Turntable review: The great Pro-Ject Primary E

Concentrated on sound top quality. Pure and very simple
Placing technological innovation quality over ‘bells and whistles’, the Pro-Ject Primary E is developed for the finest sound quality at its selling price. The deck functions a high quality 230 volt motor unit for sleek operating. The primary bearing is made from stainless steel and runs within a Teflon-coated bronze bushing. This type of engineering quality is generally reserved for a lot more costly decks and helps give the Primary E its class-leading audio quality.

Currently a multi-award-winner, the Primary E now uses a completely modified motor for more pure sound. Out go the older plug-based power supply and 9v motor to be substituted by a exceptional, directly connected 230v motor formerly used in better spec Project decks. Without an external power supply and the required processing, the new Primary E provides a low distortion, and incredibly stable sound.

Quick set-up
Despite featuring authentic hi-fi sound, the Primary E is designed for ease of use. From unboxing, all that’s needed is for the platter to be placed on the bearing, the belt attached, the stylus guard taken away and you’re good to play. Both cartridge and counter weight are already set so there’s no need for tricky adjustments.

Factory-fitted Ortofon cartridge
This deck arrives pre-fitted with a top-brand Ortofon OM 1S cartridge. Offering smooth, all-natural sound quality, the OM 1S tracks smoothly and sounds musical. As part of the Optimum Match (OM) range, the stylus is upgradable to 5, 10, 20, 30 and 40 models, giving plenty of opportunity for potential upgrading. Photo: Pro-Ject Audio

Very simple is best
In a traditional case of form following function, the Project Primary E offers uncomplicated style via its pared down minimalism. As opposed to like some, even though, it’s not so pared back that it doesn’t feature a lid – a smart acrylic lid is standard with the Primary E.

The perfect starter turntable, the Project Primary E is still the ideal introduction to vinyl attraction.

Project Primary E Turntable tech specs: