Pro-Ject Automat A1 Fully Automatic Turntable Review
Pro-Ject Automat A1 Review: A Game-Changer in the Turntable World
The Pro-Ject Automat A1 is a fully automatic turntable system that brings HiFi stereo music enjoyment to as many people as possible. With its pre-adjusted OM 10 cartridge and built-in switchable Moving Magnet (MM) phono stage, this turntable is designed to deliver an exceptional audio experience. The A1 is the first in Pro-Ject’s new Automat Line, marking a significant step forward in their mission to make high-quality audio accessible to all.
Product Specifications
| Brand | Pro-Ject Audio Systems |
|---|---|
| Maximum rotational speed | 45 RPM |
| Included components | Dust cover, power cable |
| Material | Wood, Aluminium, Metal |
| Item weight | 5.6 Kilograms |
| Style | Modern |
| Colour | Black |
| Power source | Corded Electric |
| Product dimensions | 36.5L x 43W x 13H centimetres |
- 8.3” aluminium tonearm with carbon fibre reinforced anti-magnetic headshell and pre-adjusted OM 10 cartridge with elliptical stylus profile
- Built-in switchable Moving Magnet (MM) phono stage with gold plated RCA output connectors
- Damped metal platter for decreased wow and flutter, resonance-damped wooden chassis
- Electronically controlled playback speeds (33 and 45 RPM)
- Included accessories: power supply, dust cover, 7‘‘ single adapter, Connect-IT E Phono Cable (pre-fixed),Felt Mat, Multilingual setup guide
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Design and Quality
The Pro-Ject Automat A1 is a testament to the turntable’s modern, sleek design. Its black colour gives it a timeless appeal that can fit into any decor, whether a vintage-inspired living room or a contemporary studio. The blend of wood, aluminium, and metal materials contributes to its aesthetic appeal and speaks volumes about its durability and quality. Using these materials ensures that the A1 is built to last, promising countless hours of music enjoyment.
But the A1 isn’t just about looks. The quality of this turntable is evident in its construction. The chassis, made from resonance-damped wood, is weighty, providing a stable base for the turntable. This stability is crucial in reducing vibrations that could interfere with the sound quality. Complementing the wooden chassis is the damped metal platter. This feature works to decrease wow and flutter, common issues in turntables that can affect the record’s speed and, consequently, the pitch of the audio. Combining the wooden chassis and metal platter ensures a smoother, more consistent sound.
Despite its robust construction, the A1 maintains a compact size with dimensions of 36.5L x 43W x 13H centimetres. This compactness makes it a versatile addition to any audio setup. Whether you have a dedicated music room with ample space or a small apartment where every centimetre counts, the A1 can easily fit in. Its size does not compromise its performance, making it a practical choice for music lovers who value form and function.
Compare The Pro-Ject Automat A1 To Other Pro-Ject Turntables
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Key Features and Functionality
The A1 is packed with features that enhance its performance and usability:
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8.3” Aluminium Tonearm with Carbon Fibre Reinforced Anti-Magnetic Headshell: This ultra-light-mass tonearm, paired with the pre-adjusted OM 10 cartridge, ensures fast response and detailed transients and micro dynamics. The headshell is made of a carbon fibre reinforced polymer, which is super stable, rigid, and lightweight, resulting in excellent internal damping of resonances.
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Built-in Switchable Moving Magnet (MM) Phono Stage: This feature, coupled with gold-plated RCA output connectors, allows for a perfect connection to your amplifier. If you don’t have a phono preamplifier in your current HiFi setup, you can benefit from the A1’s built-in one. You can easily switch it off if you want to use another phono preamp.
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Electronically Controlled Playback Speeds: With the push of a single button, you can easily switch between 33 and 45 RPM, allowing you to listen to your favourite LPs and singles.
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Accessories: The A1 has a power supply, dust cover, 7‘‘ single adapter, Connect-IT E Phono Cable (pre-fixed), Felt Mat, and a multilingual setup guide.
Comparison with Similar Products
Compared to other turntables in its price range, the A1 stands out for its fully automatic operation, built-in phono stage, and pre-adjusted cartridge. These features make it a plug-and-play solution, perfect for those new to vinyl or those looking for a hassle-free listening experience.
| Feature | Pro-Ject Automat A1 | Audio-Technica AT-LP60X | Sony PS-LX310BT | Denon DP-300F |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drive Method | Belt Drive | Belt Drive | Belt Drive | Belt Drive |
| Speeds | 33, 45 RPM | 33, 45 RPM | 33, 45 RPM | 33, 45 RPM |
| Preamp | Built-in switchable MM phono stage | Built-in switchable phono pre-amplifier | Built-in phono preamp | Built-in switchable phono preamp |
| Tonearm | 8.3″ aluminium tonearm with carbon fibre reinforced headshell | Straight tonearm | Straight tonearm | Straight tonearm |
| Cartridge | Pre-adjusted OM 10 cartridge | Integral Dual Magnet™ stereo cartridge with replaceable diamond stylus | MM cartridge | MM cartridge |
| Platter | Damped metal platter | Die-cast aluminium platter | Aluminium die-cast platter | Damped aluminium platter |
| Dimensions | 36.5L x 43W x 13H cm | 35.6L x 37.8W x 9.75H cm | 43L x 36.7W x 10.8H cm | 43L x 38W x 12H cm |
| Weight | 5.6 kg | 2.6 kg | 3.5 kg | 5.4 kg |
| Special Features | Electronically controlled playback speeds, resonance-damped wooden chassis | Anti-resonance, die-cast aluminium platter | Bluetooth connectivity, one-step auto playback | Automatic operation, manual lifter mechanism |
The Pro-Ject Automat A1 stands out with its electronically controlled playback speeds and resonance-damped wooden chassis. The Audio-Technica AT-LP60X features an anti-resonance, die-cast aluminium platter. The Sony PS-LX310BT offers Bluetooth connectivity and one-step auto playback. The Denon DP-300F has an automatic operation and manual lifter mechanism.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Fully automatic operation
- Built-in switchable MM phono stage
- Pre-adjusted OM 10 cartridge
- High-quality construction and materials
- Compact size
Cons:
- No manual speed change option
- The built-in phono stage may not satisfy all audiophiles
Why This Product is Better Than Other Products
The Pro-Ject Automat A1 stands out in the crowded field of turntables for several reasons. One of the most significant is its fully automatic operation. Many turntables on the market require manual operation, which can be a barrier for those new to vinyl or those who prefer a more convenient listening experience. With the A1, you can enjoy your favourite records with a simple button push. This ease of use doesn’t come at the expense of sound quality, thanks to the pre-adjusted OM 10 cartridge and built-in switchable Moving Magnet (MM) phono stage.
