Pro-ject T2 (Rainier) Turntable

The Pro-Ject T2 Rainier is a belt-drive turntable available at Vinyl Sound, an authorized Pro-Ject dealer in Toronto, Canada. It delivers the T2 platform — enlarged CNC-machined plinth, 9-inch aluminum tonearm, 1.7kg tempered glass platter, and factory-aligned Sumiko Rainier MM cartridge — without a built-in phono preamplifier, allowing connection to a dedicated external phono stage of the user's choice. The electronically regulated AC motor provides stable 33 and 45rpm speed change; symmetrically wired RCA outputs support balanced operation via an RCA-to-mini-XLR cable when paired with the appropriate cartridge and phono stage. Browse the full Pro-Ject turntable lineup at Vinyl Sound.

9-Inch Tonearm, Glass Platter, and Sumiko Rainier Cartridge

The T2's 9-inch one-piece aluminum tonearm improves on the T1's 8.6-inch arm with a longer effective length that reduces inner-groove geometric tracking error, and an updated low-friction bearing assembly calibrated for the 9-inch geometry. The integrated headshell minimizes armtube resonance at the headshell joint. Spring-based anti-skating makes setup quick: with the Sumiko Rainier factory-aligned and tracking force preset, only the anti-skating wheel needs adjustment. The 1.7kg tempered glass platter (10mm thick) provides high rotational mass and zero resonance, running on a stainless steel spindle in bronze bushing machined to 0.001mm tolerance. The Sumiko Rainier stylus can be upgraded to the Olympia, Moonstone, or Wellfleet level without replacing the cartridge body.

Balanced-Capable Output and External Phono Stage Compatibility

The T2 Rainier's gold-plated RCA outputs are wired symmetrically (semi-balanced) in the junction box, which means balanced operation is accessible via an RCA-to-mini-XLR cable to a phono stage with mini XLR balanced inputs such as the Pro-Ject Phono Box S3 B, DS3 B, or Tube Box DS3 B — without requiring a dedicated balanced output port. For users who plan to upgrade to an external phono stage as a next step, the T2 Rainier provides the more flexible path: the T2 Super Phono's built-in preamp must be bypassed for external stage use, whereas the T2 Rainier connects to any external phono stage directly with no switching required.

Key Features

• Factory-aligned Sumiko Rainier MM cartridge (included, $149 value)
• Enlarged CNC-machined plinth — no plastic, no resonant hollow spaces
• 10mm, 1.7 kg zero-resonance tempered glass platter with felt mat
• Stainless steel spindle in bronze bushing (0.001mm tolerance)
• 9-inch one-piece aluminum tonearm with integrated headshell
• Spring-based anti-skating — fast setup, no hanging weight
• Nickel-plated counterweight
• Electronically regulated AC motor — 33/45rpm speed change
• Balanced-capable RCA/ground output (semi-symmetrical wiring)
• Semi-symmetrical phono cable with gold-plated connectors
• Vibration-absorbing isolation feet
• Acrylic dustcover with adjustable hinges
• Available in gloss black, satin white, or walnut laminate
• Handmade in Europe

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the T2 Rainier and T2 Super Phono?

The T2 Super Phono adds a built-in dual-stage split-passive MM phono preamplifier that the T2 Rainier lacks. All other specifications — tonearm, platter, cartridge, motor, and dimensions — are identical. Choose the T2 Rainier if you already own an external phono stage or plan to purchase one; choose the T2 Super Phono if you need an all-in-one solution. Both are available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada.

Does the Pro-Ject T2 Rainier need an external phono stage?

Yes. The T2 Rainier has no built-in phono preamplifier and must be connected to an external phono stage or an amplifier with a built-in phono input. If your amplifier only has line inputs (AUX, CD, etc.), a separate phono stage is required. Browse phono preamplifiers at Vinyl Sound for compatible options.

What should I look for when buying a Pro-Ject turntable on a budget?

The T2 Rainier offers electronically regulated AC motor speed, a 9-inch aluminum tonearm with lower geometric tracking error than an 8.6-inch arm, a 1.7kg glass platter with zero resonance, and the factory-aligned Sumiko Rainier cartridge — all in a plinth built without plastic or hollow spaces. At its price point, no equivalent turntable combines these features without compromise. Contact Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada to compare the T2 Rainier against the T2 Super Phono and Debut Carbon EVO.

Can the Sumiko Rainier stylus on the T2 be upgraded?

Yes. The Sumiko Rainier cartridge body is designed to accept stylus upgrades to the Olympia, Moonstone, or Wellfleet levels — each delivering progressively better tracking and resolution without replacing the cartridge itself. Contact Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada for current stylus upgrade availability.

Which accessories would enhance listening on the Pro-Ject T2 Rainier?

The T2 Rainier ships with the Sumiko Rainier, semi-symmetrical RCA cable, acrylic dustcover, felt mat, and 45rpm adapter. The most impactful addition is a quality external phono stage matched to the Rainier cartridge (MM, 47kΩ). An RCA-to-mini-XLR cable and compatible balanced phono stage enables balanced operation. A Sumiko stylus upgrade and record cleaning kit round out a complete system. Contact Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada for a system-matched recommendation.

What phono stage should I pair with the Pro-Ject T2 Rainier?

The Sumiko Rainier requires a standard MM phono stage (47kΩ, standard MM gain). Browse phono preamplifiers at Vinyl Sound, or contact Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada to discuss phono stage pairing based on your amplifier and budget.

Where to buy the Pro-Ject T2 Rainier in Toronto, Canada?

The Pro-Ject T2 Rainier is available at Vinyl Sound, an authorized Pro-Ject dealer in Toronto, Canada. Contact Vinyl Sound to confirm current stock and finish options before ordering.