Pro-Ject RPM 9 Carbon Turntable

Description

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About the Pro-Ject RPM 9 Carbon Turntable

The Pro-Ject RPM 9 Carbon Turntable is supplied with the Ortofon Quintet Bronze moving-coil cartridge, giving the RPM 9 Carbon a refined, detailed cartridge match from day one. The Quintet Bronze uses a Nude Fine Line stylus, which is designed to track high-frequency groove information while helping reduce distortion and record wear when correctly set up.

The RPM 9 Carbon does not include a built-in phono preamp. Therefore, it should be partnered with a high-quality moving-coil phono stage, or an amplifier with a suitable MC phono input. This is especially important because the Quintet Bronze has a low 0.3mV output.

What we think

At Rapallo, the Pro-Ject RPM 9 Carbon is a serious step into high-end vinyl. It is ideal for customers who want a more refined analogue front end than the Debut or X-Series models, but still want a turntable that is elegant, practical, and well supported.

The platform is the real story here. The extra-heavy chassis uses CNC-machined MDF, carbon fibre, and resin-coated steel pellets to create a low-resonance sandwich construction. Plus, the magnetic feet help decouple the turntable from the support surface. As a result, the RPM 9 Carbon gives records a quieter, more stable foundation.

We also like the 9cc Evolution tonearm. Its conical carbon-fibre arm tube and inverted bearing design are well suited to demanding cartridges. That matters with the Ortofon Quintet Bronze, because a quality moving-coil cartridge needs accurate tracking, low resonance, and careful setup to perform at its best.

The Ortofon Quintet Bronze gives this package a refined and even-handed sound. It is detailed, full-bodied, and better suited to serious listening systems than a basic moving-magnet cartridge. However, it needs a good MC phono stage to get the best from it.

For NZ customers building a dedicated vinyl system, the RPM 9 Carbon with Quintet Bronze is a superb analogue source. Pair it with a quiet MC phono stage, a capable integrated amplifier, and revealing speakers, and it becomes the centrepiece of a very musical hi-fi system.

 

 

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

 

The Pro-Ject RPM 9 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

• Hi-Fi Choice reviewed the Pro-Ject RPM 9 Carbon and said its minimalist appearance hides a high-tech design. The review highlighted the mass-loaded chassis, magnetic feet, 7.2kg aluminium platter, 9CC Evolution tonearm, and highly polished performance.
• Ortofon describes the Quintet Bronze as the higher-level model in the Quintet range, with a Nude Fine Line stylus designed for high-frequency tracking, reduced distortion, and an even-handed sound.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Pro-Ject RPM 9 Carbon?
   The Pro-Ject RPM 9 Carbon is a high-end manual belt-drive turntable with a mass-loaded carbon-coated chassis, magnetic isolation feet, 7.2kg aluminium platter, and Pro-Ject 9cc Evolution carbon-fibre tonearm.
2. Does this RPM 9 Carbon come with a cartridge?
   Yes, this version includes the Ortofon Quintet Bronze moving-coil cartridge. It is a refined low-output MC cartridge with a Nude Fine Line stylus.
3. Does the RPM 9 Carbon have a built-in phono preamp?
   No, the RPM 9 Carbon does not include a built-in phono stage. You will need an external phono preamp or an amplifier with a suitable MC phono input.
4. What type of phono stage do I need?
   You need a moving-coil compatible phono stage. The Ortofon Quintet Bronze has a low 0.3mV output, so choose a quiet MC phono stage with suitable gain and loading options.
5. What makes the Ortofon Quintet Bronze special?
   The Quintet Bronze uses a Nude Fine Line stylus, which can track fine groove detail and high-frequency information. It is designed for an even-handed, detailed, and full-bodied sound.
6. Can the RPM 9 Carbon play 45 RPM records?
   Yes, it plays both 33 and 45 RPM records. It also includes electronic speed control, so changing speeds is simple.
7. Is the RPM 9 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. How is the RPM 9 Carbon different from the X8?
   The RPM 9 Carbon uses Pro-Ject’s distinctive RPM chassis design with magnetic feet, extra-heavy sandwich construction, a 7.2kg aluminium platter, and the 9cc Evolution tonearm. The X8 is also a premium mass-loaded design, but it uses a more conventional plinth style and a balanced-ready architecture.
9. Is the RPM 9 Carbon suitable for future cartridge upgrades?
   Yes, the 9cc Evolution tonearm is a strong platform for high-quality moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges. However, cartridge upgrades should be matched carefully with tonearm compatibility and phono stage settings.
10. Who is the Pro-Ject RPM 9 Carbon best suited to?
    It is best for serious vinyl listeners who want a high-end manual turntable, a quality moving-coil cartridge, low-resonance engineering, and a refined analogue source for a dedicated hi-fi system.

 

Key Features

Ortofon Quintet Bronze Moving-Coil Cartridge

This package includes the Ortofon Quintet Bronze cartridge. It has a low 0.3mV output, Nude Fine Line stylus, 20Hz to 20kHz frequency response, 2.3g recommended tracking force, and 9g cartridge weight. Therefore, it is a serious cartridge choice for detailed vinyl playback.

