Pro-Ject Audio Systems has always had one purpose since its establishment in 1991: to bring HiFi Stereo music enjoyment to as many people as possible. With the Pro-Ject Automat A1 the company made another big step in that direction.
A Pro-Ject product must always be of excellent sound quality – but we were looking to simplify installation and primarily use. To encourage even more customers, who fear installation and complicated usage, to take the deep plunge into the analogue world with us.
We realized that many customers sought maximum comfort in turntable use – an automatic player. Many
(often far-east) competitors tried to (re) enter the business. Still, their products were mainly out of plastic and did not offer the sound quality we have always stood for.
The Pro-Ject Automat A1
Pro-Ject Audio Systems is incredibly proud to announce finally finding access to precisely the technology that allows us to make automatic turntables without degrading the sound quality.
Handmade in Germany by a traditional manufacture with a wealth of experience in automatic turntable
production. This reliable technology allows us to introduce Pro-Ject‘s sound and philosophy to an entirely new audience, once again making accessible, high-quality Hi-Fi affordable. This once-in-a-lifetime chance and opportunity enable us to reach new pinnacles in automatic turntable design.
And It all starts with the Pro-Ject Automat A1.
Automat Technology
This fully automatic start/stop turntable completely disengages and decouples the automatic mechanism during the entire runtime of the record. The fully automated control unit is engaged when you press start, and the tonearm moves automatically to the lead-in groove. Once playing, the mechanism is completely removed from the equation and does not affect playback quality – the free movement of the tonearm and platter – at all! And because the automatic system is entirely mechanical – no additional electronics needed – it in no way influences or degrades sound quality during playback!
Heavy chassis
The wooden chassis avoids hollow spaces wherever possible, leaving just enough to precision fit all
the inner workings of the A1. As a result, the chassis’ heavy mass reduces unwanted resonances to a minimum and decouples the A1 from outside influences.
Damped aluminium platter
The aluminium platter is 100% made in Germany. In three steps, we stamp, bend and, perforate the platter. We add a damping ring on the inside to increase weight and reduce resonances. Next, we lathe and precision balance the platter to polish edges and lower wow and flutter deviations. Finally, it receives its smooth paint job, adding to the all-black stylish, and clean looks of the A1.
Perfect speed, phono-preamp, cable
As expected, in Pro-Ject tradition, we use an electronically controlled motor. Easily switch between
33 and 45 RPM with the push of a button. The built-in switchable phono preamp makes the A1 incredibly versatile and allows you to connect it directly to any line input or use your outboard phono-preamp.
The A1 comes with our „Connect it E“ phono cable. It is a semi-balanced, low-capacitance cable with superior shielding unique in this price class.
New feet with silicon damping
The new feet effectively decouple the turntable from the surface it is placed on using an internal silicon damping layer. Good feet are an essential feature for every high-quality turntable as it acts as yet another measure to ensure outside interference and resonances do not influence your vinyl playback.
Ultra-light-mass aluminium tonearm
The A1 features an 8.3“ ultra-light-mass aluminium tonearm. With the Ortofon OM10, which perfectly
fits this design principle, we get extraordinary fast response and detail in terms of transients and
microdynamics. A little-known fact is that the OM series of cartridges have their developmental roots and legacy in ultra-low-mass tonearm designs.
Tracking force and anti-skating are factory pre-adjusted, making the plug & play A1 ready within a few seconds. Since the sound quality stems from the list of audiophile features, the A1 is perfect for vinyl beginners and experienced listeners alike.
Carbon fibre reinforced anti-magnetic headshell
The headshell is an entirely new design, specifically for the A1. The carbon fibre reinforced polymer makes it super stable and rigid while keeping the weight lowest to work perfectly with the ultra-light-mass tonearm design. The polymer/carbon composite material results in excellent internal damping of resonances.
Pro-Ject Automat A1 – handmade in Germany
The A1 is entirely handmade in Germany and looks back on decades of experience in turntable manufacturing. 100% assembled and adjusted by some of the best engineers the branch has to offer.
98-99% of the individual components of the A1 are German-made. Either within the factory or its immediate vicinity. The entire region is rich in turntable tradition resulting in high quality and unique products. We can build on this tradition and develop it further. Paired with Pro-Ject technology and ideas, this sets new standards in automatic turntable design.
The A1 is the beginning of a new Pro-Ject story.
Availability and pricing
The Pro-Ject Automat A1 including cartridge is available for MSRP 399 € (incl. VAT) at Pro-Ject dealers Febuary 2022.