Pro-ject- X1 B (Pick It S2 Mm) Turntable

The Pro-Ject X1 B is a mid-range belt-drive turntable available at Vinyl Sound, an authorized Pro-Ject dealer in Toronto, Canada. Built on a thick CNC-machined MDF plinth with a 1.5kg acrylic platter and 8.6-inch carbon-wrapped aluminum tonearm, the X1 B ships with the Pick it PRO Balanced — a specially configured moving magnet cartridge with re-routed grounding that enables symmetrical signal transmission. A balanced mini XLR output alongside the standard RCA/ground connection supports true balanced phono operation when paired with a compatible phono stage and cable. An internal DC/AC generator powers the AC motor from a regenerated clean sine wave, providing stable electronic speed change between 33 and 45rpm; 78rpm is available via the included flat belt. Browse the full Pro-Ject turntable lineup at Vinyl Sound.

Acrylic Platter, Carbon-Wrapped Tonearm, and Pick it PRO Balanced

The 1.5kg, 20mm-thick acrylic platter offers high rotational inertia with natural anti-resonant properties, running on a stainless steel bearing in bronze bushing with Teflon mirrors to minimize bearing rumble. The 8.6-inch one-piece carbon-wrapped aluminum armtube combines carbon-fiber stiffness with aluminum's resonance characteristics, suited to the Pick it PRO Balanced's compliance profile. A TPE-damped counterweight reduces armtube resonance at the stub interface; azimuth and VTA are both fully adjustable. The X1 B sits on height-adjustable TPE-damped aluminum isolation feet and is available in 8-layer paint or genuine wood veneer finishes.

Balanced Operation via Mini XLR Output

The Pick it PRO Balanced is the first balanced-capable MM cartridge available at this price point. Its internal grounding is re-routed so both channels carry opposite-polarity signals, enabling common-mode noise cancellation at the phono stage input — the same principle used in professional balanced microphone circuits. Connection options include mini XLR to mini XLR or mini XLR to XLR cables to phono stages such as the Pro-Ject Phono Box S3 B, DS3 B, Tube Box DS3 B, or Phono Box RS2 with balanced inputs. The table ships with a shielded semi-symmetrical RCA phono cable for immediate unbalanced use; balanced cables are sold separately.

Key Features

• Thick CNC-machined MDF plinth — 8-layer paint or genuine wood veneer
• 1.5 kg, 20mm-thick acrylic platter — anti-resonant, high rotational inertia
• Stainless steel bearing in bronze bushing with Teflon mirrors
• Height-adjustable TPE-damped aluminum isolation feet
• Internal DC/AC generator for clean, stable motor drive
• Electronic speed change: 33 / 45 rpm; 78 rpm via flat belt (included)
• 8.6-inch carbon-wrapped aluminum tonearm
• TPE-damped counterweight
• Azimuth and VTA fully adjustable
• Pick it PRO Balanced MM cartridge — pre-adjusted, symmetrical signal
• Dual phono outputs: balanced mini XLR + RCA/ground
• Shielded semi-symmetrical RCA phono cable included
• Handmade in Europe

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Pro-Ject X1 B and X2 B?

Both share the same balanced mini XLR output, Pick it PRO Balanced cartridge, carbon-wrapped aluminum tonearm, and DC/AC generator, but the X2 B upgrades the platter to 2kg / 30mm thick acrylic (vs 1.5kg / 20mm on the X1 B), uses a 9-inch tonearm (vs 8.6 inch), and weighs 10kg versus 7kg. The heavier platter and longer arm of the X2 B provide greater speed stability and lower geometric tracking error. Both are available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada.

What should I look for when buying a Pro-Ject turntable at the X1 B level?

At the X1 B price point, the key features to evaluate are plinth material and mass, platter type and weight, tonearm construction, and whether balanced output is included. The X1 B stands out by offering an acrylic platter, carbon-wrapped arm, and the Pick it PRO Balanced cartridge with mini XLR output at a price significantly below its Xtension and XA-B stablemates. Contact Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada for help comparing X1 B against adjacent models.

Does the Pro-Ject X1 B support 78rpm playback?

Yes. A flat belt for 78rpm is included. Switching to 78rpm requires swapping the belt and fitting a 78rpm-specific stylus — the Pick it PRO Balanced stylus is optimized for LP playback only and will damage 78rpm shellac grooves. Contact Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada for 78rpm stylus options.

What cartridges are compatible with the Pro-Ject X1 B tonearm?

The 8.6-inch tonearm's 10g effective mass suits medium-to-high compliance MM and low-to-medium compliance MC cartridges. Any standard half-inch mount cartridge is compatible. Browse cartridges at Vinyl Sound, or contact Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada for a pairing recommendation specific to the X1 B's tonearm and balanced output configuration.

Which accessories would enhance listening on the Pro-Ject X1 B?

The X1 B ships complete with the Pick it PRO Balanced and RCA phono cable. The most impactful upgrades are: (1) a balanced mini XLR phono cable and compatible balanced phono stage to unlock balanced operation; (2) a record cleaning kit to protect the Pick it PRO Balanced stylus; and (3) the optional Power Box S3 Phono for enhanced DC filtration to the turntable and phono stage simultaneously. Contact Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada for system-matched accessory recommendations.

Which phono stages support balanced operation with the Pro-Ject X1 B?

The mini XLR output on the X1 B connects to phono stages with mini XLR or XLR balanced inputs via the appropriate cable. Compatible Pro-Ject phono stages include the Phono Box S3 B (mini XLR inputs), Phono Box DS3 B (mini XLR and XLR), Tube Box DS3 B, and Phono Box RS2. Browse phono preamplifiers at Vinyl Sound for the full range.

Where to buy the Pro-Ject X1 B in Toronto, Canada?

The Pro-Ject X1 B is available at Vinyl Sound, an authorized Pro-Ject dealer in Toronto, Canada. Contact Vinyl Sound to confirm current stock and available finish options before ordering.