Pro-Ject RPM 1 Carbon Turntable

Description

About the Pro-Ject RPM 1 Carbon Turntable

The Pro-Ject RPM 1 Carbon Turntable is supplied with the Ortofon 2M Red moving-magnet cartridge, giving it a lively, open, and dynamic sound straight out of the box. The RPM 1 Carbon also features an 8.6-inch S-shaped tonearm made from carbon fibre, aluminium, and resin, a low-resonance chassis, an inverted platter bearing with ceramic ball, magnetic anti-skating, and a TPE-damped counterweight.

The RPM 1 Carbon does not include a built-in phono preamp. Therefore, it should be paired with an amplifier that has an MM phono input, powered speakers with a phono input, or a separate phono stage.

What we think

At Rapallo, the Pro-Ject RPM 1 Carbon is a great choice for customers who want something more visually interesting than a standard entry-level turntable, but still want proper hi-fi engineering.

The RPM design is the main attraction. The low-resonance chassis, outboard motor, inverted ceramic-ball bearing, and carefully treated tonearm all help separate it from simpler plug-and-play decks. As a result, the RPM 1 Carbon feels more purposeful and more performance-focused than many turntables at this level.

We also like the Ortofon 2M Red cartridge match. It is one of the most popular moving-magnet cartridges in hi-fi because it offers good output, easy system matching, and an open, dynamic presentation with a touch of warmth. Plus, it gives customers a simple stylus upgrade path later within the Ortofon 2M family.

The tonearm is also important. Pro-Ject uses a three-step heat and pressure process to combine carbon fibre, aluminium, and resin. This is designed to improve rigidity, increase internal damping, and reduce resonance. Therefore, the RPM 1 Carbon is a stronger platform than many basic turntables with simpler aluminium arms.

For NZ customers building a compact but serious vinyl system, this is a smart match with a good MM phono stage, a capable integrated amplifier, and quality speakers. It is simple enough for newer vinyl listeners, but it still has the style and engineering to keep enthusiasts interested.

 

 

Specifications >> User Guide >> View Pro-Ject >>

 

The Pro-Ject RPM 1 Carbon Turntable is ideal for

• Serious vinyl listeners
• Dedicated two-channel hi-fi systems
• Moving-coil cartridge setups
• Customers upgrading from Debut, X1, X2, or RPM 5 models
• Listeners wanting a mass-loaded high-end turntable
• Systems where low noise, stability, and cartridge quality matter

 

What the Experts Say

• The Vinyl Factory reviewed the RPM 1 Carbon and noted that it came pre-fitted with the Ortofon 2M Red cartridge. The review also highlighted the long belt drive arrangement and the need to set the counterweight carefully during setup.
• Ortofon describes the 2M Red as its entry-level 2M Series cartridge, offering an open, dynamic sound with a slight touch of warmth, 5.5mV output, split pole pins, OFC coil wire, and an elliptical stylus.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Pro-Ject RPM 1 Carbon?
   The Pro-Ject RPM 1 Carbon is a manual belt-drive turntable with a distinctive RPM chassis, outboard motor, inverted ceramic-ball bearing, 8.6-inch carbon/aluminium/resin tonearm, and magnetic anti-skating.
2. Does this RPM 1 Carbon come with a cartridge?
   Yes, this version comes with the Ortofon 2M Red moving-magnet cartridge. It is a popular MM cartridge with an elliptical stylus and open, dynamic sound.
3. Does the RPM 1 Carbon have a built-in phono preamp?
   No, the RPM 1 Carbon does not include a built-in phono stage. You will need an amplifier with an MM phono input or an external phono preamp.
4. Can I connect the RPM 1 Carbon to powered speakers?
   Yes, but only if the powered speakers have a phono input. Otherwise, you will need an external phono preamp between the turntable and the powered speakers.
5. Can the RPM 1 Carbon play 45 RPM records?
   Yes, it plays 33 and 45 RPM records. Speed change is manual, so the belt position must be changed when switching speeds.
6. Is the RPM 1 Carbon automatic?
   No, it is a manual turntable. You place the tonearm on the record and lift it at the end of the side.
7. Is the Ortofon 2M Red upgradeable?
   Yes, the easiest upgrade is the Ortofon 2M Blue stylus. This can improve detail and tracking without replacing the full cartridge body.
8. How is the RPM 1 Carbon different from the Debut Carbon EVO?
   The RPM 1 Carbon has a more sculptural RPM-style chassis, outboard motor, and S-shaped carbon/aluminium/resin tonearm. The Debut Carbon EVO has a more traditional plinth design and electronic speed switching.
9. Who is the Pro-Ject RPM 1 Carbon best suited to?
   It is best for vinyl listeners who want a stylish manual turntable with proper hi-fi engineering, a pre-fitted Ortofon 2M Red cartridge, and a more distinctive look than a standard entry-level deck.

 

Key Features

Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge Included

This version comes with the Ortofon 2M Red moving-magnet cartridge. It offers 5.5mV output, 22dB channel separation, an elliptical stylus, and a recommended 1.8g tracking force. It is known for an open, dynamic sound with a slight touch of warmth.

