Pro-Ject A1.2 Automat Turntable

Description

About the Pro-Ject A1.2 Automat Turntable with Pick It MM E Cartridge

Press start on the Pro-Ject A1.2 Automat Turntable with Pick It MM E Cartridge, and the tonearm automatically moves to the lead-in groove. At the end of the record, the arm returns and the motor stops. Importantly, Pro-Ject says the automatic mechanism is fully disengaged during playback, so it does not interfere with sound quality.

The A1.2 includes a built-in switchable phono preamp, electronic 33/45 RPM speed change, an 8.3-inch ultra-light-mass aluminium tonearm, a damped aluminium platter, and a factory-fitted Pro-Ject Pick It MM E moving-magnet cartridge. It is also handmade in Europe, with the automatic drive made in Germany and final assembly completed in the Czech Republic.

What we think

At Rapallo, the Pro-Ject A1.2 Automat is a great choice for vinyl listeners who want convenience without buying a cheap, throwaway record player.

The automatic operation is the big benefit. It makes playing records easier, especially for new vinyl users. You press start, enjoy the record, and the arm returns when the side finishes. Therefore, it helps protect your stylus and records if you forget to lift the arm.

We also like that Pro-Ject has kept the design focused on sound quality. The automatic system is mechanical and disengages during playback. So, the A1.2 still behaves like a proper hi-fi turntable once the record is playing.

The Pick It MM E cartridge is another useful update. It is Pro-Ject’s entry-level moving-magnet cartridge, with a conical diamond stylus, replaceable stylus design, 3.8mV output, and warm, smooth playback character.

For NZ customers who want easy vinyl playback, the A1.2 is a strong alternative to manual entry-level turntables. It suits powered speakers, integrated amplifiers, and simple lounge systems where ease of use matters.

 

 

Product Datasheet >> View User Manual >> View Pro-Ject Audio Products >>

 

The Pro-Ject A1.2 Automat Turntable is ideal for

• First vinyl systems
• Listeners wanting automatic playback
• Powered speaker setups
• Integrated amplifier systems without a phono input
• Lounge, bedroom, or office systems
• Customers wanting easy operation with proper hi-fi design

 

What the Experts Say

• Gear Patrol covered the A1.2 launch and highlighted its fully automatic belt-drive design, improved drive system, upgraded die-cast aluminium platter, Pick It MM E cartridge, and built-in switchable phono preamp.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Pro-Ject A1.2 Automat?
   The Pro-Ject A1.2 Automat is a fully automatic belt-drive turntable with a built-in switchable phono preamp and a pre-fitted Pro-Ject Pick It MM E cartridge.
2. Is the Pro-Ject A1.2 fully automatic?
   Yes, it has fully automatic start and stop. Press start, and the tonearm moves to the record. At the end, the tonearm returns and the motor stops.
3. Does the automatic mechanism affect sound quality?
   Pro-Ject says the mechanism is fully disengaged and decoupled during playback. Therefore, once the record is playing, the automatic system is taken out of the equation.
4. Which cartridge comes with the A1.2 Automat?
   The A1.2 comes fitted with the Pro-Ject Pick It MM E moving-magnet cartridge. It uses a conical stylus and is designed for warm, smooth, low-noise playback.
5. Does the A1.2 need a separate phono preamp?
   No, it has a built-in switchable phono preamp. You can connect it to a line input or powered speakers. However, you can switch the preamp off if using an external phono stage.
6. Can the A1.2 play 45 RPM records?
   Yes, it plays both 33 and 45 RPM records. It also uses electronic speed switching, so speed changes are simple.
7. Is the Pro-Ject A1.2 good for beginners?
   Yes, it is very beginner-friendly. The cartridge is pre-fitted, tracking force and anti-skating are factory adjusted, and the fully automatic operation makes everyday playback simple.
8. Can I upgrade the cartridge later?
   The A1.2 is optimised as a plug-and-play automatic turntable. Stylus replacement is the easiest maintenance path. Major cartridge upgrades are better suited to Pro-Ject’s more adjustable manual turntables.
9. How is the A1.2 different from the E1 Phono?
   The A1.2 is fully automatic, while the E1 Phono is manual. The A1.2 is better for customers who want the turntable to start and stop playback automatically.
10. Who is the Pro-Ject A1.2 Automat best suited to?
    It is best for customers who want easy vinyl playback, automatic operation, a proper hi-fi brand, and simple connection to powered speakers or an amplifier.

 

Key Features

Fully Automatic Start and Stop

The A1.2 automatically starts playback, moves the tonearm to the record, returns the tonearm at the end, and stops the motor. Therefore, it is ideal for customers who want vinyl without manual cueing every time.

Automatic Mechanism Disengages During Playback

Pro-Ject states that the automatic mechanism is completely disengaged and decoupled while the record is playing. As a result, the mechanism does not affect playback quality.

