PRO-JECT THE CLASSIC

More than anything, listening to a record is about taking your time to appreciate the finer things in life. Whether that means Miles Davis’s Kind of Blue or Madonna’s Immaculate Collection, such classics deserve the sonic red carpet; and that’s exactly what this appropriately named Pro-ject can provide.

A glorious homage to vinyl’s golden age, the Classic is a turntable with the chops to elevate your entire living room. Made from a brushed metal top-plate, thick-cut platter and purpose-built tonearm all submerged into an impossibly sleek wooden plinth, it’s a truly stunning creation worthy of only the most serious record collections. You know, the ones that solely consist of heavyweight 180g prints and contain every Beatles album. Even Yellow Submarine.

Go like a pro

This two-layer design isn’t all for show either: it’s meant to isolate the Classic’s parts and reduce interference so there’s no unwanted noise wedging itself between you and the music. Sure enough, this player packs quite the punch, with a full sound that’s unrivalled by similar-priced decks. It’s well-balanced between treble and low end, with bass licks having just enough thrust to form ripples in your tea. You do lose a little in the way of detail compared to even pricier spinners, but few models can compete with the Classic’s achingly retro aesthetic.

If you’re the kind of person who pores over liner notes and cover art while a record’s on, then you’ll be right at home with the Classic. It’s just as beautiful to behold as it is to listen to.

Tech specs

Drive type Belt Speeds supported (rpm) 33⅓, 45, 78 Dimensions 460x351x131mm, 1.02kg