Congratulations if you are looking for a new turntable, and X1 is in your shortlist, you have chosen to take this hobby to next level and for that I tip you my hat and say welcome to the club.
Historic placement and build quality of X1
There is a big legacy behind X1, as it is a direct ancestor to the P1 and Xpresion 1 turntables.
Both carried the torch for vinyl enthusiasts in digital and cd era. And now in this day and age of Vinyl resurgence it is still very relevant turntable.
I kind of enjoy philosophy of Pro Ject. They are all about that stability, sturdiness and effectiveness of materials. Compering this turntables to similar in this price range, you can always see that it towers competition, and that it looks far thicker and massive. And it all rises to X2 which is even more bigger and massive elder brother. With bigger platter and plinth. Incredible looking device
I like bulky boys like that, there is 1.5 kg transparent acrylic platter that should cut a lot of resonances from the electricity and spin of motor. Its base is plinth that is an oversized MDF which houses motor and all the electrical components. They all bring this very assuring quality to it, that feels there has been a lot of though and care put into designing every element of this turntable.
Turntable has an electric switcher, which is always welcome,
even thou some purist still prefer manual change, like belt change, I really dislike all that hassle. Tonearm is Carbone aluminum 8 and 6 inches in length, with fully adjustable Azimuth and VTA. It is really stable tonearm, that should follow the grooves of your vinyl with precision and ese. And could handle a weight and pressure from different shells and cartridges, as it self Carbon is not weighty but it is very sturdy.
Thinking about upgrade path
Okey you survived me babbling about the technical aspects of the turntable, but that was important. More than any HIFI audio component, turntables build quality and materials are really important for the future upgradability and sound of your turntable. As when you buy a new turntable you should always think about future and upgrade path, as your turntable will grow with you and your musical tastes.
Sound Quality
But The most important is the sound of a turntable, without it, all the materials in the world are useless.
And I am happy to say that value for your money is incredible in this turntable. If you jump from something like cheaper turntable the sound instantly becomes a lot more livelier, detailed and more musical.
But overall the sound characteristics of Pro ject is that they are neutral and very balanced.
People should appreciate more presentation of X1
as it show evenly on soundstage every instruments weight, presence and how it feels. It is creating weight, give them lane and space so that sound can be bigger and more dynamically pleasing.
Sound quality is superb and can not be faulted in this level. Timber is rich and detailed, instruments leave something behind them a trail of aftersounds and reverb that can be almost touched. Cymbal, kicks have weight as they are clear, and defined. Vocals harmonize and is detailed and lush. Stability is also something that ject can be proud of.
The Cure and rich timber and amazing bass
I have listed some Disintegration by Cure,
and all the positive points I mentioned above shined so much here.
Soundstage is open, instruments have weight, vocal is detailed and lush and Robert seems so full and in command.
But what impressed me a lot while listening to this is just how amazing the bass is.
I did not expect for bass to be so commending and authoritative. But also having a rhythmic cohesion.
It was unexpected to say the least, and very surprising.
Klaus Schulze and clarity and rhythm
After that I tried some ambient techno with Klaus Schulze, and put Moondown.
Just to see how does it feel when instrumentation is striped down, and synthetic. And I am happy to report that I was not disappointed. As there is a great sense of clarity and rhythm that Pro Ject managed to muster without feeling thin and empty. This Is a point in turntables when they become fun and entertaining, and is all of that when people speak about mythical sound of turntables. It is full it is driving an it is fun.
Weakest Part of this turntable
Maybe the weakest part for me, is the biggest bottleneck to truly experience all the X1 has to offer and that is Pick it S2 MM.
If this was on some entry level turntable like their Carbon series I wouldn’t mind so much. As a beginner cartridges it does everything good. This is a collaboration between pro ject and ortofon. And as far as I can hear it sound closely resembles Ortofon Red.
And it can even handle extract the grooves for some nice details, bass and depth.
But if you can add some Sumiko cartridges, mainly Olympia or Moonstone. They compliment super well the sound of Pro ject. And it will open the sound, and pick much more details that it will almost feel like a different turntable.
You amp and Speakers will pick far more details and will open the sound much more creating a different experience.
Tonality harmonious for patient listener
Project likes to boost tagline that their product are tonally harmonious.
And I do agree, as nature of balance does bring an even signature that can be appreciated only after repeated listens. It is not a sound that catches you immediately.
And I will suggest this turntable for patient listener, not someone who wants everything all at once.
Pro Ject does reward your patients with subtle but powerful dynamics and details, that will be part of your listening experience on a long run.
Do not be turned off if it is not sonically mostly flashiest thing you heard.
Conclusion
And all of that being said,
this is one of my two turntables that I think brings most value as far as I am concerned.
And for a lot of people I see this as a end game turntable.
Its upgrade path, construction, sound… I completely see a lot of enthusiasts to be really happy with this on a long run.
Just upgrade your cartridge and eventually add a good phono preamp and you are done.
Thank you for watching this video, as I am a new channel every support is more than welcome.
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All the best Bye.
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