Pro-Ject RPM 3 Carbon Turntable

Description

About the Pro-Ject RPM 3 Carbon Turntable

The Pro-Ject RPM 3 Carbon Turntable supplied with the Ortofon 2M Silver moving-magnet cartridge, giving the RPM 3 Carbon a strong cartridge match straight out of the box. The 2M Silver is an OEM cartridge based on the 2M platform. It takes many characteristics from the 2M Red, then adds silver-plated copper coils and upgraded suspension for improved performance.

The RPM 3 Carbon does not include a built-in phono preamp. Therefore, it should be partnered with an amplifier that has an MM phono input, powered speakers with a phono input, or a separate MM phono stage.

What we think

At Rapallo, the Pro-Ject RPM 3 Carbon is a great choice for customers who want a turntable that looks more distinctive than the Debut range, while still offering genuine hi-fi engineering.

The design is more than visual. The low-resonance chassis, free-standing motor, inverted ceramic-ball bearing, and 10-inch carbon, aluminium, and resin tonearm all work together to reduce vibration and improve playback stability. As a result, the RPM 3 Carbon feels more purposeful than many simple plug-and-play turntables.

We also like the Ortofon 2M Silver cartridge. It has the familiar clarity and energy of the 2M family, but with silver-plated copper coils and upgraded suspension. That gives this package a stronger cartridge platform than a standard entry-level cartridge.

The 10-inch tonearm is another key benefit. Pro-Ject uses carbon fibre, aluminium, and resin, formed through heat treatment and high pressure. This helps increase rigidity, improve internal damping, and reduce resonance. Therefore, the RPM 3 Carbon is a better platform for serious vinyl listening than many basic turntables.

For NZ customers building a compact but stylish vinyl system, this is a smart match with a good MM phono stage, a capable integrated amplifier, and quality speakers. It gives you strong performance, distinctive design, and a clear stylus upgrade path later.

 

 

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

 

The Pro-Ject RPM 3 Carbon Turntable is ideal for

• Vinyl listeners wanting a stylish manual turntable
• Customers upgrading from basic record players
• Compact two-channel hi-fi systems
• Systems with a separate MM phono stage
• Listeners wanting the Ortofon 2M Silver pre-fitted
• Customers who want a more distinctive design than a traditional rectangular turntable

 

Awards

EISA Best Product 2015 – 2016

Benefitting from trickle-down technology developed for its costlier RPM-series turntables, this new deck features a host of engineering innovations to boost its sound. The V-shaped chassis and dynamically-balanced platter are both fashioned from MDF, the latter with a mat made from recycled LP vinyl, while the outboard 15V AC motor is driven by a compact synthesised power supply. The new 10in S-shaped tonearm is a key feature, comprising a damped alloy tube surrounded by a resin and carbon-fibre mix. This, in turn, carries a custom silver-wired version of Ortofon’s classic 2M moving-magnet cartridge, the final ingredient in what is a deeply impressive deck offering a remarkably stable and foot-tapping sound.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Pro-Ject RPM 3 Carbon?
   The Pro-Ject RPM 3 Carbon is a manual belt-drive turntable with a distinctive RPM chassis, outboard synchronous motor, inverted ceramic-ball bearing, 10-inch carbon/aluminium/resin tonearm, magnetic anti-skating, and TPE-damped counterweight.
2. Does this RPM 3 Carbon come with a cartridge?
   Yes, this version comes with the Ortofon 2M Silver moving-magnet cartridge. It is based on the 2M platform and uses silver-plated copper coils.
3. What is the Ortofon 2M Silver cartridge?
   The Ortofon 2M Silver is an OEM moving-magnet cartridge that takes many characteristics from the 2M Red, but adds silver-plated copper coils and upgraded suspension. It is designed as a step up from the 2M Red.
4. Does the RPM 3 Carbon have a built-in phono preamp?
   No, the RPM 3 Carbon does not include a built-in phono stage. You will need an amplifier with an MM phono input or an external MM phono preamp.
5. Can I connect the RPM 3 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.
6. Can the RPM 3 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.
7. Is the RPM 3 Carbon automatic?
   No, it is a manual turntable. You place the tonearm on the record and lift it at the end of the side.
8. Can I upgrade the 2M Silver stylus?
   Yes, the 2M Silver stylus is interchangeable with 2M Red and 2M Blue stylus options. A 2M Blue stylus is a popular upgrade for better tracking and improved detail.
9. How is the RPM 3 Carbon different from the RPM 1 Carbon?
   The RPM 3 Carbon has a larger 10-inch tonearm, heavier 5.5kg platform, and is commonly offered with the Ortofon 2M Silver cartridge. The RPM 1 Carbon uses a smaller 8.6-inch tonearm and a lighter chassis.
10. Who is the Pro-Ject RPM 3 Carbon best suited to?
    It is best for vinyl listeners who want a stylish manual turntable with a more serious tonearm, a pre-fitted Ortofon 2M Silver cartridge, and proper hi-fi performance in a distinctive RPM design.

