Pro-Ject RPM 5 Carbon Turntable

Description

About the Pro-Ject RPM 5 Carbon Turntable with Ortofon 2M Bronze Cartridge

The Pro-Ject RPM 5 Carbon Turntable features Pro-Ject’s distinctive low-resonance RPM chassis, a 9-inch 9cc Evolution carbon-fibre tonearm, a 300mm acrylic platter, an outboard AC motor, an inverted platter bearing with ceramic ball, TPE-damped counterweight, adjustable aluminium feet, and a low-capacitance Pro-Ject Connect it E phono cable.

This version is supplied with the Ortofon 2M Bronze moving-magnet cartridge. The 2M Bronze uses a Nude Fine Line stylus, a 5mV output, silver-plated OFC coil wire, split pole pins, and is designed for precise, detailed playback with reduced distortion and record wear when correctly set up.

The RPM 5 Carbon does not include a built-in phono preamp. Therefore, it should be partnered with an amplifier that has a quality MM phono input, powered speakers with a phono input, or a separate MM phono stage.

What we think

At Rapallo, the RPM 5 Carbon is a smart choice for customers who like the sculptural RPM design but want more scale and refinement than the smaller RPM models.

The 9cc Evolution tonearm is a major advantage. It is a proper carbon-fibre tonearm that is suitable for high-quality MM and MC cartridges, which gives this deck a stronger upgrade path than many mid-level turntables. The TPE-damped counterweight also helps reduce unwanted tonearm resonance.

We also like the acrylic platter. Acrylic is acoustically inert and provides a stable record platform. Combined with the inverted ceramic-ball bearing and outboard motor, it helps the RPM 5 Carbon deliver clean, stable, and confident vinyl playback.

The Ortofon 2M Bronze is an excellent match here. It sits above the 2M Red and 2M Blue in Ortofon’s 2M range, with a Nude Fine Line stylus that extracts more detail from the groove. As a result, this package suits listeners who want a more refined moving-magnet setup without moving to a low-output moving-coil cartridge.

For NZ customers building a serious vinyl system, the RPM 5 Carbon with 2M Bronze pairs beautifully with a quality MM phono stage, a capable integrated amplifier, and revealing speakers.

 

 

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

 

The Pro-Ject RPM 5 Carbon Turntable is ideal for

• Vinyl listeners wanting a refined RPM-series turntable
• Customers upgrading from RPM 1, RPM 3, Debut, or entry-level decks
• Systems with a separate MM phono stage
• Listeners wanting the Ortofon 2M Bronze pre-fitted
• Compact to mid-sized two-channel hi-fi systems
• Customers who want a sculptural turntable with serious engineering

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Pro-Ject RPM 5 Carbon?
   The Pro-Ject RPM 5 Carbon is a manual belt-drive turntable with Pro-Ject’s distinctive RPM chassis, outboard AC motor, acrylic platter, inverted ceramic-ball bearing, and 9cc Evolution carbon-fibre tonearm.
2. Does this RPM 5 Carbon come with a cartridge?
   Yes, this version comes with the Ortofon 2M Bronze moving-magnet cartridge. It is a higher-grade MM cartridge with a Nude Fine Line stylus.
3. What makes the Ortofon 2M Bronze special?
   The 2M Bronze uses a Nude Fine Line stylus, split pole pins, silver-plated OFC coil wire, and a more precise 2M engine. It is designed for detailed, accurate vinyl playback with reduced distortion and record wear.
4. Does the RPM 5 Carbon have a built-in phono preamp?
   No, the RPM 5 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 5 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 5 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 5 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 Bronze stylus?
   Yes, the Ortofon 2M Bronze body is compatible with the 2M Black stylus. This is a popular upgrade path for more detail and refinement.
9. How is the RPM 5 Carbon different from the RPM 3 Carbon?
   The RPM 5 Carbon uses Pro-Ject’s 9cc Evolution carbon-fibre tonearm, a heavier 8kg platform, acrylic platter, and a more refined design. The RPM 3 Carbon is smaller and uses a 10-inch S-shaped carbon, aluminium, and resin tonearm.
10. Who is the Pro-Ject RPM 5 Carbon best suited to?
    It is best for vinyl listeners who want a stylish, higher-quality RPM turntable with a strong tonearm, Ortofon 2M Bronze cartridge, and a clear upgrade path for a serious hi-fi system

 

Key Features

Ortofon 2M Bronze Cartridge Included

This version comes fitted with the Ortofon 2M Bronze moving-magnet cartridge. It uses a Nude Fine Line stylus, 5mV output, 26dB channel separation at 1kHz, 20Hz to 20kHz frequency response, and recommended 1.5g tracking force. Therefore, it gives the RPM 5 Carbon a precise and detailed cartridge match from day one.

