The Test
Contents
Pro-Ject Automat A1, € 399
Pro-Ject is an Austrian audio brand that has been making mainly turntables since 1991. The company is a division of Audio Tuning, which in turn owns brands such as Musical Fidelity, TONE factory and Rekkord Audio. The A1 is the entry-level model of the Automat line introduced in 2022. The A1 has a built-in phono preamp, an Ortofon OM10 cartridge and has a mechanical system for automatic play and stop.
Clean and quiet
When listening, we notice that the signal is clean and quiet; we don’t detect any hum or other distortions. It also sounds a bit subdued, pinched at times and not very warm. On an analytical audio system like the Alpha reference system, this is immediately noticeable. We suspect that on a set that has a bit more oomph (more dynamics) this entry-level Pro-Ject will sound fine. It seems like the preamp sometimes can’t quite handle it; we occasionally hear as if the signal is clipping. If we connect the A1 to the Primare phono preamp, the signal is much quieter and balanced.
Rega Planar 1, € 379
To describe the basic features of the 5 successive turntables, we use the generative AI-bot Chat GPT. We have written about this before. The Pro-Ject Automat A1 is too new because the information is processed through 2021. We did minimal editing, mainly because the translation bot interpreted the word “turntable” very differently.
ChatGPT: The Rega Planar 1 (also known as Rega P1) is a popular entry-level turntable from British hi-fi manufacturer Rega Research. Some notable features include:RB110 tone arm: The tone arm of the Planar 1 is the RB110, a lightweight aluminum tone arm designed to reduce resonance and improve tracking.Rega Carbon cartridge:The Planar 1 comes with the Rega Carbon moving magnet cartridge, which is pre-assembled on the tone arm. This cartridge is known for its excellent tracking ability and detailed sound.24 V synchronous motor:The Planar 1 uses a low voltage 24v synchronous motor to drive the platter. This motor is designed to be quiet and vibration-free.Phenolic resin platform:The Planar 1’s turntable is made of phenolic resin, a dense material designed to reduce vibration and provide consistent speed.Manual speed change:The Planar 1 has a manual speed change mechanism, which means you have to move the drive belt to switch between 33 1/3 and 45 RPM.Anti-vibration feet: The Planar 1 sits on three anti-vibration feet designed to isolate the turntable from external vibrations.Dust cover: The Planar 1 comes with a clear acrylic dust cover designed to protect the turntable and record from dust and dirt. RCA outputs: The Planar 1 has RCA outputs that allow you to connect the turntable to an external amplifier or speakers. All in all, the Rega Planar 1 is a well-regarded entry-level turntable known for its excellent sound quality and solid build quality.
Refined
Alpha readers already know that we think Rega is a fine audio brand. In 1973 Rega released its first product, the Planet turntable, and since then they have been making amplifiers, CD players, cartridges but most importantly turntables. We had some trouble adjusting the tone arm. With the recommended needle pressure, the anti-skating of the tone arm was getting too much influence on it, causing the needle to stick. We had to increase the needle pressure considerably to compensate. We made a conscious decision to give each turntable more or less the same time to install and play with; we couldn’t manage to set up the Rega properly in the time allowed.
Once we were able to listen, we were struck by how refined the Planar 1 sounds. It’s rhythmic, our feet tapping along with the beat. Something we also experience with other Rega equipment. It plays nice and airy and with drive.
ProJect Debut III Esprit (or the Debut carbon EVO) €495
ChatGPT: The Pro-Ject Debut 3 is a turntable from Austrian audio equipment manufacturer Pro-Ject Audio Systems. Here are some of its notable features: Belt-driven motor: The Debut 3 uses a low-noise AC motor that is belt-driven to reduce vibration and provide consistent speed.
Precision tone arm: The Debut 3 has a precision aluminum tone arm designed to reduce resonance and improve tracking. It also has an adjustable counterweight and anti-skate mechanism to optimize tracking power and prevent stylus skipping.
Ortofon OM10 cartridge: The Debut 3 comes with an Ortofon OM10 moving magnet cartridge known for its detailed sound and excellent tracking ability. Acrylic Plate: The Debut 3 features an acrylic plate designed to reduce resonance and provide consistent speed. Electronic speed control: The Debut 3 has an electronic speed control, meaning you can switch between 33 1/3 and 45 RPM at the touch of a button. Anti-vibration feet: The Debut 3 stands on four anti-vibration feet designed to isolate the turntable from external vibrations. Dust cover: The Debut 3 comes with a clear acrylic dust cover designed to protect the turntable and record from dust and dirt.