 

Key Features

Ortofon 2M Silver Cartridge Included

This package includes the Ortofon 2M Silver moving-magnet cartridge. It is based on the 2M platform and uses silver-plated copper coils, with upgraded suspension compared with the 2M Red. Therefore, it gives the RPM 3 Carbon a more refined cartridge match from day one.

10-Inch Carbon, Aluminium and Resin Tonearm

The RPM 3 Carbon uses a 10-inch S-shaped tonearm made from carbon fibre, aluminium, and resin. Pro-Ject uses a three-step process with heat treatment and 100-bar pressure to improve rigidity, maximise internal 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. It also places mass centrally to optimise vibration behaviour.

Free-Standing Synchronous Motor

The RPM 3 Carbon uses a free-standing synchronous motor driven by an ultra-precision AC generator with DC power supply. This helps improve speed stability and keeps motor vibration away from the main chassis.

Inverted Platter Bearing with Ceramic Ball

The inverted platter bearing uses a ceramic ball to help reduce rumble and support smooth platter rotation. This gives the record a more stable playback platform.

MDF and Vinyl Sandwich Platter

The platter uses MDF with a vinyl layer on top. Pro-Ject describes this vinyl-topped sandwich platter as offering a suitable record surface without the need for a mat.

Magnetic Anti-Skating

The RPM 3 Carbon includes magnetic anti-skating. This helps the cartridge maintain more consistent groove contact across the record side.

TPE-Damped Counterweight

The counterweight uses TPE damping to reduce unwanted resonance through the tonearm assembly. This helps support cleaner cartridge tracking.

Connect it E Phono Cable Included

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

High-Gloss Finish Options

The RPM 3 Carbon is available in high-gloss black, high-gloss red, and high-gloss white. This makes it a visually striking choice for modern vinyl systems.

 

Perfect System Match

A strong match would be the Pro-Ject RPM 3 Carbon, Ortofon 2M Silver, 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 speakers that keep the 2M Silver’s clarity and energy intact.

 

Suggested System Pairing

• Phono Stage: Pro-Ject Phono Box, Pro-Ject Tube Box S2, Musical Fidelity phono stage, or an amplifier with MM phono input
• Amplifier: Musical Fidelity, Marantz, Denon, Yamaha, Rotel, or Pro-Ject integrated amplifier
• Speakers: ELAC, Triangle, Paradigm, SVS Prime, or Klipsch Heritage models
• Upgrade Path: Ortofon 2M Blue stylus, improved MM phono stage, isolation platform, or better speaker system
• Accessories: Record cleaning brush, stylus cleaner, stable turntable support, and replacement belt

 

Product Comparison Snapshot

Model	Best For	Key Difference
Pro-Ject RPM 1 Carbon	Stylish entry RPM systems	Smaller 8.6-inch arm, lighter platform
Pro-Ject RPM 3 Carbon with 2M Silver	More refined RPM-style vinyl systems	10-inch carbon/aluminium/resin arm, 2M Silver cartridge
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO	Traditional hi-fi systems	Conventional plinth, carbon tonearm, electronic speed change
Pro-Ject RPM 9 Carbon	Higher-end RPM systems	Much heavier platform, 9cc EVO arm, premium cartridge options

 

Specifications

Brand: Pro-Ject

Model: RPM 3 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

Motor System
Free-standing synchronous motor
Ultra-precision DC-driven AC generator motor power

Cartridge
Ortofon 2M Silver moving-magnet cartridge

Cartridge Type
Moving Magnet, MM

Cartridge Coil Material
Silver-plated copper coils

Stylus Type
Elliptical

Stylus Tip Radius
r/R 8/18µm

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

Tracking Ability
70µm at 315Hz

Compliance
20µm/mN, dynamic lateral

Recommended Tracking Force
1.8g

Tracking Force Range
1.6g to 2.0g

Tracking Angle
20°

Tonearm
10-inch S-shaped tonearm
Carbon fibre, aluminium, and resin construction

Effective Tonearm Length
254mm

Effective Tonearm Mass
16g

Overhang
16mm

Tracking Force Range, Tonearm
0 to 25mN

Anti-Skating
Magnetic anti-skating

Counterweight
TPE-damped counterweight

Platter
300mm MDF and vinyl sandwich platter

Main Bearing
Stainless steel axle with ceramic ball

Phono Preamp
Not included

Cable Included
Pro-Ject Connect it E phono cable

Included Accessories
Connect it E phono cable
Adapter for 7-inch singles
Power supply
Allen key
Stylus pressure gauge

Dust Cover
Optional lid available

Wow and Flutter
33 RPM: ±0.19%
45 RPM: ±0.08%

Speed Drift
33 RPM: ±0.14%
45 RPM: ±0.11%

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
422mm (W) x 118mm (H) x 373mm (D)

Weight
5.5kg net

Finish
High Gloss Black
High Gloss Red
High Gloss White

MPN: RPM-3-CARBON-2MSILVER

SKU: PROJ-RPM3-CARBON-2MSILVER

EAN / UPC / GTIN: 9120050435322

 

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