Pro-Ject X8 Evolution Balanced Turntable

Pro-Ject X8 Evolution Balanced TurntablePro Ject X8 Evolution Balanced Turntable The X8 Evolution is Pro Ject's most affordable mass loaded turntable yet. Positioned neatly between the X2 and Xtension 9, the X8 Evolution adopts and breaks down its bigger siblings' features to make mass loaded high end design principles more accessible than ever before. The X8 turntable is a true high end solution with major technical features adapted from the Xtension 9 and 10. The precision balanced

Pro-Ject X8 Evolution Balanced Turntable

The X8 Evolution is Pro-Ject's most affordable mass-loaded turntable yet. Positioned neatly between the X2 and Xtension 9, the X8 Evolution adopts and breaks down its bigger siblings' features to make mass-loaded high-end design principles more accessible than ever before.

The X8 turntable is a true high-end solution with major technical features adapted from the Xtension 9 and 10. The precision balanced platter is machined out of a single piece of aluminium and damped with a TPE (Thermo Plastic Elastomer) insert. The platter rotates on an inverted bearing with ceramic ball and PTFE thrust pad. To decrease the load on the bearing, an opposing neodymium magnet repels the platter from the plinth and bearing, ensuring smooth and quiet operation for decades to come.

The massive MDF chassis is supported by custom feet which are CNC machined out of aluminium and are fully height-adjustable. They utilize TPE damping technology, very effectively decoupling the X8 from the surface it is placed on. The combination of mass and damping provide a very stable system, isolating the stylus from both airborne and structural vibrations, without being finicky to setup and remains stable and properly aligned over time. You hear your music, not the turntable.

The 9cc EVO carbon tonearm utilizes inverted cardanic tonearm bearings, has four stainless steel tips mounted in ABEC 7 quality ball bearings mounted in a C-shaped section to minimize resonances. The low mass one-piece carbon fibre tonearm tube is crafted in a conical shape to minimize standing wave vibrations. The tonearm wire loom is one piece, from the cartridge to the 5pin DIN output, designed to allow either single ended or True Balanced phono connection.

Why True Balanced? Low output Moving Coil cartridges are acknowledged as capable of the best performance in terms of information retrieval, but the increased performance comes at the expense of a lower signal output. This makes Moving Coil cartridges more susceptible to radiated interference, hum and noise. However, since most Moving Coil cartridges are inherently electrically balanced, it is possible to retain the balanced wiring configuration direct to the phono preamp, much as professional microphones are run fully balanced to mic preamps as you would see in any recording studio in the world. To take full advantage of the balanced output of Moving Coil cartridges, Pro-Ject has developed their True Balanced upgrade path.

The X8 ships with a semi-balanced Connect It E 5P RCA cable. To take advantage of True Balanced operation you will need to have a Moving Coil cartridge fitted (see below) and upgrade to the Connect It Phono S 5 Pin DIN to Mini XLR Balanced Cable (available separately) connected to a balanced phono stage such as the Phono Box S3 B, Phono Box DS3 B or Tube Box DS3 B. This dramatically improves the signal to noise ratio, minimizes susceptibility to noise and hum and preserves recorded dynamics.

To use the True balanced connection your turntable needs to be equipped with a moving coil cartridge. We recommend the Ortofon Quintet Blue, Quintet Bronze and Quintet Black S as well as the Cadenza Red. We can supply the X8 Evolution turntable with any of these Ortofon cartridges preinstalled at a special bundle discount price. Please enquire.

Available in Gloss Black, Gloss White and Satin Walnut the X8 exemplifies Pro-Ject's ability to craft high performance audio products, with innovative technologies and old world European craftsmanship at real world prices. Fantastic performance, impeccable fit and finish, designed and built with a passion for music. This is heirloom quality audio.

Our Review

The Pro-Ject X8 Evolution is a high-end, mass-loaded turntable designed to deliver exceptional audio performance at an accessible price point. Positioned between the X2 and Xtension 9, it incorporates advanced engineering from its larger siblings, including a precision-balanced aluminium platter with TPE damping, an inverted ceramic ball bearing with magnetic support, and a rigid MDF chassis with height-adjustable TPE-damped feet. Its 9cc EVO carbon fibre tonearm features an inverted cardanic bearing system for reduced resonance and seamless tracking. True Balanced upgrade capability ensures a superior signal-to-noise ratio when paired with a moving coil cartridge and balanced phono stage. With premium craftsmanship, electronic speed control, and a selection of elegant finishes, the X8 Evolution offers heirloom-quality performance for discerning vinyl enthusiasts.