Pro-Ject RPM 3 Carbon Turntable
799,00 €
The Pro-Ject RPM 3 Carbon turntable is designed for manual vinyl playback through a stereo system. Its free-standing synchronous motor reduces vibration transfer to the chassis and helps maintain stable speed. The 10-inch hybrid tonearm is suitable for MM and MC cartridges. Connection requires an amplifier with a phono input or a separate phono preamplifier. The 33 and 45 rpm speeds are selected by moving the belt.
The Pro-Ject RPM 3 Carbon turntable is a manual belt-drive model designed for playing vinyl records through a stereo system. It features a free-standing synchronous motor and a 10-inch S-shaped hybrid tonearm. The listener lowers the tonearm and changes the platter speed manually.
Connection requires an amplifier with a phono input or a separate phono preamplifier.
Construction and vibration control
The low-resonance chassis uses a central-mass-point design to help control mechanical vibration. Its inverted main bearing comprises a stainless-steel axle and a ceramic ball.
The 300 mm MDF platter is supplied with a vinyl platter mat. Positioning the 15 V AC motor separately from the chassis reduces the transfer of motor vibration to the turntable’s main structure.
The motor is driven by an ultra-precision AC generator powered from a DC supply. This arrangement improves rotational speed stability.
Tonearm and cartridge selection
The 10-inch S-shaped tonearm combines carbon fibre, aluminium and resin. Its tube undergoes heat treatment and processing at 100 bar pressure. These treatments increase rigidity, improve internal damping and reduce resonances.
The tonearm is suitable for MM and MC phono cartridges. The correct choice depends on the cartridge’s weight and compliance as well as the phono preamplifier being used. The tonearm’s effective mass of 16 g must also be considered when matching a cartridge.
This model was offered either without a cartridge or with an Ortofon 2M Silver. The fitted cartridge therefore depends on the specific package variant.
A magnetic anti-skating mechanism compensates for the force that pulls the tonearm towards the centre of the record. The TPE-damped counterweight helps reduce counterweight resonances. Tracking force can be adjusted from 0 to 25 mN.
Connection and setup
The included Connect it E phono cable carries the signal from the turntable to a phono input or separate phono preamplifier. When using an external preamplifier, its output connects to a standard line-level input on the amplifier.
The 33 and 45 rpm speeds are selected manually by moving the belt to the appropriate step on the motor pulley. This turntable does not have an electronic speed selector.
During setup, balance the tonearm with the counterweight and then set the correct tracking force for the chosen cartridge. The magnetic anti-skating mechanism should be adjusted afterwards.
Planning the installation space
The main turntable body measures 422 × 118 × 373 mm. Additional space is required beside it for the free-standing motor, as well as for cables and convenient access when moving the drive belt.
Place the turntable on a firm, level surface isolated from loudspeaker vibration. The separate motor must stand in its intended position beside the chassis. A dust cover is available as an optional accessory.
Package contents
The standard accessory package includes a Connect it E phono cable, a 7-inch single adapter and the power supply. An Allen key and stylus-pressure gauge are also included.
Technical specifications
| Type | Manual belt-drive turntable |
|---|---|
| Rated speeds | 33 and 45 rpm |
| Speed selection | Manual belt movement between pulley steps |
| Speed variance | ±0.14% at 33 rpm; ±0.11% at 45 rpm |
| Wow and flutter | ±0.19% at 33 rpm; ±0.08% at 45 rpm |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | 71 dB |
| Motor | Free-standing 15 V AC synchronous motor |
| Motor control | Ultra-precision generator powered by a DC supply |
| Power supply | 15 V DC, 500 mA |
| Power consumption | Up to 5 W; less than 0.5 W in standby mode |
| Chassis | Low-resonance central-mass-point design |
| Platter | 300 mm MDF platter with vinyl platter mat |
| Main bearing | Inverted design with stainless-steel axle and ceramic ball |
| Tonearm | 10-inch S-shaped hybrid tonearm |
| Tonearm materials | Carbon fibre, aluminium and resin |
| Tonearm production | Heat treatment and 100 bar pressure |
| Effective tonearm length | 254 mm |
| Effective tonearm mass | 16 g |
| Overhang | 16 mm |
| Tracking-force range | 0-25 mN |
| Anti-skating mechanism | Magnetic |
| Counterweight | TPE-damped |
| Cartridge types | MM and MC |
| Dimensions | 422 × 118 × 373 mm |
| Weight | 5.5 kg |
| Manufacture | Handmade in Europe |
| Included accessories | Connect it E cable, 7-inch adapter, power supply, Allen key and stylus-pressure gauge |
| Dust cover | Optional accessory |
FAQ
Do I need a separate phono preamplifier?
You need one if your amplifier does not have a dedicated phono input. Do not connect the turntable directly to a standard line-level input without a phono preamplifier.
How are the record speeds changed?
Change the speed by moving the belt between the steps on the motor pulley. Stop the platter first, then move the belt carefully.
How much space does the turntable require?
In addition to the 422 mm-wide main body, leave room for the free-standing motor. Space is also required behind the turntable for its cables.
Which phono cartridges can be used?
The tonearm supports MM and MC cartridges. Match the cartridge according to its weight, compliance and the cartridge type supported by your phono preamplifier.
Is a dust cover included?
No. The dust cover is an optional accessory. The standard accessory package contains the items required for connection and initial setup.
