Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsHugely entertaining!
Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2015
OK, I've given this about 100 hours to play in, so I feel confident writing a review. First, my set up: the Pro-ject runs into a Cambridge Audio Azur 651P phono preamp, which connects to a Yamaha A-S501, which drives Bowers & Wilkins 685 S2's.
Unboxing/First Impression - The unit is packed very well. It sure doesn't look like much, but it feels and looks very well built. The matte red finish looks fantastic. The only real disappointment, which I've read from several other reviewers as well, is the felt mat is really a bit of a letdown.
Setup - My first real TT setup. Mounting the belt may be a little easier with a second set of hands. Took me a handful of tries on my own, but I finally got it. The counterweight setup - if you read the directions carefully, it's pretty easy to follow. I had no issues there. The anti-skate weight was indeed tricky trying to find the loop in what is essentially thin fishing line with tired eyes. That took a few attempts as well, but no big deal once done. In all, set-up only took 10-15 minutes. The other thing I read was that you need to be careful in placement. I must have lucked out (it has a dedicated shelf in a solid wood entertainment center) because I don't have any motor noise, or any other interference whatsoever.
Sound - as the preamp was new as well, I expected there to be some play in time until everything sort of hit it's stride. To my surprise it sounded really great out of the box. Perhaps not very open or dynamic, but it sounded decent. However, after about 3-4 days it really came into it's own. I'm completely impressed. The soundstage is excellent, the low end is tight and punchy, the highs detailed and crisp, and the midrange feels like it goes on for days. The best way I can describe it is pure fun. I honestly sit with a giant goofy grin on my face listening, it's just hugely entertaining. It was like listening to my favorite albums for the first time, a real treat. Sure there are better TT's out there that cost significantly more, but if you have a similar setup as mine, you can't go wrong with this guy. Graceland from Paul Simon is just a delight, all my mono and stereo Beatles albums are fantastic, Pink Floyd, Ray LaMontagne, Josh Ritter, A Perfect Circle, Miles Davis, Ray Charles...everything I throw it's way it handles brilliantly. It changes direction quickly, can be dynamic and in your face, or subtle. A real treat.
Conclusion - I've had several TT's over the years, some older Technics, newer cheap plastic units and others. This is in a separate league. If you want a really great TT without breaking the bank (or your records), this is worth serious consideration and I highly recommend it.
