Pro-Ject E1.2

Pro-Ject E1.2 – EU belt-drive, Pick it MM E

Pro-Ject E1.2 is a manual belt-drive turntable made in the EU (Czech Republic): 730 g cast aluminum platter (TPE damping), factory-fitted and aligned Pick it MM E cartridge, 8.6″ CNC aluminum high-mass gimbal tonearm, and electronic 33 / 45 RPM speed change. E1.2 outputs pure PHONO: you need an amp with MM phono input or an external phono preamp before active speakers.

Want built-in phono and direct active-speaker hookup? See Pro-Ject E1.2 Phono. Compare with Pro-Ject T1 (glass platter, Ortofon OM5e) in the turntable catalog at District M.

At a glance

Why choose Pro-Ject E1.2?

• 730 g aluminum platter: better inertia than the old E1 ABS platter, less vibration and ringing.
• Pick it MM E: Pro-Ject stylus developed for E1.2: warm, smooth sound, conical tip tracks grooves easily.
• Factory alignment: tracking force and anti-skate set at the factory – no tools needed out of the box.
• Electronic speeds: switch 33/45 RPM by button – more convenient than belt swapping on T1.
• Modular phono: add Phono Box E/DC or a separate phono stage as you upgrade the system.

Design and mechanics

E1.2 uses a solid-core MDF chassis (not hollow) with isolation feet to decouple desk vibration. The glass-fiber reinforced ABS sub-platter (tolerance ~0.001%) and stainless steel main bearing with a brass sleeve support smooth rotation.

Each 730 g cast aluminum platter is machined and balanced after casting; a TPE layer underneath absorbs resonance. Three finishes – satin white, high-gloss black, walnut – suit living rooms and desk setups. Official Pro-Ject distribution at District M.

Pick it MM E and CNC aluminum arm

The Pick it MM E cartridge uses a neodymium magnet, vibration-damped ABS body, and conical stylus: warm, natural tone with low distortion on entry and mid-tier pressings. Replace the stylus or upgrade to another MM cartridge later using our cartridge buying guide.

The 8.6″ CNC aluminum arm is a high-mass gimbal design with pinpoint bearing and a counterweight near the pivot: stable tracking and tighter bass than lightweight entry arms. This is a manual deck: you cue and lift the stylus yourself.

Phono preamp – E1.2 vs E1.2 Phono

The standard E1.2 (this page) outputs PHONO RCA. To drive active speakers or a line-input amp, use one of these:

• Pro-Ject Phono Box E or Phono Box DC
• An integrated amp with MM phono input
• Or choose E1.2 Phono: switchable built-in phono (LINE/PHONO), direct active-speaker connection

In short: a phono stage boosts PHONO-level signal (mV) to LINE level on the RIAA curve before your amp or active speakers.

Belt drive and speed control

E1.2 uses belt drive with an electronically controlled motor: wow and flutter around ±0.23% at 33 RPM in the entry hi-fi class. Select 33⅓ or 45 RPM electronically – no belt removal like T1. Power draw 4.5 W; 15 V DC adapter included.

E1.2 vs T1, E1.2 Phono, and Debut Carbon EVO 2

Want BT and built-in phono in one box? Kanto Obi3. Fully automatic? AT-LP70XBT.

Technical specifications

In the box

• 15 V DC power adapter
• Acrylic dust cover
• 7″ adapter (45 RPM)
• Pick it MM E pre-fitted and factory aligned

Frequently asked questions about Pro-Ject E1.2

Conclusion

Pro-Ject E1.2 is a clear step up from the old E1: aluminum platter, Pick it MM E stylus, CNC arm, and electronic speeds while keeping European hi-fi values with factory alignment. Suits listeners who want a modular deck (separate phono) or already own a phono amp; for an all-in-one with active speakers, consider E1.2 Phono.

District M advises on Phono Box pairing and comparisons with T1 / Debut Carbon EVO 2 by budget.

Spec source: Pro-Ject E1.2.