Description
About the Pro-Ject X8 Turntable
The Pro-Ject X8 Turntable features a 50mm thick MDF plinth, a precision-lathed TPE-damped aluminium platter, an inverted ceramic-tipped main bearing with magnetic support, and Pro-Ject’s 9cc Evolution carbon-fibre tonearm. It also supports Pro-Ject’s True Balanced Connection system when used with a compatible moving-coil cartridge, balanced phono cable, and balanced Pro-Ject phono stage.
The X8 does not include a built-in phono preamp. Therefore, it is designed for use with a quality external phono stage or an amplifier with a suitable phono input.
What we think
At Rapallo, the Pro-Ject X8 is the turntable we would recommend when a customer wants a much more substantial analogue front end, but does not want to step into the price or complexity of very high-end vinyl systems.
The mass-loaded design is the big difference. The heavy MDF chassis, aluminium platter, magnetic-assisted bearing, and damped feet give the X8 a sense of calm and control that smaller decks cannot easily match. As a result, records sound more stable, more focused, and more confident.
We also like the 9cc Evolution tonearm. It is a proper high-end carbon-fibre arm with VTA and azimuth adjustment, which gives you more setup control and better cartridge flexibility. That matters if you plan to run a quality moving-coil cartridge now or later.
The True Balanced Connection option is another strong reason to choose the X8. When paired with a suitable moving-coil cartridge, balanced cable, and Pro-Ject balanced phono stage, it can lower noise and improve signal integrity. Hi-Fi Choice found the X8 and matching DS3 B phono stage especially quiet when used over balanced XLR.
For NZ customers building a premium vinyl system, the X8 is a smart long-term choice. Pair it with a quality cartridge, a serious phono stage, a capable integrated amplifier, and revealing speakers, and it becomes a very refined analogue source.
Setup Guide >> User Guide >> View Pro-Ject Audio Products >>
The Pro-Ject X8 Turntable is ideal for
- Serious vinyl listeners
- Premium two-channel systems
- Moving-coil cartridge setups
- Balanced phono stage systems
- Customers upgrading from Debut or X1/X2 turntables
- Listeners wanting a mass-loaded turntable without moving to very expensive high-end decks
What the Experts Say
- Hi-Fi News described the X8 as a ready-to-enjoy package that offers more than a glimpse of high-end performance, while avoiding the price and complexity of more extreme upgrade paths.
- Hi-Fi Choice found the X8 especially strong when used over balanced XLR, praising its quiet, spacious, powerful, and engaging performance. The review also noted its 50mm MDF plinth, TPE-damped aluminium platter, 15kg unboxed weight, and 9cc EVO tonearm.
- StereoNET reviewed the X8 with the Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3 B and said the balanced input/output options helped deliver high-end vinyl performance at a surprisingly reasonable price.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Pro-Ject X8?
The Pro-Ject X8 is a premium manual belt-drive turntable with a mass-loaded MDF chassis, heavy TPE-damped aluminium platter, 9cc Evolution carbon-fibre tonearm, and balanced-ready signal path. - Does the Pro-Ject X8 come with a cartridge?
It depends on the package and market. Some X8 packages include an Ortofon Quintet Blue moving-coil cartridge, while others may be sold bare or with different cartridge options. Check the selected Rapallo configuration before ordering. - Does the Pro-Ject X8 have a built-in phono preamp?
No, the X8 does not include a built-in phono stage. You will need a suitable external phono preamp or an amplifier with a phono input. - What is Pro-Ject True Balanced Connection?
True Balanced Connection keeps the cartridge signal balanced from the tonearm to a compatible balanced phono stage. With a suitable moving-coil cartridge and 5-pin to XLR cable, this can reduce noise and improve signal integrity. - Can the X8 be used with a normal RCA phono stage?
Yes, the X8 is supplied with a 5-pin to RCA phono cable, so it can connect to a standard RCA phono stage. However, to use the balanced feature, you need a compatible balanced phono stage and cable. - Can the Pro-Ject X8 play 45 RPM records?
Yes, the X8 supports 33 and 45 RPM playback with electronic speed control. - Is the Pro-Ject X8 suitable for moving-coil cartridges?
Yes, the X8 is very well suited to moving-coil cartridges. Its 9cc EVO tonearm, adjustable setup, and balanced-ready signal path make it a strong MC platform. - How is the X8 different from the X1?
The X8 is much more substantial. It uses a mass-loaded MDF chassis, heavy aluminium platter, 9cc Evolution tonearm, magnetic-assisted bearing, and balanced-ready architecture. The X1 is smaller and more affordable. - Who is the Pro-Ject X8 best suited to?
The X8 is best for vinyl listeners who want a premium turntable platform, strong cartridge flexibility, balanced phono upgrade potential, and a more refined analogue source for a serious hi-fi system.