9cc Evolution Carbon-Fibre Tonearm

The RPM 5 Carbon uses Pro-Ject’s 9-inch 9cc Evolution carbon-fibre tonearm. It is suitable for high-quality MM and MC cartridges, which makes the turntable a strong platform for future cartridge upgrades.

Low-Resonance RPM Chassis

The RPM 5 Carbon uses Pro-Ject’s distinctive low-resonance chassis design. This gives the turntable its striking look while also helping reduce unwanted vibration during playback.

300mm Acrylic Platter

The acoustically inert acrylic platter gives records a stable, low-resonance playback surface. This helps improve clarity and reduces the need for a traditional felt mat.

Inverted Platter Bearing with Ceramic Ball

The inverted platter bearing uses a ceramic ball to help reduce rumble and support smooth, stable rotation. This is one of the RPM 5 Carbon’s key mechanical upgrades over simpler turntables.

Outboard AC Motor

The free-standing 15V AC motor is driven by an ultra-precision AC generator with DC power supply. This improves speed stability and helps keep motor vibration away from the chassis, platter, tonearm, and cartridge.

TPE-Damped Counterweight

The tonearm counterweight uses TPE damping to reduce unwanted resonances. This supports cleaner tracking and better cartridge control.

Adjustable Aluminium Feet

The RPM 5 Carbon uses adjustable aluminium tip-toe feet. These help level the turntable and improve stability on a suitable hi-fi rack or shelf.

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 interconnect.

High-Gloss Finish Options

The RPM 5 Carbon is available in high-gloss black, high-gloss red, and high-gloss white, giving it strong visual appeal in modern hi-fi systems.

 

Perfect System Match

A strong match would be the Pro-Ject RPM 5 Carbon, Ortofon 2M Bronze a quality MM phono preamp, a capable integrated amplifier, and compact passive speakers.

For a Pro-Ject-focused setup, pair it with a Pro-Ject Tube Box S2 or Phono Box S2. This keeps the system simple while giving the 2M Bronze the clean gain and low-noise platform it needs.

 

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 Black 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 3 Carbon	Stylish mid-level RPM systems	10-inch S-shaped arm, lighter platform
Pro-Ject RPM 5 Carbon with 2M Bronze	More refined RPM-style vinyl systems	9cc Evolution carbon arm, acrylic platter, 2M Bronze cartridge
Pro-Ject X1	Traditional X-Series systems	Acrylic platter and rectangular plinth design
Pro-Ject RPM 9 Carbon	Higher-end RPM systems	Much heavier chassis, 7.2kg platter, premium MC cartridge options

 

Specifications

Brand: Pro-Ject

Model: RPM 5 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 outboard 15V AC motor
Ultra-precision DC-driven AC generator motor power

Cartridge
Ortofon 2M Bronze moving-magnet cartridge

Cartridge Type
Moving Magnet, MM

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

Channel Balance
1dB at 1kHz

Channel Separation
26dB at 1kHz
15dB at 15kHz

Cartridge Frequency Range
20Hz to 29kHz, -3dB

Cartridge Frequency Response
20Hz to 20kHz, +2 / -0dB

Stylus Type
Nude Fine Line

Stylus Tip Radius
r/R 8/40µm

Tracking Ability
80µm at 315Hz

Compliance
22µm/mN, dynamic lateral

Recommended Tracking Force
1.5g

Tracking Force Range
1.4g to 1.7g

Tracking Angle
20°

Recommended Load Resistance
47k ohms

Recommended Load Capacitance
150 to 300pF

Cartridge Weight
7.2g

Tonearm
Pro-Ject 9cc Evolution carbon-fibre tonearm

Effective Tonearm Length
230mm

Effective Tonearm Mass
8g

Overhang
18mm

Tracking Force Range, Tonearm
0 to 25mN

Counterweight
TPE-damped counterweight

Platter
300mm acrylic platter

Main Bearing
Stainless steel axle with ceramic ball

Feet
Adjustable aluminium tip-toe feet

Phono Preamp
Not included

Cable Included
Pro-Ject Connect it E phono cable

Included Accessories
Connect it E phono cable
Record clamp
Adapter for 7-inch singles
Power supply

Dust Cover
Optional lid available

Wow and Flutter
33 RPM: ±0.17%
45 RPM: ±0.08%

Speed Drift
33 RPM: ±0.12%
45 RPM: ±0.10%

Signal-to-Noise Ratio
73dB

Power Supply
15V DC / 500mA

Power Connection
110/240V, 50 or 60Hz

Power Consumption
5W maximum
Less than 0.5W standby

Dimensions
430mm (W) x 150mm (H) x 323mm (D)

Weight
8.0kg net

Finish
High Gloss Black
High Gloss Red
High Gloss White

MPN: RPM-5-CARBON-2MBRONZE

SKU: PROJ-RPM5-CARBON-2MBRONZE

EAN / UPC / GTIN: 9120097829436

 

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