Pro-Ject 6 PerspeX SB Turntable

The Pro-Ject 6 PerspeX SB turntable is a belt-drive model designed for playing vinyl records as part of a stereo system. Its key reasons for consideration are its acrylic base, magnetic suspension, electronic speed control and factory-installed nine-inch tonearm.

This turntable is intended for listeners assembling and fine-tuning their own analogue audio systems. Its construction places particular emphasis on mechanical stability and the control of unwanted resonance.

Construction and vibration control

The acrylic turntable base supports the chassis components and provides a foundation for the entire mechanism. The chassis elements are made from Corian material and operate in combination with the magnetic suspension.

The magnetic suspension mechanically isolates the chassis from the base. Its purpose is to reduce the transmission of vibration to the record, main bearing and tonearm. This solution does not eliminate the need for suitable furniture, so the turntable must still be placed on a firm and stable surface.

The platter is built as an acoustically inert, multi-layer structure combining MDF and vinyl layers. This combination of materials is intended to control platter resonance while a record is playing.

Main bearing and drive system

The inverted main bearing incorporates a ceramic ball and plate. Together, these components form the platter’s precise support point. The condition of the bearing and correct assembly are important for smooth, consistent rotation.

The platter is driven by a belt-drive system. Motor vibration reaches the platter through the belt rather than through a direct motor shaft. The drive uses an AC motor with a DC generator.

Electronic speed control

Electronic speed control lets you select either 33 or 45 rpm. Because speed changes are handled electronically, there is no need to move the drive belt by hand when switching between record formats.

The 33 rpm setting is used for many long-playing albums, while the 45 rpm setting is intended for records marked accordingly. Always select the speed printed on the record label before starting playback.

Tonearm and initial setup

The turntable comes with a factory-installed nine-inch 9cc Evolution tonearm. Its bearing assembly uses ABEC 7 ball bearings. Having the tonearm already installed reduces the number of major mechanical components that must be fitted separately.

The source does not specify a cartridge, so please confirm the supplied package contents before purchasing.

The tonearm must be balanced correctly before listening. Tracking force should be set according to the requirements of the cartridge being used. Anti-skating must also be adjusted to suit that same cartridge.

Cartridge position affects how the stylus follows the record groove. Whenever the cartridge is changed, its alignment and tracking force must be checked. Incorrect settings may cause distorted playback and accelerate wear to both the stylus and your records.

Connecting the turntable to an audio system

The cartridge signal requires a phono preamplifier. If your stereo amplifier has a dedicated phono input, the turntable signal can be connected to it. Otherwise, a separate phono preamplifier must be installed between the turntable and a standard line-level input.

The phono preamplifier must be suitable for the selected cartridge type and its electrical parameters. An external phono preamplifier must not be connected to another phono input, as the signal would then be corrected twice. Connect the output of a separate phono stage to a normal line-level input on the amplifier.

The same signal path applies when the turntable is used in a home cinema system. You can use the AV receiver’s phono input, if available, or connect an external phono preamplifier to an unused line-level input.

Placement and everyday use

Place the turntable on a level, stable surface that is exposed to as little vibration as possible. Avoid putting it on the same shelf as your loudspeakers. Acoustic feedback may appear as low-frequency rumble or unstable stylus tracking.

The magnetic suspension helps manage mechanical vibration, but it cannot remove the effects of poor placement. Leave sufficient space for the tonearm and platter to move freely. Before playing a record, check the selected speed and clean the record surface.

Technical specifications

FAQ

Who is this turntable intended for?

It is intended for listeners putting together an analogue stereo system. The model is distinguished by its magnetically suspended chassis, multi-layer platter and factory-installed tonearm.

How do I connect it to a stereo amplifier?

Use the amplifier’s phono input or a separate phono preamplifier. The output from an external phono preamplifier must be connected to a line-level input on the amplifier.

Can the turntable be used in a home cinema system?

Yes, provided that the AV receiver has a suitable phono input. Otherwise, you will need an external phono preamplifier and an available line-level input.

What must be adjusted before the first listening session?

Check that the turntable is level and balance the tonearm. Set the tracking force according to the cartridge being used. The anti-skating setting must also be adjusted.

How do I select the correct rotational speed?

Follow the information printed on the record label. Electronic control lets you choose 33 or 45 rpm without moving the drive belt.

Can I play 78 rpm records?

Only 33 and 45 rpm operating modes are specified for this model. It is therefore not intended for playing 78 rpm records.

How can I tell whether the turntable is poorly positioned?

Low-frequency rumble or unstable stylus tracking may indicate an unsuitable location. If this happens, move the turntable to a firmer, level surface farther away from the loudspeakers.