Introduction
The Pro-Ject Essential III HP Audiophile Turntable with Headphone Output is a belt-drive, manual turntable aimed at listeners who want proper hi-fi vinyl playback without building a full separates system straight away.
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Its defining feature is the front-mounted 6.35mm headphone socket with its own volume control, which makes it unusually convenient for private listening. It is best suited to buyers who like the idea of a traditional turntable but need a compact, flexible route into records.
This HP version should not be confused with every Essential III variant. The model keeps the core Essential III platform but adds built-in phono/line output and headphone listening, giving it a more self-contained role than the plain Essential III.
Design and build
The Essential III HP follows Pro-Ject’s familiar minimalist design language, with a clean rectangular plinth, exposed belt-drive layout and a simple manual control arrangement. It was offered in high-gloss black, red and white finishes, with a matt walnut option also listed by Pro-Ject.
Construction is centred on an MDF chassis and 300mm MDF platter, with special decoupling feet to help isolate the deck from external vibration. The supplied dust cover is a practical inclusion, especially for everyday domestic use.
The 8.6-inch aluminium tonearm is paired with a pre-mounted Ortofon OM10 moving-magnet cartridge. That is a sensible combination for an entry-level hi-fi turntable, reducing the amount of cartridge matching and alignment work required by the owner.
Controls are deliberately sparse. There is an on/off switch for the motor, a stepped pulley for manual speed changes, rear analogue outputs and the front headphone output with a volume knob.
Features
The headline feature is the headphone stage. A full-size 6.35mm socket on the front lets you plug in wired headphones directly, while the volume control turns the headphone amplifier on and sets listening level.
For system connection, the Essential III HP offers both phono and line output options. That means it can feed an amplifier with a dedicated phono input, or connect to a standard line input when using its integrated phono preamplifier.
The deck plays 33 and 45rpm records, but speed change is manual. To move between LPs and singles, the belt has to be repositioned on the stepped motor pulley rather than changed electronically with a button.
Pro-Ject specifies a synchronous motor with a silicone belt, a diamond-cut aluminium drive pulley and DC-powered motor control. These design choices are intended to keep the platter running consistently while keeping the turntable mechanically simple.
Setup
Setup should be manageable for a beginner who is willing to follow the instructions carefully. The cartridge is pre-mounted, but the tonearm still needs balancing, tracking force has to be set, and the belt must be positioned correctly.
The supplied Connect it E RCA cable, felt mat, dust cover and power supply help make the package reasonably complete. If using the line output or headphones, there is less need to buy additional electronics at the outset.
Day-to-day use is straightforward once configured. The only recurring inconvenience is manual speed change, which is worth noting if you regularly switch between 12-inch LPs and 7-inch singles.
Performance
In daily use, the Essential III HP is more hands-on than many lifestyle turntables. Starting and stopping the motor is simple, but cueing the arm, changing sides and moving the belt for 45rpm playback are all part of the process.
Published figures list speed variance at ±0.70% for 33rpm and ±0.60% for 45rpm, with wow and flutter of ±0.21% and ±0.19% respectively. Those are credible figures for an affordable belt-drive design, though not in the same convenience category as decks with electronic speed switching.
The built-in line output and headphone output are the practical advantages. They reduce the need for extra boxes, which is particularly useful in bedrooms, studies or small flats where a conventional amplifier and speaker system may not be desirable.
There is no supported evidence of Bluetooth, USB recording or automatic operation on this HP model. Buyers wanting wireless streaming, digital archiving or auto-return should look at other variants or competing turntables.
Sound quality
The Essential III HP has the ingredients for a clear, balanced entry-level hi-fi sound: a rigid MDF structure, isolated feet, a low-tolerance bearing, an aluminium tonearm and the well-known Ortofon OM10 cartridge. The OM10 is a meaningful step above very basic bundled cartridges and gives the deck a credible starting point.
Because the HP version includes a phono stage and headphone amplifier, the final sound will depend partly on how it is used. Through the line output it offers a simple path into powered speakers or a line-level amplifier; through the phono output, a better external phono stage may still offer room for future improvement.
The headphone socket is the main attraction, but expectations should remain realistic. It is designed for convenient private listening from a turntable, not as a replacement for a high-end standalone headphone amplifier driving especially demanding headphones.
On paper and by design, this is a turntable that prioritises musical accessibility and neat integration rather than heavy engineering or upgrade-heavy audiophile experimentation. Clean records, careful setup and a stable support will matter more than expecting the built-in electronics to transform poor pressings.
Pros
- Built-in 6.35mm headphone output with front volume control Switchable phono and line outputs add useful system flexibility Pre-mounted Ortofon OM10 cartridge is a strong entry-level choice MDF chassis and platter with decoupling feet support a proper hi-fi approach Supplied dust cover, felt mat, RCA cable and power supply make the package practical
- Compact enough for small-room vinyl listening without a full separates system
Cons
- Manual belt change is required for 45rpm records No
- Bluetooth, USB output or automatic operation on this HP version Headphone stage is convenient but not a substitute for a serious standalone headphone amplifier Fully manual operation may not suit buyers wanting a fuss-free lifestyle deck Careful tonearm setup is still required despite the pre-mounted cartridge
Verdict
The Pro-Ject Essential III HP is a thoughtful variation on a respected entry-level hi-fi turntable. Its appeal lies in giving vinyl listeners a direct headphone route while still retaining conventional phono and line outputs.
It is not the most convenient turntable for speed switching, nor is it aimed at buyers wanting wireless or automatic features. Instead, it rewards those who are happy with manual operation and want a cleaner, more compact way to listen.
For small spaces, late-night listening or a first serious vinyl setup, the Essential III HP remains a distinctive and practical choice. Check availability and condition carefully, as this model belongs to an older Essential III range and may now be found through remaining stock or second-hand sellers.