RCA outputs: The Debut 3 has RCA outputs that allow you to connect the turntable to an external amplifier or speakers. All in all, the Pro-Ject Debut 3 is a well-regarded turntable that offers a range of features and high-quality components at an affordable price. Its precision tone arm, Ortofon cartridge, and acrylic plate are notable highlights that contribute to its excellent sound quality.
With the same cartridge and tonearm, the Debut III Esprit has a much finer sound than the A1. This just goes to show that the construction of the turntable (weight, material), the platter and the drive affect playback, even in this price range. We find this turntable nice and open and rhythmic, and also gets more body and “grunt” out of the records. We hear this especially on Jazzmatazz. The beats sound nice and full and tight. This turntable is much more ‘basic’ than the A1; no auto turn-off, no phono preamp, no start and stop button. You get a lot of musicality in return.
Pioneer PLX500 € 367
ChatGPT: The Pioneer PLX-500 is a direct-drive turntable designed for DJs and vinyl enthusiasts alike. Here are some of its notable features: High-torque direct-drive motor: The PLX-500 uses a high-torque direct-drive motor that can start and stop quickly, making it ideal for DJs.
Built-in phono preamp: The PLX-500 has a built-in phono preamp, meaning you can connect it directly to a pair of powered speakers or a mixer without the need for an external preamp. Removable headshell: The PLX-500 has a removable headshell that makes it easy to switch between different cartridges or replace a worn stylus. USB output: The PLX-500 has a USB output that allows you to digitize your vinyl collection with your computer and Pioneer’s free rekordbox software. Switchable 33 1/3 and 45 RPM: The PLX-500 has a switchable speed function that lets you switch between 33 1/3 and 45 RPM.
Pitch control: The PLX-500 has a pitch control slider that lets you adjust the speed of the record up to +/- 8%. Anti-vibration construction: The PLX-500 has an anti-vibration construction designed to reduce unwanted noise and vibration. Dust cover: The PLX-500 comes with a removable dust cover designed to protect the turntable and record from dust and dirt. RCA outputs: The PLX-500 has RCA outputs that allow you to connect the turntable to an external amplifier or speakers. All in all, the Pioneer PLX-500 is a versatile turntable with a range of features that make it suitable for DJs and vinyl enthusiasts alike. Its high-torque direct-drive motor, built-in phono preamp and USB output are notable highlights that set it apart from other turntables in its price range.
Bang for the buck
This Pioneer is downright impressive. The resemblance to the Technics SL1200 series is great, and not just in looks. The turntable weighs a whopping 20 pounds. With direct drive technology and the classic S-arm, installation is just plug it in and play. We find the sound coherent and pleasantly, controlled.
The treble does not run as far compared to the Primare phono preamp but somehow this is not disturbing. The bass, on the other hand, runs through and we are treated to a lovely sub-bass. The 3D experience we usually have with vinyl is somewhat less present with the PLX500. The sound doesn’t wrap around us. For the price, this is a turntable that offers a lot, not to mention your dormant DJ aspirations that you can put into practice with this Pioneer.
Rega Planar 1 Plus € 469
Chat GPT: 24V synchronous motor: The Planar 1 Plus uses a low-noise 24V synchronous motor designed to reduce vibration and provide consistent speed. RB110 tone arm: The Planar 1 Plus features a precision RB110 tone arm designed to reduce resonance and improve tracking. It also has an adjustable counterweight and non-slip mechanism to optimize tracking power and prevent stylus skipping.
Pre-installed Carbon MM cartridge: The Planar 1 Plus comes with a pre-installed Rega Carbon moving magnet cartridge known for its detailed sound and excellent tracking ability. Built-in phono preamp: The Planar 1 Plus has a built-in phono preamp, meaning you can connect it directly to a pair of powered speakers or a mixer without the need for an external preamp.
