Pro-ject Xtension 12 Evolution Turntable

The Pro-Ject Xtension 12 Evolution is a reference-class belt-drive turntable available at Vinyl Sound, an authorized Pro-Ject dealer in Toronto, Canada. Applying mass loading and magnetic suspension simultaneously — a combination rarely found outside cost-no-object analog design — the Xtension 12 Evolution combines a 25 kg metal-granulate-filled plinth, height-adjustable magnetic isolation feet, Sorbothane-damped sandwich platter, and magnetically supported inverted bearing with an interchangeable Sorbothane-isolated armboard. The table ships with a Pro-Ject 12cc EVO 12-inch tonearm, integrated Speed Box SE for electronic 33/45rpm switching, and gold-plated RCA outputs. Browse the full Pro-Ject turntable lineup at Vinyl Sound.

Mass Loading and Magnetic Suspension in a Single Platform

Most turntables choose one isolation strategy: mass loading (heavy, inert plinth) or suspension (sprung sub-chassis). The Xtension 12 Evolution applies both. The plinth is filled with metal granulate that draws resonance energy away from the surface and disperses it, providing the inertial stability of a mass-loaded design without a single concentrated resonant frequency. The plinth then sits on height-adjustable magnetic isolation feet that float the entire 25 kg structure above the surface, mechanically decoupling it from floor and rack vibration. The tonearm base is further isolated from the main plinth board by a Sorbothane sheet, and is interchangeable to accept third-party 9 to 12-inch tonearms.

12-Inch Tonearm on a Sandwich Platter and Inverted Bearing

The platter is machined from a special aluminum alloy, damped on the inner face with Sorbothane, and bonded to a top layer of recycled vinyl records. This sandwich assembly is baked and then precision-balanced, yielding a heavy, resonance-free platter with virtually no inherent ring. The platter spins on an inverted Type Block 1 bearing with a ceramic thrust-pad and magnetic support, which reduces the effective weight load on the ceramic ball and eliminates bearing-contact noise. The included 12cc EVO tonearm features a 12-inch carbon-fiber and aluminum tube: the longer geometry reduces inner-groove tracking error compared to 9-inch arms, which benefits complex orchestral and jazz recordings where geometric distortion accumulates toward the center. An Ortofon RS-309D arm and armless configurations are available as alternatives.

Key Features

• 25 kg mass-loaded and magnetically suspended belt-drive platform
• Metal-granulate-filled plinth for broadband resonance dissipation
• Height-adjustable magnetic isolation feet — plinth floats above the surface
• Aluminum alloy / Sorbothane / recycled vinyl sandwich platter — precision-balanced
• Inverted Type Block 1 bearing with ceramic thrust-pad and magnetic support
• Brass record puck included
• Pro-Ject 12cc EVO 12-inch carbon/aluminum tonearm (standard configuration)
• Also available with Ortofon RS-309D or without tonearm
• Sorbothane-isolated, mass-loaded interchangeable armboard
• Integrated Speed Box SE — electronic 33/45rpm speed switching
• Ultra-low noise AC synchronous motor (highest selection grade)
• Gold-plated RCA phono outputs
• Dustcover with adjustable hinges included
• Available in high-gloss mahogany, piano black, and olive finishes

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Pro-Ject Xtension 12 Evolution and the Xtension 10 Evolution?

The core platform — mass-loaded magnetic suspension, sandwich platter, inverted bearing, interchangeable armboard — is identical. The difference is tonearm length: the Xtension 12 ships with a 12-inch arm (309.5mm effective length) versus the 10cc EVO's 10-inch arm. The longer arm reduces inner-groove tracking error and can be an advantage with certain low-compliance MC cartridges, but requires a larger footprint. The Xtension 10 is more accommodating for tight shelf or rack spaces. Both are available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada.

What tonearm comes with the Pro-Ject Xtension 12 Evolution?

The standard configuration ships with the Pro-Ject 12cc EVO, a 12-inch tonearm with a carbon-fiber and aluminum tube. It is also available mounted with the Ortofon RS-309D 12-inch arm, or without any tonearm for buyers wishing to fit their own. The interchangeable armboard accepts most third-party 9 to 12-inch tonearms.

What cartridges work best with the Pro-Ject 12cc EVO tonearm?

The 12cc EVO has an effective mass of approximately 11g, placing it in the medium mass category. It pairs best with MC cartridges of low-to-medium compliance (8–18µm/mN), such as those from Ortofon, Lyra, Shelter, or Benz Micro. Browse cartridges available at Vinyl Sound, or contact Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada for pairing advice matched to your phono stage and musical priorities.

Which accessories would enhance listening on the Pro-Ject Xtension 12 Evolution?

The Xtension 12 Evolution is platform-complete at purchase — magnetic suspension, Speed Box SE, and a brass record puck are included. The most meaningful upgrade paths are: (1) a high-quality MC cartridge matched to the 11g effective arm mass; (2) a balanced DIN-to-XLR phono cable if your phono stage accepts balanced inputs; and (3) a dedicated phono stage at a level commensurate with the turntable's resolution. Contact Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada for a system-matched recommendation covering cartridge, phono stage, and cabling.

What phono stage should I pair with the Pro-Ject Xtension 12 Evolution?

The Xtension 12 Evolution's low noise floor and detail retrieval benefit from a phono stage with low input noise, accurate RIAA equalization, and adjustable loading for MC cartridges. Browse phono preamplifiers at Vinyl Sound. Contact Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada to discuss pairing based on your cartridge choice and budget.

Can I fit a different tonearm to the Pro-Ject Xtension 12 Evolution?

Yes. The Xtension 12 Evolution's armboard is interchangeable and isolated from the main plinth by a Sorbothane sheet. Pro-Ject supplies custom armboards for a wide range of popular third-party tonearms. Contact Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada to confirm armboard availability for a specific arm before purchasing.

Where to buy the Pro-Ject Xtension 12 Evolution in Toronto, Canada?

The Pro-Ject Xtension 12 Evolution is available at Vinyl Sound, an authorized Pro-Ject dealer in Toronto, Canada. Contact Vinyl Sound to confirm current stock, available finish options, and tonearm configuration before ordering.