Key Features
Mass-Loaded High-End Design
The X8 uses a heavy MDF chassis and substantial platter system to reduce unwanted resonance. This helps the turntable deliver a more stable and controlled sound than lighter entry-level designs.
Precision-Lathed Aluminium Platter
The platter is cut from a single piece of aluminium and lined with TPE damping. Therefore, it offers high mass, reduced ringing, and strong speed stability.
Ceramic-Tipped Inverted Bearing with Magnetic Support
The platter runs on an inverted ceramic-tipped main bearing supported by a magnetic system. This reduces the load on the bearing and helps the heavy platter rotate more smoothly.
9cc Evolution Carbon-Fibre Tonearm
The X8 is fitted with Pro-Ject’s 9cc Evolution tonearm. It uses a one-piece tapered carbon-fibre arm tube, heavy bearing block, and ABEC 7 ball bearings. Plus, it offers VTA and azimuth adjustment for more accurate cartridge setup.
True Balanced Connection Ready
The X8 can be used as part of Pro-Ject’s True Balanced Connection system. With a suitable moving-coil cartridge, 5-pin to XLR cable, and compatible Pro-Ject phono stage, the signal path can remain balanced for lower noise and improved dynamics.
Electronic Speed Control
The motor is controlled by an AC generator with adjustable speed control. This allows convenient switching between 33 and 45 RPM, while helping provide a cleaner low-noise motor signal.
Low-Noise AC Motor
The platter is driven by a perimeter drive belt connected to a low-noise AC motor. This drive approach supports stable rotation and keeps motor vibration away from the cartridge.
Height-Adjustable Damped Feet
The X8 includes height-adjustable TPE-damped aluminium feet. These help level the turntable and reduce vibration from the furniture or rack underneath.
Cartridge Flexibility
Some markets sell the X8 with an Ortofon Quintet Blue moving-coil cartridge, while others offer it as a turntable package with cartridge options. Therefore, check the selected Rapallo configuration before purchase.
Premium Finish Options
The X8 is available in High Gloss Black, High Gloss White, and Real Wood Walnut veneer finishes. This allows it to suit modern and classic hi-fi systems.
Recommended With This Product
- Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3 B
- Pro-Ject 5-pin to XLR balanced phono cable
- Ortofon Quintet Blue or similar MC cartridge
- Record cleaning brush
- Stylus cleaning kit
- Stable hi-fi rack or isolation platform
Product Comparison Snapshot
| Model | Best For | Key Difference |
| Pro-Ject X1 | Mid-level manual systems | Smaller chassis, acrylic platter, lower-cost platform |
| Pro-Ject X2 | Larger X-Series setup | Bigger deck than X1, but less mass-loaded than X8 |
| Pro-Ject X8 | Premium vinyl systems | Mass-loaded plinth, heavy aluminium platter, 9cc EVO arm, balanced-ready design |
| Pro-Ject Xtension 9 | Higher-end analogue systems | Larger premium platform above X8 |
Specifications
Brand: Pro-Ject
Model: X8
Product Type: Manual Belt-Drive Turntable
Drive System
Belt drive
Perimeter drive belt
Operation
Manual
Speeds
33 RPM
45 RPM
Speed Control
Electronic speed control
AC generator motor control
Motor
Low-noise AC motor
Plinth
Mass-loaded MDF chassis
50mm thick MDF plinth noted in review coverage
Platter
Precision-lathed aluminium platter
TPE-damped inner lining
Main Bearing
Inverted ceramic-tipped main bearing
Magnetic support system
Tonearm
Pro-Ject 9cc Evolution carbon-fibre tonearm
Tonearm Construction
One-piece tapered carbon-fibre arm tube
Heavy bearing block
ABEC 7 ball bearings
Tonearm Adjustment
VTA adjustment
Azimuth adjustment
Balanced Connection
True Balanced Connection ready
Requires suitable cartridge, balanced phono cable, and compatible balanced phono stage
Cartridge
Version dependent
Some markets supply Ortofon Quintet Blue MC as standard
Phono Preamp
Not included
Outputs
5-pin tonearm output
Supplied with semi-balanced Connect it E 5-pin to RCA cable
Balanced XLR possible with compatible 5-pin to XLR cable
Feet
Height-adjustable TPE-damped aluminium feet
Included Accessories
Removable dust cover
Felt mat
Semi-balanced Connect it E 5-pin to RCA phono cable
Power supply
Finish
High Gloss Black
High Gloss White
Real Wood Walnut veneer
Weight
Approx. 15kg unboxed, noted in review coverage
Rapallo Product Data
Brand: Pro-Ject
Model: X8
Product Name: Pro-Ject X8 Turntable
Product Type: Manual Belt-Drive Turntable
MPN: X8
SKU: PROJ-X8
EAN / UPC / GTIN: 9120122293676
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