8.6-Inch Carbon, Aluminium and Resin Tonearm

The RPM 1 Carbon uses an 8.6-inch S-shaped tonearm made from carbon fibre, aluminium, and resin. Pro-Ject uses heat treatment and high pressure during construction to improve rigidity, increase damping, and reduce resonance.

Low-Resonance RPM Chassis

The distinctive RPM chassis is designed to reduce unwanted resonance while giving the turntable its modern sculptural look. This makes the RPM 1 Carbon a strong option for customers who want performance and visual impact.

Outboard 15V AC Motor

The motor sits outside the main chassis and is driven by an ultra-precision AC generator with DC power supply. This helps improve speed stability and keeps motor vibration away from the platter and tonearm.

Inverted Platter Bearing with Ceramic Ball

The RPM 1 Carbon uses an inverted platter bearing with a ceramic ball. This helps reduce rumble and supports smoother platter rotation.

MDF Platter with Felt Mat

The 300mm platter is made from MDF and used with a felt mat. This gives the turntable a simple, low-resonance record platform.

Magnetic Anti-Skating

The RPM 1 Carbon uses a magnetic anti-skating mechanism. This helps the cartridge maintain better groove contact across the record side.

TPE-Damped Counterweight

The counterweight includes TPE damping to help reduce unwanted resonance through the tonearm assembly. This supports cleaner cartridge tracking.

Connect it E Phono Cable Included

Pro-Ject includes a super-shielded, semi-symmetrical, low-capacitance Connect it E phono cable. This is designed for turntable use and is a better match than a generic RCA cable.

High-Gloss Finish Options

The RPM 1 Carbon is available in high-gloss black, high-gloss red, and high-gloss white. This makes it a visually striking option for modern hi-fi systems.

 

Perfect System Match

A strong match would be the Pro-Ject RPM 1 Carbon, Ortofon 2M Red, a quality MM phono preamp, a capable integrated amplifier, and compact passive speakers.

For a simple Pro-Ject-focused system, pair it with a Pro-Ject Phono Box or Tube Box S2, then match it with an amplifier and speakers that give the 2M Red enough clarity and control.

 

Product Comparison Snapshot

Model	Best For	Key Difference
Pro-Ject E1 Phono	Simple beginner systems	Built-in phono stage, more basic platform
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO	Strong first serious hi-fi system	Carbon tonearm, traditional plinth, wider finish range
Pro-Ject RPM 1 Carbon with 2M Red	Stylish RPM-style vinyl systems	Sculptural chassis, outboard motor, carbon/aluminium/resin arm
Pro-Ject RPM 9 Carbon	Higher-end RPM systems	Much heavier platform, 9cc EVO arm, premium cartridge options

 

 

Specifications

Brand: Pro-Ject

Model: RPM 1 Carbon

Product Type: Manual Belt-Drive Turntable with Moving-Magnet Cartridge

Drive System
Belt drive

Operation
Manual

Speeds
33 RPM
45 RPM

Speed Change
Manual speed change

Cartridge
Ortofon 2M Red moving-magnet cartridge

Cartridge Type
Moving Magnet, MM

Cartridge Output Voltage
5.5mV at 1kHz, 5cm/sec

Channel Balance
1.5dB at 1kHz

Channel Separation
22dB at 1kHz

Cartridge Frequency Response
20Hz to 20kHz, +3 / -1dB

Stylus Type
Elliptical

Stylus Tip Radius
r/R 8/18µm

Tracking Ability
70µm at 315Hz

Compliance
20µm/mN, dynamic lateral

Recommended Tracking Force
1.8g

Tracking Force Range
1.6g to 2.0g

Recommended Load Resistance
47k ohms

Recommended Load Capacitance
150 to 300pF

Cartridge Weight
7.2g

Tonearm
8.6-inch S-shaped carbon, aluminium and resin tonearm

Effective Tonearm Length
218.5mm

Effective Tonearm Mass
13.5g

Overhang
22mm

Tracking Force Range, Tonearm
0 to 25mN

Anti-Skating
Magnetic anti-skating

Counterweight
TPE-damped counterweight

Platter
300mm MDF platter

Mat
Felt mat included

Main Bearing
Stainless steel axle with ceramic ball

Motor
Outboard 15V AC motor
Ultra-precision DC-driven AC generator motor power

Phono Preamp
Not included

Cable Included
Pro-Ject Connect it E phono cable

Included Accessories
Connect it E phono cable
Felt mat
7-inch single adapter
Power supply
Allen key
Stylus pressure gauge

Dust Cover
Optional lid available

Wow and Flutter
33 RPM: ±0.27%
45 RPM: ±0.10%

Speed Drift
33 RPM: ±0.14%
45 RPM: ±0.13%

Signal-to-Noise Ratio
71dB

Power Supply
15V DC / 500mA

Power Connection
110/240V, 50 or 60Hz

Power Consumption
5W maximum
Less than 0.5W standby

Dimensions
380mm (W) x 110mm (H) x 350mm (D)

Weight
3.8kg net

Finish
High Gloss Black
High Gloss Red
High Gloss White

MPN: RPM-1-CARBON-2MRED

SKU: PROJ-RPM1-CARBON-2MRED

EAN / UPC / GTIN: 9120050435285

 

Why Buy From Rapallo

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