Description
About the Pro-Ject E1 Phono Turntable
The Pro-Ject E1 Phono Turntable comes factory-fitted Audio-Technica AT3600L cartridge or Pro-Ject’s Pick It MM E moving-magnet cartridge. Therefore, it is ready to play out of the box while still offering a proper hi-fi cartridge platform.
It also features electronic 33/45 RPM speed switching, an 8.6-inch aluminium tonearm, an anti-resonant ABS polymer platter, vibration-absorbing feet, and European manufacture. As a result, it is a smart choice for new vinyl listeners who want an easy setup without buying a disposable record player.
What we think
At Rapallo, the Pro-Ject E1 Phono is a very sensible first turntable. It gives beginners the convenience they need, but still comes from a serious turntable brand.
The built-in phono preamp is the key advantage. It means you can connect the turntable straight into a normal line input or powered speaker system. However, the phono stage is also switchable. So, if you upgrade later to a better external phono preamp, the E1 Phono can still stay in the system.
We also like the cartridge flexibility. Some versions are supplied with the long-running Audio-Technica AT3600L, while newer or market-specific versions may include the Pro-Ject Pick It MM E. The Pick It MM E is Pro-Ject’s entry-level moving-magnet cartridge and uses a replaceable stylus, which is useful for long-term ownership.
Setup is simple. Pro-Ject pre-adjusts the tracking force and anti-skating at the factory, which removes one of the biggest barriers for new vinyl users. You still need to fit the belt, platter, and dust cover, but the difficult tonearm setup is already handled.
For NZ customers starting a vinyl system, the E1 Phono is a great match with powered speakers, compact integrated amplifiers, and simple hi-fi setups. It is not a heavy high-end deck. However, it is well made, easy to use, and far more credible than most all-in-one suitcase-style record players.
User Manual >> View Setup Guide >> View Pro-Ject Audio Products >>
The Pro-Ject E1 Phono Turntable is ideal for
- First vinyl systems
- Compact hi-fi setups
- Powered speaker systems
- Listeners without a phono input
- Simple lounge or bedroom systems
- Customers wanting a proper turntable without complex setup
What the Experts Say
- Digital Trends reviewed the Pro-Ject E1 Phono and described it as a solid entry-level turntable from an audiophile brand. It also noted its simple setup, built-in preamp option, and approachable design for new vinyl users.
- Sound Matters reviewed the E1 range and explained the difference between the three models. The standard E1 has no phono preamp, the E1 Phono adds a built-in phono stage, and the E1 BT adds Bluetooth transmission as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Pro-Ject E1 Phono?
The Pro-Ject E1 Phono is a manual belt-drive turntable with a built-in switchable phono preamp. It is designed for simple, high-quality vinyl playback in beginner and compact hi-fi systems. - Does the Pro-Ject E1 Phono need a separate phono preamp?
No, it has a built-in phono preamp. Therefore, you can connect it to a normal line input, powered speakers, or an amplifier without a phono input. You can also switch the built-in phono stage off if using an external phono preamp. - Which cartridge comes with the E1 Phono?
The E1 Phono can come fitted with either an Audio-Technica AT3600L or a Pro-Ject Pick It MM E cartridge, depending on the version, finish, and supply. Both are moving-magnet cartridges and are pre-fitted for easier setup. - What is the Pro-Ject Pick It MM E cartridge?
The Pick It MM E is Pro-Ject’s entry-level moving-magnet cartridge. It is designed for affordable, reliable vinyl playback and has a replaceable stylus, which is useful for long-term use. - Is the Pro-Ject E1 Phono fully automatic?
No, it is a manual turntable. You place the tonearm on the record and lift it at the end. However, tracking force and anti-skating are pre-adjusted at the factory, which makes setup much easier. - Can the Pro-Ject E1 Phono play 45 RPM records?
Yes, it plays both 33 and 45 RPM records. It also has electronic speed switching, so you do not need to manually move the belt to change speeds. - Does the Pro-Ject E1 Phono have Bluetooth?
No, the E1 Phono does not have Bluetooth. It is the wired version with a built-in phono preamp. For Bluetooth output, choose the Pro-Ject E1 BT model. - What speakers work well with the E1 Phono?
It works well with powered speakers or an amplifier and passive speakers. Because it has a built-in phono preamp, it can connect to many modern powered speakers and line-level inputs. - Is the Pro-Ject E1 Phono good for beginners?
Yes, it is a strong beginner turntable. It is simple to set up, includes a pre-fitted cartridge, has a built-in phono preamp, and comes from a specialist turntable manufacturer. - Can I upgrade the Pro-Ject E1 Phono later?
Yes. You can upgrade the stylus, use a better external phono preamp, improve the turntable support, and upgrade the speakers or amplifier later. It is best treated as a simple starter hi-fi turntable with a useful upgrade path.
Key Features
Built-In Switchable Phono Preamp
The E1 Phono includes a built-in MM phono preamp. Therefore, it can connect directly to a normal line input, powered speakers, or an amplifier without a phono stage. It can also be bypassed if you later add an external phono preamp.
Cartridge Options, AT3600L or Pick It MM E
The E1 Phono can be supplied with either an Audio-Technica AT3600L or Pro-Ject Pick It MM E cartridge, depending on version and availability. Both are moving-magnet cartridge options designed for simple setup and everyday vinyl playback.
Pro-Ject Pick It MM E Option
The Pick It MM E is Pro-Ject’s entry-level moving-magnet cartridge. It is designed as an affordable cartridge with a replaceable stylus, making it a practical match for a plug-and-play turntable like the E1 Phono.
Plug-and-Play Setup
Pro-Ject pre-adjusts the tracking force and anti-skating at the factory. As a result, setup is much easier than many traditional manual turntables. This makes the E1 Phono a strong choice for first-time vinyl buyers.
Manual Belt-Drive Design
The E1 Phono uses a manual belt-drive system. Belt drive helps isolate motor vibration from the platter, which supports cleaner vinyl playback. It also keeps the turntable simple and focused on sound quality.
8.6-Inch Aluminium Tonearm
The 8.6-inch aluminium tonearm is light and rigid. It is designed to work well with the supplied moving-magnet cartridge, helping records track cleanly and consistently.
Electronic 33/45 RPM Speed Switching
The E1 Phono includes electronic speed switching for 33 and 45 RPM records. So, you do not need to manually move the belt each time you change record speed.
Anti-Resonant ABS Polymer Platter
The platter is made from anti-resonant ABS polymer. It is designed to provide stable playback while keeping the turntable light, simple, and affordable.
CNC-Machined Composite Fibre Plinth
The plinth is CNC-machined from composite fibre. Pro-Ject designs the E1 platform to avoid hollow spaces, which helps reduce unwanted resonance compared with many basic record players.
Handmade in Europe
The E1 Phono is handmade in Europe. This is a strong point for customers who want a proper hi-fi turntable rather than a generic entry-level record player.
Suggested System Pairing
- Powered Speakers: Klipsch The Fives II, Klipsch The Sevens II, Triangle active speakers, or similar
- Amplifier: Denon, Marantz, Yamaha, Rotel, Musical Fidelity, or Pro-Ject integrated amplifier
- Speakers: ELAC, Triangle, Paradigm, SVS Prime, or Klipsch Heritage models
- Phono Upgrade: External Pro-Ject phono stage later, if required
- Accessories: Record brush, stylus cleaner, and quality hi-fi furniture
Product Comparison Snapshot
| Model | Best For | Key Difference |
| Pro-Ject E1 | Systems with an existing phono stage | Same core turntable, no built-in phono preamp |
| Pro-Ject E1 Phono | Simple wired setups without phono input | Adds switchable built-in phono preamp |
| Pro-Ject E1 BT | Wireless Bluetooth listening | Adds Bluetooth transmitter as well as phono preamp |
| Pro-Ject Debut range | Bigger upgrade path | More advanced platform for long-term hi-fi systems |
Specifications
Brand: Pro-Ject
Model: E1 Phono
Product Type: Belt-Drive Turntable with Built-In Phono Preamp
Drive System
Belt drive
Operation
Manual
Speeds
33 RPM
45 RPM
Electronic speed change
Cartridge Options
Audio-Technica AT3600L, version dependent
Pro-Ject Pick It MM E, version dependent
Cartridge Type
Moving Magnet, MM
Stylus
Model dependent
Replaceable stylus on Pick It MM E
Tonearm
8.6-inch aluminium tonearm
Effective Tonearm Length
218.5mm
Effective Tonearm Mass
7g
Overhang
22.0mm
Platter
Anti-resonant ABS polymer platter
Motor
Damped DC motor
Phono Preamp
Built-in switchable MM phono preamp
Phono Preamp Input Impedance
47k ohms / 100pF
RIAA Accuracy
20Hz – 20kHz, ±0.5dB
Wow and Flutter
33 RPM: ±0.25%
45 RPM: ±0.23%
Speed Drift
33 RPM: ±0.7%
45 RPM: ±0.6%
Signal-to-Noise Ratio
65dB
Connections
Gold-plated RCA output
Phono cable included
Dust Cover
Acrylic dust cover with adjustable hinges included
Included Accessories
Power supply
Felt mat
Dust cover
7-inch single adapter
RCA phono cable
Pre-fitted MM cartridge, version dependent
Power Supply
15V DC / 0.8A
Power Consumption
4.5W
Dimensions
420mm (W) x 112mm (H) x 330mm (D)
Weight
3.5kg net
Finish
High Gloss Black
High Gloss White
Walnut
MPN: E1-PHONO
SKU: PROJ-E1-PHONO
EAN / UPC / GTIN: 9120137900583
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