Pro-ject T1
Our first encounter with Pro-ject’s new T-line range reveals a deck with a lot to like – and one that rekindles a swings-androundabouts rivalry with the company’s main competitor
There is one enduring story for which 2019 will be forever remembered. For many, it is an era-defining change that has been a long time coming; the severing of ties to one of the great menaces of our time. Others have protested, prophesising an apocalyptic vision of the world should the decision not be overturned post-haste.
But Mcdonald’s is not the only company to have made a point of ditching plastic: you’ll find none in the plinth, platter or tonearm of Pro-ject’s new T1 turntable, either.
This is for differing reasons, of course, as you’ll understand if you give this deck an audition. Few will be compelled to throw it to the depths of the ocean, instead, this is part of Pro-ject’s aim to construct a well built and sonically adept turntable for less than £250.
The Cnc-machined chassis, available in High-gloss Black, Satin White or Walnut veneers, not only avoids the use of plastic but, Pro-ject says, also has absolutely no hollow spaces, avoiding unwanted vibrations.
The T1 also shuns plastic or lightweight metalwork with its 8mm blasted-glass platter. When lifting it from the box, you’ll notice how satisfyingly weighty the platter is – we almost want to carry it around like a trophy.
Easy assembly
It’s only this platter and the belt you need to place on the turntable yourself, so drop it carefully onto the newly designed sub-platter mounted into a main bearing, toleranced to 0.001mm, with hardened-steel axle and brass bushing – as found on Pro-ject’s successful Essential III decks.
Everything else is done for you. All forces are already set for the included Ortofon OM 5E moving-magnet cartridge. The T1’s one-piece aluminium tonearm has a headshell integrated, again to avoid any further unwanted resonances. So, just plug in and play.
Even the power lead and phono cables – Pro-ject’s own shielded, semisymmetrical and low-capacitance design – are attached, so you’ll just need a phono stage at the other end.
The T1 is ideal for anyone buying their first turntable, or who doesn’t want the hassle of construction, but it also means you’re a lot closer to sampling the T1’s talents when you get it home.
Those talents will be familiar to anybody who has previously heard one of Pro-ject’s rather impressive turntables. The T1’s weighty, full-bodied presentation is instantly recognisable,
“Kick drums thud, while you’ll feel pulsating bass notes deep in your stomach. It also treats vocals with a generous, loving hand”
though here it is even more pronounced than usual.
Bass frequencies aren’t the cleanest, leanest or most detailed we’ve heard, and some will prefer a more even balance, but the scale of the low-end is unmistakable. Kick drums thud, while you’ll feel pulsating bass notes deep in your stomach. It also props up a smooth midrange that treats vocals, in particular, with a generous and loving hand.
On the face of it, this Pro-ject might seem most at home rendering tracks that offer up lots of low-end, but songs stationed in the middle of the register actually feel most natural. The warmth offered here is pleasant and, while there appears to be some rounding off of the treble, we’re treated to a generally cohesive performance.
Simplicity shines
Sparser arrangements are also beneficial, however, because this isn’t the most spacious of soundstages and can sometimes be cluttered by a throng of instruments. Detail can be lost, and the presentation somewhat muddied.
A keener eye for timing and organisation might help that. The T1 isn’t messy as such, but it doesn’t quite snap in the same way as its main rival, Rega’s Planar 1. Where the latter locks each part like a jigsaw, the Pro-ject’s performance is more loosely connected.
The Rega betters the T1 in terms of dynamics too, but then it has bettered most rivals over the past few years. There is still enough feeling here for an entertaining performance, it just isn’t the subtlest performer at this money.
The Planar 1 doesn’t quite possess the Pro-ject’s ability to wrap its arms around you and give you a big hug; it’s a leaner performance which, musically, we prefer, but it might not sate those coveting a taste of home cooking.
A great start
That’s part of why there’s plenty to love about the first deck we’ve reviewed from Pro-ject’s new T-line. If the T1 decks with in-built phono stages and Bluetooth are comparable sonically, we can predict this to be another successful line from what has become a reliable turntable company.