Another advantage of the A1 is its thoughtful design and construction. The resonance-damped wooden chassis and damped metal platter work together to decrease wow and flutter, resulting in a smoother, more consistent sound. The 8.3″ aluminium tonearm with carbon fibre reinforced headshell further enhances the audio quality by ensuring fast response and detailed transients and micro dynamics. These features, combined with the compact size and modern aesthetic, make the A1 a turntable and a stylish addition to any home audio setup.
Customer Questions & Answers
Here are some customer questions and answers related to the Pro-Ject Automat A1:
| Question | Answer | Answered By | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Can I replace the cartridge if so required, for a Nagaoka or Ortofon? (for eg) | It ships with an Ortofon OM5e. You need to be mindful there is limited adjustment – I’d be wary about putting something too heavy on (for compliance). You could get away with the 2M series but nothing larger. | Yorkshire AV SELLER | 19 April 2022 |
| I have a Bose mini speaker and an RCA female to 3.5mm cable to headphone mini jack. It’s work when connect them, but I can hear a strong electric sound. | If the earth wire is not connected then you will be hearing a background hum. | Kindle Customer | 15 May 2023 |
| Do I need a pre-amp to connect this to my mini system? I currently have a turntable connected to my mini-system via a preamp phono stage. | This turntable has a built-in phono stage. The phono stage is switchable so you can bypass it and use an external phono stage. | HiFi-Madness SELLER | 21 March 2023 |
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your Pro-Ject Automat A1 turntable:
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Proper Placement: Ensure your turntable is placed on a level surface. This is crucial for maintaining the tonearm’s balance and the turntable’s overall performance. A bubble level can be used to check the levelness of the surface.
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Clean Your Records: Even brand-new vinyl can have dust or debris. Use a carbon fiber brush before each play to keep your records clean. This not only improves sound quality but also extends the life of your stylus.
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Upgrade Your Stylus or Cartridge: The Pro-Ject Automat A1 comes with a pre-adjusted OM 10 cartridge, a great starting point. However, upgrading your stylus or cartridge can significantly improve the sound quality.
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Use the Correct Tracking Force: The tracking force is pre-adjusted for the OM 10 cartridge at the factory. If you change the cartridge, you must adjust the tracking force accordingly. Incorrect tracking force can lead to audio distortion and record wear.
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Take Advantage of the Built-in Preamp: The A1 has a built-in switchable Moving Magnet (MM) phono stage. You can use the built-in preamp if your receiver or amplifier doesn’t have a dedicated phono input. If you prefer an external preamp, you can easily switch off the built-in one.
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Maintain Your Turntable: Regular maintenance can extend the life of your turntable. This includes cleaning the stylus, dusting the turntable, and periodically checking the belt for wear and tear.
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Experiment with Acoustic Isolation: Turntables can be sensitive to vibrations. Experiment with different isolation methods, such as isolation feet or platforms, to see if they improve sound quality.
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Enjoy the Experience: Part of the joy of vinyl is the tactile experience. Enjoy setting up your turntable, putting on a record, and listening to the music. It’s not just about the end result but the journey as well.
FAQs
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Is the Pro-Ject Automat A1 easy to set up?
Yes, the A1 comes with a pre-adjusted OM 10 cartridge and a multilingual setup guide, making it easy to set up. -
Can I switch off the built-in phono stage to use another one?
The A1’s built-in MM phono stage is switchable, allowing you to use another phono preamp. -
Can I change the playback speed?
Yes, the A1 allows you to switch between 33 and 45 RPM with a button easily.
Top Reviews from United Kingdom
Here are some top reviews from the United Kingdom for the Pro-Ject Automat A1:
| Reviewer | Rating | Review | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mr S | 1.0 out of 5 stars | Very bad sound treble quality harsh. Easy to use, looks good but the sound? | 21 March 2023 |
| David G Hindle | 1.0 out of 5 stars | Very disappointed. The turntable platter wasn’t flat it ran with a warp in it and there was a constant buzzing noise when using the built in phono stage. Returned for a refund. Was gutted I had really high hopes for this. | 5 October 2022 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Pro-Ject Automat A1 is a high-quality, fully automatic turntable that offers excellent value for its price. Its ease of use, high-quality components, and features make it a great choice for vinyl newcomers and seasoned audiophiles. While it may lack some customization options of higher-end models, its plug-and-play convenience and sound quality more than makeup for it.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.