Pro-Ject XA B Turntable

Description

About the Pro-Ject XA B Turntable with Pick It Pro B Cartridge

The Pro-Ject XA B Turntable is a premium manual belt-drive turntable that combines standout design with serious analogue engineering. Its clear acrylic chassis gives it a distinctive high-end look, while the balanced-ready signal path makes it more than just a beautiful turntable.

This model includes a 10-inch aluminium tonearm, pre-adjusted Pick it PRO Balanced moving-magnet cartridge, balanced 5P DIN phono output, electronic 33/45 RPM speed switching, a 1.7kg TPE-damped die-cast aluminium platter, and height-adjustable TPE-damped feet.

The XA B does not include a built-in phono preamp. Therefore, it is designed for use with a quality external phono stage. Use the supplied 5P to RCA phono cable for standard phono stages, or add a compatible Pro-Ject True Balanced cable and balanced phono stage to unlock its balanced output potential.

What we think

At Rapallo, we think the Pro-Ject XA B is a great choice for customers who want a turntable that looks special, but still performs like a genuine hi-fi component.

The clear acrylic chassis is the first thing people notice. However, Pro-Ject has not used acrylic only for looks. Acrylic has strong internal damping, and Pro-Ject has carefully matched it with an aluminium tonearm, aluminium platter, special feet, and Pick it PRO Balanced cartridge to avoid an overly dry sound.

We also like the balanced architecture. Most moving-magnet cartridges are not wired to use their full balanced signal. The Pick it PRO Balanced is different. Pro-Ject developed it with Ortofon so it can work as part of a True Balanced system, which can help reduce noise and interference when used with the right cable and phono stage.

The 10-inch aluminium tonearm is another strong point. It offers VTA and azimuth adjustment, plus a four-point low-friction bearing system. As a result, it gives customers more setup flexibility than many simpler plug-and-play turntables.

For NZ customers building a serious vinyl system, the XA B is a smart step up from the X1 or Debut range. Pair it with a Pro-Ject Phono Box S3 B or DS3 B, a capable amplifier, and quality speakers, and it becomes a very refined analogue source with real visual impact.

 

View User Manual >>

View Setup Guide >> View Pro-Ject Audio Products >>

 

The Pro-Ject XA B Turntable is ideal for

• Vinyl listeners upgrading from entry-level decks
• Customers wanting a visually striking acrylic turntable
• Balanced phono stage systems
• Dedicated two-channel hi-fi setups
• Listeners wanting a pre-fitted cartridge
• Systems where design and sound quality both matter

 

What the Experts Say

• Hi-Fi News reviewed the XA B and highlighted the clear acrylic plinth, 10-inch aluminium tonearm, Pick it PRO Balanced cartridge, Record Puck E, and supplied 5P phono cable. It also praised the cartridge for secure tracking and an open, insightful midrange.
• SoundStage! Hi-Fi reviewed the XA B with the Pick it PRO Balanced cartridge and described its acrylic build as both functional and aesthetic. The review also noted the 10-inch aluminium tonearm, TPE-damped platter, adjustable feet, balanced five-pin DIN output, and clean, precise presentation.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Pro-Ject XA B?
   The Pro-Ject XA B is a manual belt-drive turntable with a clear acrylic chassis, 10-inch aluminium tonearm, pre-fitted Pick it PRO Balanced cartridge, electronic 33/45 RPM speed control, and balanced 5P DIN phono output.
2. Does the Pro-Ject XA B come with a cartridge?
   Yes, the XA B comes pre-fitted with the Pro-Ject Pick it PRO Balanced moving-magnet cartridge. It is designed for True Balanced signal transmission when used with compatible Pro-Ject balanced cables and phono stages.
3. What is the Pick it PRO Balanced cartridge?
   The Pick it PRO Balanced is a moving-magnet cartridge developed by Pro-Ject with Ortofon. It is based on the Pick it PRO design, but modified to allow balanced signal transmission. It has a 4mV output, elliptical stylus, and recommended 2.0g tracking force.
4. Does the XA B have a built-in phono preamp?
   No, the XA B does not include a built-in phono preamp. You will need an external MM phono stage or an amplifier with an MM phono input.
5. Can I use the XA B with a normal RCA phono stage?
   The XA B includes a Pro-Ject Connect it E 5P to RCA phono cable, so it can connect to a standard RCA MM phono stage.
6. How do I use the XA B in balanced mode?
   To use the XA B in balanced mode, you need a compatible Pro-Ject True Balanced phono cable and a balanced phono stage, such as the Pro-Ject Phono Box S3 B or DS3 B.
7. Why does balanced phono matter?
   Balanced phono connections can help reduce picked-up noise and interference. This is useful because cartridge signals are very small and can benefit from a cleaner signal path.
8. Can the Pro-Ject XA B play 45 RPM records?
   Yes, the XA B plays 33 and 45 RPM records. It has electronic speed control, so switching speeds is simple.
9. Is the Pro-Ject XA B automatic?
   No, the XA B is a manual turntable. You place the tonearm on the record and lift it at the end.
10. How is the XA B different from the X1?
    The XA B has a clear acrylic chassis, 10-inch aluminium tonearm, balanced 5P DIN output, and Pick it PRO Balanced cartridge. The X1 is a smaller traditional X-Series model with an acrylic platter and standard RCA output.
11. Who is the Pro-Ject XA B best suited to?
    The XA B is best for vinyl listeners who want a visually striking turntable with serious hi-fi performance, external phono stage matching, and the option to build a True Balanced analogue system.

 

Key Features

Clear Acrylic Chassis

The XA B uses a clear acrylic chassis that gives the turntable its signature look. Pro-Ject says acrylic can be challenging to tune, so the XA B combines it with aluminium parts, special feet, and the matched Pick it PRO Balanced cartridge for a lively, dynamic sound.