9cc Evolution Carbon-Fibre Tonearm

The RPM 9 Carbon is fitted with Pro-Ject’s 9-inch 9cc Evolution carbon tonearm. The conical carbon-fibre arm tube and inverted bearing design help deliver stable tracking, even with more demanding cartridges.

Extra-Heavy Mass-Loaded Chassis

The chassis uses a special CNC-machined MDF plate with resin-coated steel pellets, carbon fibre, and carbon surface treatment. This helps reduce resonance and gives the turntable a solid mechanical foundation.

Magnetic Isolation Feet

The RPM 9 Carbon uses magnetic feet to decouple the mass-loaded chassis from the support surface. Pro-Ject says the turntable is practically floating, with the studs only used to keep the feet centred.

7.2kg Aluminium Platter

The polished aluminium platter weighs 7.2kg and has internal TPE damping plus a vinyl layer on top. This gives the record a stable, low-resonance platform for playback.

Inverted Ceramic Main Bearing

The platter runs on an inverted stainless-steel main bearing with a ceramic ball and plate. This supports stable rotation and helps reduce rumble.

Separate Outboard Motor

The motor sits separately from the main chassis and uses a massive steel base. This helps keep motor vibration away from the platter, tonearm, and cartridge.

Electronic 33/45 RPM Speed Control

The built-in DC-driven AC generator provides electronic speed switching for 33 and 45 RPM records. So, changing speed is simple and stable.

Premium 5P Phono Cable Included

The RPM 9 Carbon is supplied with Pro-Ject’s Connect it 5P-CC phono cable with RCA plugs. XLR is available as an option for suitable systems.

 

Perfect System Match

A strong match would be the Pro-Ject RPM 9 Carbon, Ortofon Quintet Bronze, a low-noise MC phono stage, a capable integrated amplifier, and revealing passive speakers.

For a Pro-Ject-focused system, pair it with a Pro-Ject Tube Box DS3 B or Phono Box RS2. This gives the Quintet Bronze the gain, loading, and refinement it needs to perform properly.

 

Product Comparison Snapshot

Model	Best For	Key Difference
Pro-Ject X1	Mid-level manual vinyl systems	Smaller platform, acrylic platter, MM cartridge options
Pro-Ject X8	Premium mass-loaded systems	Balanced-ready design, 9cc EVO arm, heavy aluminium platter
Pro-Ject RPM 9 Carbon with Quintet Bronze	High-end MC vinyl systems	RPM chassis, magnetic feet, 7.2kg platter, Quintet Bronze MC cartridge
Pro-Ject RPM 10 Carbon	Larger high-end RPM systems	Bigger, heavier platform above RPM 9 Carbon

 

 

Specifications

Brand: Pro-Ject

Model: RPM 9 Carbon

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

Drive System
Belt drive

Operation
Manual

Speeds
33 RPM
45 RPM

Speed Control
Electronic speed control
Built-in DC-driven AC generator

Cartridge
Ortofon Quintet Bronze moving-coil cartridge

Cartridge Type
Low-output Moving Coil, MC

Cartridge Output Voltage
0.3mV at 1kHz, 5cm/sec

Channel Balance
Less than 1.2dB at 1kHz

Channel Separation
Greater than 23dB at 1kHz

Cartridge Frequency Response
20Hz to 20kHz, ±1.5dB

Stylus Type
Nude Fine Line

Stylus Tip Radius
r/R 8/40µm

Tracking Ability
80µm at 315Hz

Compliance
15µm/mN, dynamic lateral

Tracking Force Range
2.1g to 2.5g

Recommended Tracking Force
2.3g

Internal Impedance
5 ohms

Recommended Load Impedance
Greater than 20 ohms

Cartridge Weight
9g

Tonearm
Pro-Ject 9cc Evolution carbon-fibre tonearm

Effective Tonearm Length
230mm

Effective Tonearm Mass
8g

Overhang
18mm

Chassis
Extra-heavy mass-loaded chassis
CNC-machined MDF base
Carbon fibre and resin-coated steel pellet sandwich construction
Carbon surface coating

Isolation
Magnetic feet

Platter
7.2kg aluminium platter
300mm diameter
TPE damping
Vinyl top layer

Main Bearing
Inverted stainless-steel bearing with ceramic ball and plate

Motor
Separate outboard motor
Massive steel motor base

Phono Preamp
Not included

Outputs
5-pin tonearm output

Included Cable
Connect it 5P-CC phono cable with RCA plugs

Included Accessories
Record puck
7-inch single adapter
Power supply
Spirit level
Phono cable

Power Supply
15V DC / 800mA

Power Consumption
13W maximum
Less than 0.3W standby

Dimensions
440mm (W) x 180mm (H) x 325mm (D)

Weight
16.5kg net

Finish
High Gloss Black

MPN: RPM-9-CARBON-QUINTET-BRONZE

SKU: PROJ-RPM9-CARBON-QBRONZE

EAN / UPC / GTIN: 9120065187322

 

Why Buy From Rapallo

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