MAGAZINE
After the launch of the A1, Pro-Ject introduces another fully automatic turntable with the "Automat A2", which is, according to the manufacturer, also completely "Handmade In Germany". In the new A2, the automatic section – responsible for start/stop, raising and lowering of the tonearm – again works completely mechanically, which according to the Pro-Ject prevents any possible negative influence on the sound. As one of the new features, the A2 now offers the speed 78 rpm in addition to 33 and 45 rpm – all of which are said to be precisely maintained thanks to electronic control.
The Automat A2 comes in a sub-chassis design, in which the sub-chassis – which carries the platter bearing, motor and tonearm – is floating and isolated from the rest of the frame, aiming to reduce interference and resonance, among other things. With the same goal, the manufacturer is also installing a new aluminum cover for the sub-chassis and the mechanism. The turntable's frame is also supposed to reduce resonances, thanks to its high mass and the avoidance of hollow spaces.
Other new features of the Pro-Ject A2 are found in its aluminum tonearm, which is very light and thus, according to Pro-Ject, perfect for an automatic turntable. The aluminum tonearm bearing was revised, among other things, and is supposed to significantly reduce friction with its gimbal bearing. The damping of the tonearm counterweight is also said to reduce resonances. Furthermore, the Pro-Ject A2 carries a new tracking force adjustment via spring on the tonearm bearing.
The new Pro-Ject Automat A2 fully automatic turntable should be available immediately, and carries an MSRP of approximately €1200 in Germany. The Automat A2 comes standard with the Ortofon 2M Red cartridge and Pro-Ject's Connect it E phono cable.