Electronic speed control: The Planar 1 Plus has electronic speed control, which means you can switch between 33 1/3 and 45 RPM at the touch of a button. Acrylic laminated base: The Planar 1 Plus has a lightweight, rigid and acoustically inert acrylic laminated base designed to reduce unwanted resonance and improve sound quality. Phenolic resin flywheel: The Planar 1 Plus has a phenolic resin flywheel designed to reduce rumble and provide consistent speed. Anti-vibration feet: The Planar 1 Plus stands on three anti-vibration feet designed to isolate the turntable from external vibrations. Dust Cover: The Planar 1 Plus comes with a removable dust cover designed to protect the turntable and record from dust and dirt.
RCA outputs: The Planar 1 Plus has RCA outputs that allow you to connect the turntable to an external amplifier or speakers. All in all, the Rega Planar 1 Plus is a high-quality turntable that offers a range of features and high-quality components at an affordable price. Its RB110 tone arm, pre-loaded Carbon MM cartridge and built-in phono preamp are notable highlights that contribute to its excellent sound quality. The acrylic laminated base and phenolic resin flywheel are also notable features that help reduce unwanted resonance and improve overall performance.
Delicious sound
The Rega Planar turntable was first marketed in 1975, in an edition of 200.In 1977, the Planar 2 was released, always priced around (converted) 500 euros. A characteristic feature was the glass platform as an eye-catcher. The Planar 1 Plus promises an improvement of a successful turntable line by integrating the Rega Fono Mini preamp with the Rega Carbon MM cartridge.
This Rega sounds very good. Open, 3D, generous and full. What we expect from vinyl we also get back. The phono preamp is not bypassable, which we find unfortunate. Because how would it sound on our reference phono preamp, the Primare R35? We hear the rhythmic character back in the Planar 1 Plus and then with a piece of refinement and detail added. Truly a wow experience, especially for the price. Connect a good amplifier and speakers to it, or active speakers and you have an impressive source that looks good too.
Marley Stir It Up €200
Chat GPT: The Marley Stir It Up is a turntable from audio equipment manufacturer House of Marley. Here are some notable features. Belt-drive system: The Stir It Up uses a belt-drive system designed to reduce unwanted noise and vibration.
Solid bamboo base: The Stir It Up features a solid bamboo base that is both environmentally friendly and acoustically inert. Universal cartridge: The Stir It Up comes with a universal cartridge that is compatible with both moving magnet and moving coil phono inputs.
Built-in preamp: The Stir It Up has a built-in preamp, meaning you can connect it directly to a pair of powered speakers or a mixer without the need for an external preamp. USB port: The Stir It Up has a USB port that allows you to digitize your vinyl collection using your computer and the included software. 33 1/3 and 45 RPM: The Stir It Up has a switchable speed function that allows you to switch between 33 1/3 and 45 RPM. Anti-skate control: The Stir It Up has an anti-skate control designed to optimize tracking power and prevent stylus skipping, Aluminum platform: The Stir It Up has an aluminum platform designed to provide consistent speed and reduce vibration. Reclaimed Rewind fabric cover: The Stir It Up comes with a fabric cover made from reclaimed Rewind fabric that is both eco-friendly and stylish, RCA outputs: The Stir It Up has RCA outputs that allow you to connect the turntable to an external amplifier or speakers.
All in all, the Marley Stir It Up is a stylish and eco-friendly turntable that offers a range of features and high-quality components at an affordable price. The solid bamboo base, universal cartridge and built-in pre-amplifier are notable highlights that contribute to the excellent sound quality. The USB port and anti-skate control are also notable features that offer additional versatility and control.
Positive vibration
House Of Marley is known for its brightly colored headphones and portable speakers. The brand incorporates eco-fabrics and materials into its products, giving them a natural look and feel. This most price-friendly turntable of the six tested sounds cheap in every way. The mechanism is loud, the motor is audible. The built-in preamp has phase issues (the bass and treble seem to cancel each other out) but that could be because we are testing a not entirely new unit.
If we connect the Marley Stir It up to the Primare R35 it sounds a little better but still a bit dull and flat. We miss the subtlety that the other turntables show with the Marley. Anyway, what can we expect for 200 euros? In any case, this turntable is a lot better than the suitcase turntables that cost the same. As an entry-level model and at this price, this player meets the basic requirements but we expect that you will soon be looking for something better.