Pick It MM E Cartridge Included

The A1.2 comes fitted with Pro-Ject’s Pick It MM E moving-magnet cartridge. It uses a low-mass moving-magnet system, conical diamond stylus, and resonance-optimised ABS body for smooth, low-noise playback.

Built-In Switchable Phono Preamp

The built-in phono preamp lets you connect the A1.2 directly to a line input, powered speakers, or an amplifier without a phono stage. However, it can also be switched off if you want to use an external phono preamp later.

Electronic 33/45 RPM Speed Change

Changing between LPs and singles is easy. The A1.2 uses electronic speed switching, so you do not need to manually move the belt when switching between 33 and 45 RPM records.

Damped Aluminium Platter

The A1.2 upgrades the original A1 platform with a damped die-cast aluminium platter. Pro-Ject says the CNC-machined, precision-balanced platter helps deliver stable playback.

8.3-Inch Ultra-Light-Mass Aluminium Tonearm

The A1.2 uses an 8.3-inch ultra-light-mass aluminium tonearm. Tracking force and anti-skating are factory pre-adjusted, which makes setup easier for beginners and everyday vinyl listeners.

Carbon-Fibre Reinforced Headshell

The A1.2 uses a carbon-fibre reinforced polymer headshell. Pro-Ject says this design is stable and rigid while keeping weight low, with good internal damping of resonances.

Heavy Wooden Chassis

The wooden chassis is designed to avoid hollow spaces where possible. Therefore, the heavier mass helps reduce unwanted resonance and external vibration.

Made in Europe

The automatic drive is handmade in Germany, while the final turntable assembly is completed in the Czech Republic. This gives the A1.2 a more credible manufacturing story than many mass-market automatic turntables.

 

Suggested System Pairing

• Powered Speakers: Klipsch The Fives II, Klipsch The Sevens II, Triangle active speakers, or similar
• Amplifier: Pro-Ject, Denon, Marantz, Yamaha, Rotel, or Musical Fidelity integrated amplifier
• Speakers: ELAC, Triangle, Paradigm, SVS Prime, or Klipsch Heritage models
• Upgrade Path: External phono stage later if required
• Accessories: Record brush, stylus cleaner, stable hi-fi furniture, and replacement Pick It MM E stylus

 

Product Comparison Snapshot

Model	Best For	Key Difference
Pro-Ject E1 Phono	Manual beginner systems	More affordable, manual operation, built-in phono stage
Pro-Ject A1.2 Automat	Easy automatic vinyl playback	Fully automatic start/stop with Pick It MM E cartridge
Pro-Ject T1 EVO BT	Bluetooth vinyl playback	Manual turntable with Bluetooth aptX HD
Pro-Ject T2 Super Phono	Better wired plug-and-play systems	Larger platform, better arm and phono stage

 

 

Specifications

Brand: Pro-Ject

Model: A1.2 Automat

Product Type: Fully Automatic Belt-Drive Turntable with Built-In Phono Preamp

Drive System
Belt drive

Operation
Fully automatic start / stop
Manual playback also possible

Automatic System
Fully mechanical automatic mechanism
Disengaged and decoupled during playback

Speeds
33 RPM
45 RPM
Electronic speed change

Cartridge
Pro-Ject Pick It MM E moving-magnet cartridge

Stylus
Conical diamond stylus

Cartridge Output
3.8mV at 1kHz

Recommended Tracking Force
2.0g

Tracking Force Range
1.8g – 2.2g

Recommended Load
47k ohms

Cartridge Frequency Response
10Hz – 20kHz, ±2dB

Tonearm
8.3-inch ultra-light-mass aluminium tonearm

Effective Tonearm Length
211mm

Overhang
19.5mm

Headshell
Carbon-fibre reinforced polymer headshell

Platter
Damped aluminium platter
Precision-balanced CNC-machined die-cast design

Chassis
Heavy wooden chassis

Phono Preamp
Built-in switchable phono preamp

Signal-to-Noise Ratio
65dB

Wow and Flutter
33 RPM: ±0.27%
45 RPM: ±0.25%

Speed Drift
33 RPM: ±0.75%
45 RPM: ±0.65%

Cable
Connect it E semi-balanced, low-capacitance phono RCA cable

Included Accessories
15V DC / 0.8A power supply
Dust cover
7-inch single adapter
Felt mat
Phono cable

Power Consumption
1.5W

Dimensions
430mm (W) x 130mm (H) x 365mm (D)

Weight
5.6kg net

Finish
Black
White

Manufacture
Automatic drive handmade in Germany
Turntable assembly in Czech Republic

MPN: A1.2-AUTOMAT

SKU: PROJ-A12-AUTOMAT-PICKITMME

EAN / UPC / GTIN: 9120137900897

 

Why Buy From Rapallo

✔ Expert turntable and cartridge advice
✔ Help matching with powered speakers or amplifiers
✔ NZ warranty support
✔ Vinyl setup and care guidance
✔ Trusted NZ hi-fi and home entertainment specialists