Pick it PRO Balanced Cartridge Pre-Fitted

The XA B comes with Pro-Ject’s Pick it PRO Balanced moving-magnet cartridge. It is a revised version of the Pick it PRO and is designed to allow True Balanced signal transmission. It has a 4mV output, elliptical stylus, 20Hz to 20kHz frequency response, and recommended 2.0g tracking force.

True Balanced 5P DIN Phono Output

The XA B includes a balanced 5P DIN phono output. With the supplied 5P to RCA cable, it works with standard phono stages. With an optional balanced cable and compatible Pro-Ject phono stage, it can be used as part of a True Balanced system.

10-Inch Aluminium Tonearm

The premium 10-inch aluminium tonearm uses a one-piece arm tube and massive bearing construction. Pro-Ject chose aluminium to complement the sound of the acrylic chassis. The arm also allows both VTA and azimuth adjustment.

Ultra-Low Friction Four-Point Bearing

The tonearm uses a cardanic four-point bearing system with stainless-steel tips. This design supports stable, precise cartridge tracking.

Adaptive Anti-Skating

The XA B uses an adaptive anti-skating mechanism. Because skating force changes as the tonearm moves across the record, the system is designed to compensate across the record side.

TPE-Damped Counterweight

The tonearm counterweight includes a TPE insert. This helps decouple the counterweight from the tonearm and reduce unwanted resonance.

1.7kg TPE-Damped Aluminium Platter

The heavy die-cast aluminium platter is reworked, precision balanced, and TPE damped. Therefore, it gives the XA B a stable playback platform while helping reduce platter resonance.

Electronic 33/45 RPM Speed Control

The XA B uses electronic speed control with a precision DC/AC power generator. Changing between 33 and 45 RPM is simple using the side-mounted speed switch.

Height-Adjustable TPE-Damped Feet

Three height-adjustable damped feet help level the turntable properly. This is important because a level support surface improves tracking and playback stability.

Handmade in Europe

The XA B is made in Europe by Pro-Ject’s experienced turntable factory. That gives it a stronger manufacturing story than many lifestyle-focused acrylic turntables.

 

Perfect System Match

A strong system match would be the Pro-Ject XA B, Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3 B, a high-quality integrated amplifier, and revealing passive speakers. This gives you the benefit of the XA B’s balanced-ready cartridge and output while keeping the system clean and simple.

For a more traditional setup, use the supplied 5P to RCA cable into a quality MM phono stage or amplifier phono input.

 

Product Comparison Snapshot

Model	Best For	Key Difference
Pro-Ject X1	Mid-level manual vinyl systems	Smaller deck, acrylic platter, standard RCA output
Pro-Ject X1 B	Balanced upgrade path in a compact format	Balanced mini-XLR output, smaller X-Series platform
Pro-Ject XA B	Acrylic design with True Balanced potential	Clear acrylic chassis, 10-inch aluminium arm, Pick it PRO Balanced cartridge
Pro-Ject X8	Higher-end mass-loaded systems	Heavier platform, 9cc EVO arm, more premium build

 

Specifications

Brand: Pro-Ject

Model: XA B

Product Type: Manual Belt-Drive Turntable with True Balanced Output

Drive System
Belt drive

Operation
Manual

Speeds
33 RPM
45 RPM

Speed Control
Electronic speed change
Precision DC/AC power generator

Cartridge
Pro-Ject Pick it PRO Balanced moving-magnet cartridge
Pre-fitted and pre-adjusted

Cartridge Type
Moving Magnet, MM
True Balanced compatible

Cartridge Output Voltage
4mV at 1kHz

Channel Separation
22dB at 1kHz

Tracking Ability
70µm at 315Hz

Cartridge Frequency Response
20Hz to 20kHz, ±2dB

Stylus Type
Elliptical

Stylus Tip Radius
r/R 8/18µm

Recommended Tracking Force
2.0g

Tracking Force Range
1.8g to 2.2g

Tracking Angle
20°

Recommended Load Resistance
47k ohms

Recommended Load Capacitance
150 to 300pF

Cartridge Weight
7.2g

Tonearm
10-inch aluminium tonearm

Tonearm Bearing
Cardanic ultra-low-friction four-point bearing
Four stainless-steel bearing tips

Tonearm Adjustment
VTA adjustment
Azimuth adjustment

Effective Arm Length
245mm

Effective Arm Mass
10g

Overhang
18mm

Anti-Skating
Adaptive anti-skating mechanism

Counterweight
TPE-damped counterweight

Platter
1.7kg die-cast aluminium platter
TPE damped
Precision balanced

Main Bearing
Stainless steel / brass

Chassis
Clear acrylic plinth

Feet
Three height-adjustable TPE-damped feet

Phono Preamp
Not included

Output
Balanced 5P DIN phono output

Included Phono Cable
Pro-Ject Connect it E 5P to RCA, 1.23m

Balanced Upgrade Option
Compatible with Pro-Ject True Balanced phono cables and balanced phono stages

Wow and Flutter
33 RPM: 0.13%
45 RPM: 0.12%

Speed Drift
33 RPM: 0.30%
45 RPM: 0.20%

Included Accessories
Dust cover
Felt mat
Record Puck E
Connect it E 5P to RCA phono cable
Power supply

Dimensions
460mm (W) x 130mm (H) x 340mm (D)

Weight
Approx. 6.3kg

Finish
Clear acrylic

Country of Manufacture
Europe

MPN: XA-B

SKU: PROJ-XA-B-PICKITPROB

EAN / UPC / GTIN: 9120129865746

 

Why Buy From Rapallo

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