Project Classic Evo Turntable

Key Features

• Premium “frame” design turntable with improved construction
• Clever technologies allow for simplicity in set-up and use
• A silent belt-drive system rotates the heavy main platter
• New diamond-cut precision sub-platter for reduced resonances
• Electronic speed control to switch between 33 and 45 RPM (78 RPM playback also available)
• 9" The Classic tonearm with carbon fibre/aluminium construction and Evolution bearings
• Ortofon Quintet Red cartridge pre-installed
• Fully adjustable for azimuth and VTA
• Supplied with nickel-plated TPE-damped counterweight
• Height adjustable decoupling feet
• Available in two wooden finishes
• Dust cover included

The Classic Evo utilises a simple and elegant “frame” design, which bears a notable resemblance to some of the most famous turntables of the 1950s, 60’s and 70s. But the design is more than just aesthetically pleasing, it also combines proven hi-fi technologies with the ‘simple to set up and own’ principles associated with Pro-Ject turntables, so you can just focus on enjoying your music.

The improved two-plinth design utilises Thermo Plastic Elastomers (TPE) to isolate the metal-finished inner chassis, rather than the traditional method of a spring-loaded sub-chassis; but this construction still effectively decouples the motor from the main bearing and the tonearm, reducing unwanted interference between the components.

The idea of reduced resonance transference in The Classic Evo carries through to the platter configuration. The heavy main platter is machined from a special aluminium alloy, which is lined with TPE damping, while the new sub-platter is diamond-cut from the same metal for absolute accuracy and reliability in production. This new system adds greater mass over previous Classic designs and works too far finer tolerances. When mounted in the steel/bronze main bearing with Teflon lining, the end result is an ultra-silent, stable playback platform with minimal bearing noise.

For the highest performance in use, the platter system is belt-driven by a premium AC drive motor, which is powered by a DC/AC generator board for minimal noise and interference from unclean power supplies. For added convenience, there is also a simple speed control switch on the top surface of the inner plinth, allowing for quick and easy switching between 33 and 45 RPM playback speed (78 RPM playback is also supported).

The Classic Evo retains the specially designed tonearm tube from the original Classic model. The one-piece conical tonearm tube is made from aluminium, wrapped in carbon fibre – creating a tube that’s both light and very stiff, with excellent resistance to unwanted vibrations and interference. However, in the latest model, the tonearm tube is mounted into a superior bearing housing, which uses a high-mass block to draw vibrations away from the signal wires. The striking nickel-finished counterweight is also TPE-damped, reducing the amplitude of the tonearm’s resonant frequency by 50%. Finally, the tonearm also benefits from the usual azimuth and VTA adjustments associated with all high-end Pro-Ject tonearms.

The Classic Evo includes a set of height-adjustable dampened feet, a pair of Connect-IT E phono RCA cables (specially developed for use with turntable systems) and a removable dust cover. It’s available in Eucalyptus or Walnut veneer finish. It is also supplied as standard with all necessary set-up tools.

The Classic Evo retains all the strong points of the original design and improves in certain areas to create a better experience than ever before. The sound is exciting and engaging, the design is breathtaking, the technology is first-class, and the product is accessible to any type of music lover.

Who is Project?

Project started in the hifi business designing and manufacturing affordable stereo turntables in the early 1990s, beginning with the entry-level Debut model. It was a great success, like all other turntables on the market at that time were at least  £100 more expensive, without offering a performance benefit. Project has gone on to extend the range of turntables they offer at all popular price points and performance levels, through midrange to high-end models.

Using a two-plinth configuration, the motor is able to sit on a separate plinth to the bearing and tonearm. This drastically reduces parasitic resonance and mechanical noise interfering with the delicate signal picked up by the cartridge. The plinth sections are built from medium-density fibre and are isolated from each other using Thermoplastic Elastomers. Using TPE means that the Classic is simple to set up but uncompromising on sound.

The tonearm is built using a combination of carbon and aluminium in a sandwich composition. The carbon fibre helps the arm retain minimal mass but optimal rigidity, while the aluminium helps to achieve superior damping overall. The tube is then supported by a newly developed bearing assembly, designed to offer ultra-low friction with a wider movement for better tracking. 

The ProJect Classic comes with an Ortofon 2M Silver cartridge as standard.