(October 31, 2024) – Pro-Ject Audio Systems is back with a new addition to its turntable lineup, The Classic Reference. Priced at $5,999 in Gloss Black/Silver or $6,999 in the Acacia/Bronze finish, it's crafted for vinyl enthusiasts wanting Pro-Ject's take on performance but with vintage-inspired aesthetics. A true evolution of the popular Classic EVO and the rare VPO 175, The Classic Reference brings a mix of Pro-Ject’s luxury craftsmanship and high-precision engineering aimed at both audiophiles and style-conscious collectors.
At a glance, The Classic Reference carries Pro-Ject’s trademark minimalist elegance, but this isn’t just another pretty turntable. Weighing in at nearly 13.2 pounds, its layered construction is designed to handle records with stability and minimal vibrations. A precision-balanced, TPE-damped aluminum platter is engineered to eliminate the “ringing” effect that often disrupts heavy platter designs. This TPE damping, applied to the underside, neutralizes resonance for clean playback and is supported by a precision-machined aluminum sub-platter, which bolsters rotational stability and integrates seamlessly into the turntable’s high-mass design. An MDF plinth, layered with a TPE-damped aluminum top plate, further solidifies stability, helping isolate unwanted vibrations for cleaner audio performance.
The table is equipped with Pro-Ject’s EVO 9 AS HG tonearm, a 9-inch S-shaped arm that’s as much about style as it is function. Featuring a removable headshell with an SME connector, users to swap cartridges with ease—ideal for those who enjoy experimenting with different sonic profiles. The tonearm is mounted on an aluminum gimbal with ultra-low-friction Swiss ABEC 7 bearings, designed to eliminate the smallest imperfections in movement. According to Pro-Ject, this setup delivers high tracking precision and minimizes resonance, so the needle glides through the grooves with accuracy.
A belt-driven AC motor powers The Classic Reference, providing three speed options: 33, 45, and even 78 RPM for the collectors who want to spin those classic shellac discs. Pro-Ject’s built-in DC/AC generator supplies the motor with clean, consistent power, which helps minimize speed variance to an impressive ±0.03% at 33 RPM. \
Connectivity options include balanced XLR outputs for a noise-free, interference-resistant signal, a feature usually found in professional-grade audio equipment. And for traditionalists, RCA outputs are available as well, with Pro-Ject’s Connect it Phono E RCA cables included in the package. Whether you’re plugging into a high-end phono preamp or a standard amplifier, the balanced and single-ended outputs make it easy to integrate into any setup.
Pro-Ject hasn’t skimped on accessories here. Included in the box are a Leather it record mat and a Clamp it record clamp. These additions may sound minor, but they contribute to a tighter, cleaner sound, especially on tracks with heavier bass. And let’s be honest, part of the appeal here is the tactile experience—placing the clamp on a record feels like a small ritual that heightens the vinyl experience.
The Classic Reference turntable is available now through authorized dealers. For more details or to find a dealer, visit Pro-Ject Audio Systems' official website.
Related Reading:
