CES 2014

Pro-Ject announced at CES 2014 a major line upgrade. We have a GoPro video covering all of it but because of pathetic internet speed we are unable to post at this time. It might have to wait until after CES.

For now, here are the details: The $199 Elemental is now in full production. This is an "out of the box" ready to play 'table complete with Ortofon OM-5 cartridge. The intent is to kill the grew chewing Crosely junk by convincing budget buyers that spending $60 on a turntable and $30 on a 180g version of Dark Side of the Moon is DUMB.

The $299 Essential 'table, which used to be fitted with a unipivot arm now comes with the arm originally used on the Debut. The problem was that dealers had trouble setting up a unipivot.

The RPM 1 is now the RPM 1 Carbon. The 'table's "S" shaped arm is now made of an aluminum/carbon fiber sandwich that is said to greatly improve damping while the carbon fiber increases stiffness. Pro-Ject CEO and founder Heinz Lichtenegger says the sandwich technique will find its way into other Pro-Ject tonearms.

Also new is the Expression Carbon's arm now has a more massive gimbal housing similar to Xtension line and features a decoupled counterweight and comes with an exclusive Ortofon Silver cartridge,which is an Ortofon Blue but wound with silver coils. The Expression features an aluminum platter similar to the one found on the bigger Xtension 'table, only somewhat less massive. The new Expression Carbon will sell for approximately $900.

The Xtension line has a new model as well: the Xtension9. This is similar to the Xtension10 currently under review. It is similar to 10 but somewhat downgraded in terms of bearing, platter size and electronic motor control system. it is pictured above and will cost $2300 including dust cover and five color choices.

Watch the video for more: