Pro-Ject 1-XPRESSION COMFORT Turntable

Pro-Ject 1-XPRESSION COMFORT turntable is a manually operated turntable designed for playing vinyl records as part of a home stereo system. It uses a belt-drive mechanism, a 300 mm platter and an Ortofon OM10 cartridge. The available playback speeds are 33, 45 and 78 rpm.

This model does not have an integrated phono preamplifier. It therefore requires either an amplifier with a dedicated phono input or a separate phono preamp. This is the most important connection requirement to consider when planning the complete audio system.

Who this turntable is for

This turntable suits listeners who prefer to select the playback speed and operate the tonearm themselves. At the beginning of a record, the listener manually positions and lowers the tonearm. The tonearm also requires the listener’s attention when playback reaches the end of the record.

This type of operation provides direct control over record playback. It is appropriate for a system where automatic tonearm start or return is not required. It also allows the listener to choose where playback begins rather than relying on an automatic mechanism.

Belt drive and three playback speeds

The belt-drive mechanism transfers rotation from the motor to the 300 mm turntable platter through a belt. Before playing a record, select the rotational speed that corresponds to its format.

33 rpm is most commonly used for long-playing records. 45 rpm is suitable for singles and certain other releases. The 78 rpm setting is intended for records made to be played at that speed.

The 78 rpm setting controls only the rotation of the platter. It does not, by itself, confirm that the fitted stylus is suitable for the groove of a particular record. This distinction is especially important when playing older recordings: the correct platter speed and the suitability of the stylus are separate considerations.

Tonearm and cartridge

The tonearm combines aluminium and carbon fibre. It is not a construction made from only one of these materials. If the cartridge is replaced later, the mechanical compatibility of the entire tonearm and the new cartridge must be considered rather than assessing either component in isolation.

The specified cartridge is the Ortofon OM10. Its stated frequency response extends from 20 Hz to 24 kHz. This figure describes frequency reproduction and does not indicate amplifier power or determine the final listening volume of the complete system.

Connecting the turntable to an audio system

There is no integrated phono preamplifier. The signal from the turntable therefore needs a suitable phono stage. A standard line-level amplifier input is not designed to receive the cartridge signal directly.

If a stereo amplifier has a dedicated phono input, connect the turntable to that input. If the amplifier provides only line-level inputs, a separate phono preamp must be placed between the turntable and the amplifier. The preamp prepares the cartridge signal before passing it to the regular analogue input.

The same rule applies when connecting the turntable to a home cinema receiver. It can be used directly if it has an appropriate phono input. Otherwise, an external phono preamp is required first, and the output from that preamp must then be connected to an analogue line-level input on the receiver.

Active speakers must either include an input intended for a turntable or receive the signal through a separate phono preamp. A conventional analogue input alone is not enough for a direct connection from the cartridge.

Positioning and initial setup

Place the turntable on a firm, level and stable surface. An uneven base can affect tonearm operation, while a shelf that moves easily may allow unwanted vibration to reach the turntable. Take time to make sure the chosen support remains stable during normal use.

Avoid positioning the turntable immediately beside loudspeakers or a subwoofer. Vibrations transferred through furniture can reach the cartridge and interfere with playback. A separate, stable piece of furniture can help reduce mechanical feedback between the speakers and the turntable.

The required power supply is rated at 16 V DC and 800 mA. A replacement power supply should not be selected solely because its plug appears to fit. Its electrical ratings and connector must also match the turntable’s requirements.

The available information refers only to a transparent turntable-cover variant; it has not been established whether the cover is included in the package. A cover helps protect the platter and tonearm when the turntable is not being used. During playback, make sure that it cannot come into contact with any moving components.

Everyday operation

Before starting a record, check the speed printed on its label. Select the corresponding speed on the turntable, then carefully guide the tonearm to the desired track and lower the cartridge without dragging the stylus across the record.

Manual operation lets the listener begin playback at a selected point. It also requires care whenever the cartridge is lowered or raised. The stylus must not be pushed sideways across the record surface, as tonearm movement should be controlled and deliberate throughout normal use.

Technical specifications

FAQ

What is required to connect the turntable to a stereo amplifier?

Use the amplifier’s dedicated phono input. If the amplifier does not have one, the signal must first pass through a separate phono preamp.

Can the turntable be connected directly to a line-level input?

No, not without an additional phono stage. The cartridge signal requires correction and amplification before it is passed to a standard line-level input.

Can it be used with a home cinema system?

Yes, provided that the home cinema receiver has a suitable phono input. Otherwise, an external phono preamp and an analogue line-level input are required.

Is the turntable suitable for active speakers?

It is suitable for active speakers with an integrated phono stage. With other active speakers, a separate phono preamp is required between the turntable and the speakers.

What does manual operation mean?

The listener selects the speed, positions the tonearm and lowers the cartridge. At the end of the record, the tonearm must also be handled manually.

How should the correct playback speed be selected?

Follow the speed stated on the record label. Do not treat the 78 rpm setting as confirmation that the stylus is suitable for a particular record.

Where is the best place to position the turntable?

Choose a level, stable surface away from the loudspeakers. This reduces the amount of vibration that can travel through the furniture and reach the cartridge.

What should be checked when replacing the power supply?

The 16 V DC and 800 mA ratings must match, as must the connector. Do not select a power supply based only on the shape of its plug.