Enhanced Version of Award-Winning Classic Turntable
The new Classic EVO from Pro-Ject is based on the bestselling EISA Award winning Classic turntable combined with Pro-Ject's experience designing and building its iconic 175 VPO turntable, aka the Vienna Philharmonic Recordplayer. The Classic EVO 's main improvement to the Classic is the new subplatter along with other performance features that are rarely seen in this price category. For improved convenience, the Classic EVO includes an electronic speed change control, which lets you select speeds of 33-1/3 rpm or 45 rpm with the push of a button.
Compared to the Classic, Pro-Ject improved the subchassis of the Classic EVO by making it heavier and stiffer. This helps isolate the platter and the tonearm from resonances of the motor, which the main plinth might otherwise pass through to the musical signal. The chassis uses a metal/MDF sandwich construction and floats on TPE suspension.
Advanced Platter and Subplatter
A huge drawback with most classic turntable designs has been the platter. Cast platters have all been heavy, which is good for speed constancy and low wow and flutter. But these cast platters suffered greatly from ringing effects, which caused coloration of the sound.
The platter of The Classic EVO is precisely machined out of a special aluminum alloy damped with TPE (Thermo Plastic Elastomers), which offer special damping abilities. The main bearing construction is a similar to the system used on the Vienna Philharmonic Recordplayer. Also similar to the 175 VPO is the diamond cut precision aluminum sub-platter, offering much improved tolerances compared to the Classic. This extraordinarily sophisticated part is accurately machined and guarantees exceptional isolation to prevent potential bearing noise from reaching the platter.
Radical New Carbon/Aluminum Classic Tonearm
The radical new 9" Classic Tonearm designed for the Classic turntable is the result of Pro-Ject's 25 years of experience in mechanical engineering and precision construction. The tonearm tube is made from a high-tech 'sandwich' of carbon and aluminum. Carbon provides stiff ness and speed. Aluminum contributes superior damping.
The bearing has been upgraded to the same type that is used on Pro-Ject CC EVO tonearms with four ABEC7 spec ballraces. It facilitates frictionless vertical and horizontal movement, ensuring precise tracking across the entire duration of the record. The counterweight incorporates a TPE damper, which reduces the amplitude of the tonearm cartridge resonance frequency by fifty percent. The arm bearing housing uses a massive outside ring that is open to avoid resonances.
As is typical for Pro-Ject – and absolutely atypical at this price range – the arm offers azimuth and VTA adjustment to accommodate a variety of cartridges. Different counterweights for cartridges up to 25 grams are available as an option from Pro-Ject.
Includes Sumiko Moonstone MM Cartridge
Included pre-mounted on the Classic EVO is the Sumiko Moonstone phono cartridge. Sumiko's Moonstone moving magnet phono cartridge is an outstanding tracker with excellent frequency response and convincing dynamics that are normally only found in much more expensive cartridges. Excellent tonal balance and a coherent soundstage makes this cartridge a perfect choice for any music lover.
Moonstone is part of the Sumiko Oyster cartridge series, resulting from over four decades of cartridge design. Sumiko believes that delivered high performance can be achieved at reasonable prices. The Oyster line is the embodiment of this philosophy. Oyster is your ticket of entry for the high end – a world of high technology, where companies go to great lengths to recreate music in your home.
Finishing Touches
The Classic EVO has height adjustable decoupling feet which help in leveling the turntable and provide additional resonance control. The table uses the Classic wooden chassis in your choice of two satin finishes: walnut or eucalyptus. As a welcome finishing touch, a dust cover is included.
Product made in Czech Republic.