Pro-Ject introduces Primary E turntable

Pro-Ject’s most affordable entry-level plug-and-play offering to date

Vienna-based hi-fi specialist Pro-Ject Audio Systems has a firm grip on the turntable market, thanks to its impressive span of models designed to appeal to vinyl fans on every budget.

The Primary E is the latest in a long run of new additions to the company’s seemingly continuously growing number of turntable models, and at £149 is currently the most affordable in its 48-strong lineup. Originally introduced in 2016, the Primary turntable range is aimed at bringing quality audio to vinyl fans of all kinds on a tight budget, as the company looks to provide an entry-level deck with a ‘made in Europe’ quality design, offering true hifi credentials to challenge the pile ‘em high plastic decks littering certain record and clothing stores.

As with earlier Primary decks, the Primary E takes its overall design inspiration from a merging of the company’s successful Elemental and Essential II turntables, offering traditional aesthetics and high-quality performance, the company tells us.

The Primary E uses the same 8.6in aluminium tonearm as its Elemental sibling, with sapphire bearings for optimal tracking. The plinth is finished in matt black and remarkably at the price, includes a detachable acrylic dust cover.

The pre-configured tonearm is engineered to match the pre-fitted Ortofon OM cartridge, with

tracking force or anti-skate adjustments already set at the factory, making it a quick and easy plug-and-play solution for vinyl newbies or those looking to return to the format after a hiatus.

A direct-to-mains 230V motor powers the same perimeter drive belt system as the original Primary deck, driving a 300mm wood platter topped with a felt mat while 33 and 45rpm speed change is handled manually by repositioning the rubber belt on the motor’s pulley.