Project Signature Tonearm

Key Features

• Single-pivot tonearm design with minimal friction
• Available in 10" and 12" length
• Stunning high-gloss finish
• Non-magnetic low resonance construction
• Accommodates a wide range of cartridges, including SPU models
• Aluminium headshell with built-in finger-lift included
• High-conductivity Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC) headshell cables included
• Built-in 5-pin DIN connector (tonearm cable not included)
• VTA, azimuth and overhang adjustment are all easily accessible
• Selection of set-up tools included

Project Signature Tonearm

The Signature tonearms from Pro-Ject Audio Systems offer true audiophile sound and striking style. They represent the absolute best performance possible. Historically, Pro-Ject's premium tonearms have used stiff, light, one-piece arm tubes with Cardan bearing assemblies. This created a range of models that perform best with Moving Magnet and Moving Coil cartridges with middling compliance and facilitated the lively, fast and dynamic sound that Pro-Ject turntables are known for. However, the high-end analogue market has changed in recent years, with a growing trend toward heavier cartridges with low compliance and low resonant frequency.

Low compliance, low resonant-frequency, heavy cartridges can deliver a big sound on high-end systems; yet they need a heavier arm with more internal damping to work optimally. So Pro-Ject set to work on a new high-end alternative, which could work with modern high-end cartridges and still deliver that coveted Pro-Ject sound.

The Signature tonearms are made from different metal and aluminium alloys and are tooled with ultra-precise diamond cutters on CNC machinery. Inside the tonearm tube, damping material is meticulously applied to add mass and acoustic integrity, but in order to keep the iconic toe-tapping sound that Pro-Ject is associated with, the tube is mounted on a special, oil-damped Uni-Pivot bearing. The use of a uni-pivot addresses the potential for a gimble bearing assembly to provide too much friction for a heavier tonearm tube. The anti-skate system is also a new design, that moves relative to the arm position - ensuring the exact required amount of anti-skate is applied at any given time.

Set-up possibilities of the Signature tonearms are extensive, with VTA, azimuth and overhang all easily adjustable. The counterweight assembly can accommodate cartridges weighing between 5 and 25g (37g including the supplied aluminium headshell), and the use of a detachable headshell allows for easy changing between different types of cartridges. The Signature tonearms truly warrant their place at the apex of Pro-Ject's coveted range of high-end tonearms. Available in the UK in 10" or 12" Effective Length.

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.