Pro-Ject E1.2 Phono Turntable with Pick it MM E Cartridge

Pro-Ject E1.2 Phono Turntable with Pick it MM E Cartridge

The Pro-Ject E1.2 Phono is a plug-and-play manual belt-drive turntable with a factory-fitted Pick it MM E moving-magnet cartridge, a 730g die-cast aluminium platter and a switchable built-in phono stage, making it easy to connect to either a standard line input or a conventional phono input.

It is designed as a straightforward entry into proper hi-fi vinyl playback without turning setup into a project of its own. Tracking force and anti-skating are adjusted at the factory, the cartridge is already fitted, and 33/45 rpm speed change is electronic. The result is a turntable that can be up and running quickly while still using a conventional belt-drive, separate tonearm and replaceable cartridge architecture.

730g Die-Cast Aluminium Platter

A more stable platform for the record

The E1.2 generation moves to a 730g die-cast aluminium platter that is reworked and precision-balanced after casting. The extra mass and rigidity are there to improve rotational stability and reduce unwanted resonance compared with a lightweight moulded platter.

The platter sits on a glass-fibre-reinforced ABS sub-platter and a stainless-steel axle running in a bronze bushing. Together, those parts form the mechanical foundation of the turntable and help keep the platter rotating consistently while the stylus traces the groove.

8.6-inch Aluminium Tonearm

Factory-adjusted for the supplied cartridge

The 8.6-inch aluminium tonearm has an effective length of 218.5mm and effective mass of 7g. Pro-Ject uses a high-mass gimbal bearing arrangement with a carbon-reinforced headshell, aiming for stable tracking and low mechanical play.

More importantly for everyday use, the arm arrives pre-adjusted for the supplied Pick it MM E cartridge. That removes most of the setup work that can make a first turntable feel intimidating. You still need to place the turntable level and handle the stylus carefully, but there is no need to start from scratch with cartridge alignment and tracking-force setup.

Pick it MM E Cartridge Included

A practical moving-magnet cartridge for an entry hi-fi system

The supplied Pick it MM E uses a moving-magnet generator, a conical diamond stylus and a recommended tracking force of 2.0g. Output is 3.8mV, so it is well suited to the E1.2 Phono's internal phono stage as well as standard external MM phono inputs.

The cartridge itself is not treated as a throwaway part of the turntable. The stylus is replaceable, and the cartridge can be changed later if the system develops in another direction.

Built-In Switchable Phono Stage

Connect directly to line level or bypass it for an external phono stage

The key difference between the E1.2 and E1.2 Phono is the onboard switchable phono preamplifier. With the phono stage switched on, the turntable can connect to a standard AUX, CD or other line-level analogue input. That makes it useful with integrated amplifiers, receivers and powered speakers that do not have a dedicated phono input.

If the amplifier already has an MM phono input, or you later upgrade to a dedicated phono stage, the internal preamp can be switched out of circuit. That gives the turntable a more useful upgrade path than a design where the internal electronics are permanently in the signal chain.

Electronic 33 / 45 rpm Speed Change

No need to move the belt between record speeds

Playback speed is selected electronically between 33 and 45 rpm. That keeps day-to-day use simple, particularly for listeners with a mix of LPs and 45 rpm releases.

Designed for Easy System Integration

A turntable that works with simple and more developed systems

The E1.2 Phono makes most sense when you want a turntable that can start in a straightforward system and still remain useful later. It can feed a normal line input today and an external phono stage tomorrow, while the cartridge can also be replaced as the rest of the system improves.

Placement still matters. A turntable should sit on a stable, level surface away from direct speaker vibration where practical. If the room has springy floors or the speakers are close to the turntable, isolation and furniture choice can make a meaningful difference.

Key Features

• Manual belt-drive turntable
• Factory-fitted Pro-Ject Pick it MM E moving-magnet cartridge
• Switchable built-in MM phono preamplifier
• 730g die-cast aluminium platter
• Glass-fibre-reinforced ABS sub-platter
• 8.6-inch aluminium tonearm
• Carbon-reinforced headshell
• Factory-adjusted tracking force and anti-skating
• Electronic 33 and 45 rpm speed change
• Gold-plated RCA outputs
• High-quality 1.23m phono cable
• Damped DC motor
• Dust cover included
• Available in Black, White and Walnut
• Handmade in Europe

Specifications

Detailed Technical Specifications

For those who like to drag out all the useful bits

Important Notes

• The E1.2 Phono is a manual turntable. The tonearm is placed on and removed from the record by hand.
• The built-in phono stage can be switched on for line-level inputs or bypassed for a separate MM phono stage.
• Correct placement on a stable, level surface is important for reliable vinyl playback.
• The current Australian range includes Black, White and Walnut finishes.

The Audio Experts Take

The E1.2 Phono is a strong fit for someone who wants a proper manual turntable but does not want to build the whole analogue front end on day one. The built-in phono stage means it can plug straight into a normal amplifier or powered speaker system, while the bypass option leaves room for a better phono stage later.

The 730g aluminium platter is the worthwhile step forward in this generation. It gives the turntable a more substantial mechanical base, while the pre-set Pick it MM E keeps the setup process simple enough for a first-time owner.

We would choose the E1.2 Phono over a basic all-in-one record player when the aim is to start with something simple but keep a genuine upgrade path. If you already own an amplifier with a good phono input, the standard E1.2 may also be worth comparing before you decide.