your needle tracks the grooves with pinpoint accuracy, bringing out every nuance in your records.

Classic Reference: A High-Class Hybrid

While the Signature 12.2 is the flagship titan, The Classic Reference offers a more accessible yet still impressive premium experience. Think of it as a well-curated mix, drawing components from Pro-Ject's Classic EVO and the VPO 175 Vienna Philharmonic to create a limited-edition marvel.

You get the Pro-Ject EVO 9 AS HG tonearm, built with ABEC-7 gimbal bearings that offer ultra-low friction inside a sleek aluminum body. The SME connector allows for quick cartridge swaps — handy for those of us who love experimenting with different cartridges.

The turntable features a precision-machined aluminum platter dampened with TPE, resting on a sandwich-style MDF/aluminum chassis with a suspended TPE sub-chassis for superb vibration isolation. Outputs include both RCA and balanced XLR, adding versatility to connect with various hi-fi systems.

And just like the Signature 12.2, it sports a precision AC generator powered by DC to feed the motor with a pure sine wave, guaranteeing consistent speed and clean power delivery.

Handmade Excellence and Upgrade Potential

Both models are proudly handmade in Europe, reflecting Pro-Ject's commitment to quality and craftsmanship. For audiophiles chasing the ultimate sound, both turntables can be upgraded with True Balanced cables, perfect for squeezing out every bit of performance especially when paired with moving coil cartridges.

Investment in Sound

The Signature 12.2 comes with a price tag of roughly £10,599, while The Classic Reference starts at around £4,349 for the Piano/Silver finish and £5,199 for the Acacia/Brass version. While these figures may seem steep, for serious collectors and vinyl lovers, it’s an investment in a listening experience that’s both timeless and breathtaking.

Looking Ahead: Pro-Ject’s High-End Leap

Pro-Ject is well-known for their themed limited-edition players and solid mid-range products, but these new high-end offerings signal an exciting new chapter. Watching how the Signature 12.2 and The Classic Reference perform in the premium market will be fascinating, especially for those of us who have followed Pro-Ject’s journey from affordable to aspirational.

“Signature 12.2 is the most advanced turntable Pro-Ject has ever crafted, embodying both precision engineering and artisan craftsmanship.”

FAQ

• What makes the Signature 12.2 special compared to earlier Pro-Ject turntables?
  It combines over 100 CNC-machined parts with hand-polished metal components and a unique design aimed at minimizing vibrations and noise for an unparalleled listening experience.
• Can I upgrade these turntables with better cables?
  Yes, both models support upgrades with True Balanced cables for enhanced performance, especially with moving coil cartridges.
• What kind of tonearm does the Signature 12.2 use?
  It features a newly designed 12-inch aluminum tonearm with a three-point pivot bearing for excellent stability and minimal friction.
• Are there different finishes available for The Classic Reference?
  Yes, it comes in Piano/Silver and Acacia/Brass finishes, catering to different aesthetic preferences.
• Where are these turntables made?
  Both turntables are handmade in Europe, showcasing meticulous craftsmanship.

Dive into the rich world of vinyl with a turntable that’s crafted like a work of art. Shop your favorite album cover posters to complement your listening space at our store Architeg Prints — because every great record deserves a great backdrop.