PRO-JECT XA B

For over 33 years, Pro-Ject has been developing turntables that focus on sound quality rather than unnecessary features, never hesitating to experiment in pursuit of even better performance.

Designing an acrylic turntable is a complex challenge, but the company has embraced it once again with enthusiasm. The result is a turntable with a refined aesthetic and outstanding sound performance while maintaining an affordable price.

The letter "B" in XA B stands for "Balanced." Balanced audio connections are the standard among professional musicians, recording studios, and live concerts, as they ensure a stable and interference-free signal. The main advantage of a balanced connection is its ability to eliminate picked-up noise, offering superior audio quality.

The XA B model comes with the Pick it Pro Balanced MM cartridge and a balanced 5-pin DIN phono output. Phono cartridges are naturally balanced signal transducers, but until now, upgrading to an MC cartridge was necessary to fully utilize this feature. With the new Pick it Pro Balanced, this is no longer required—the cartridge has been specially modified to access the full balanced signal.

By combining the turntable with True Balanced Connection cables and the company’s balanced phono preamps, such as the Phono Box S3 B or DS3 B, users can achieve high-end audio performance, previously reserved only for the most expensive setups.

The XA B features a premium 10-inch aluminum tonearm with a robust build and an ultra-low friction four-point bearing system, ensuring stable and precise groove tracking. Unlike carbon, aluminum was chosen for the tonearm tube as it perfectly complements the sound characteristics of acrylic.

The full aluminum tonearm base offers advanced features, allowing fine adjustments to both azimuth and vertical tracking angle (VTA). Adjusting these parameters is essential for extracting the highest level of detail and accuracy from the cartridge.

To ensure optimal performance, the XA B includes an anti-skating system that adapts to the varying skating force between the inner and outer grooves of a vinyl record. A TPE insert isolates the counterweight from the tonearm, further reducing unwanted resonances. The precise four-point stainless steel gimbal bearing provides exceptional stability and minimal friction.

The 1.7 kg die-cast aluminum platter undergoes an additional precision balancing process for perfect rotation. Additionally, the use of a record puck further stabilizes the vinyl, enhancing depth and timing in sound reproduction.

The playback speed is electronically controlled with extreme precision, ensuring stable and accurate music reproduction. Switching between speeds is effortless with a toggle switch.

The XA B stands on three height-adjustable, damped feet, providing a stable platform on any surface. Using three feet instead of four increases stability even on uneven surfaces, which is crucial for achieving true high-end sound.

This turntable is ready for the new True Balanced Connection. Traditional RCA connections only use half of the signal generated by the cartridge. With one of the new True Balanced cables connected to a Phono Box S3 B, DS3 B, RS, or RS2 preamp, users can fully utilize the MC cartridge’s balanced signal, unlocking unprecedented audio performance.

The XA B is made in Europe, in a specialized factory with decades of experience in turntable manufacturing. Every detail reflects expert craftsmanship, making it an ideal choice for the most demanding audiophiles.

Technical Specifications:

• Speed: 33, 45 rpm (electronic speed change)
• Drive principle: belt drive
• Included phono cable: Connect it E 5P -> RCA, 1.23 m
• Feet: height adjustable & TPE damped
• Platter: 1.7 kg die-cast aluminum & TPE damped
• Main bearing: stainless steel/brass
• Wow & flutter:
  • 33 rpm: 0.13%
  • 45 rpm: 0.12%
• Speed drift:
  • 33 rpm: 0.30%
  • 45 rpm: 0.20%
• Tonearm: 10" aluminum
• Effective arm length/mass: 9" (245 mm) / 10 g
• Overhang: 18 mm
• Included accessories:
  • 15V DC / 0.8A power supply
  • Dust cover
  • 7" single adapter
  • Felt mat
  • Phono cable
  • Record puck
• Dimensions (lid closed): 460 x 130 x 340 mm (W x H x D)
• Weight: 6.3 kg