Pro-Ject is proud to present the Automat A2, the bigger, heavier, and more advanced brother of the beloved Automat A1.
This fully mechanical automatic turntable takes vinyl listening to the next level. It combines everything customers loved about the A1 with a host of enhancements for the discerning vinyl enthusiast.
Building on the Success of the Automat A1
The Automat A2 continues the success of Pro-Ject’s fully mechanical automatic turntables. With the A2, users now have the added convenience of selecting the drop-off point for 7″ (singles) or 12″ (LPs) for 45 RPM records. Additionally, the system now supports 78 RPM, allowing audiophiles to revisit their old shellac collections. To enjoy the A2, simply press start, and the tone-arm automatically moves to the lead-in groove of the record. Once the music begins, the automatics disengage completely, ensuring no influence or degradation of sound quality during playback. At the end of the record, the tonearm is automatically brought back and gently lowered into its resting position, while the motor shuts off.
Enhanced Tonearm and Gimbal Bearing
The A2 features an 8.3″ ultra-light-mass aluminum tonearm with a bigger diameter tonearm tube, perfectly matched for the slightly heavier Ortofon 2M Red cartridge. The improved tone-arm bearing, made of aluminum, boasts a 4-pin-point gimbal construction with steel-tip ball bearings from Pro-Ject’s own production, ensuring the utmost precision in tracking vinyl records.
Massless Tracking Force Adjustment
Innovatively, the A2 utilizes a new system for setting the tracking force. By damping the counterweight, the entire tonearm becomes more robust, decoupling the counterweight from the tone-arm and reducing resonant frequencies. The tracking force is set by adjusting a precision spring from the watch industry directly on the tone-arm bearing, keeping the center of gravity directly on top of the bearing center.
Sturdy MDF Plinth with Sub-Chassis
The heavy MDF main plinth is meticulously hand-painted in a luxurious 8-layer matte black finish, minimizing unwanted resonances and decoupling the A2 from external influences. The sub-chassis construction further isolates critical turntable elements from outside noise, resonances, and interferences, making it ideal for setups where loudspeakers are in close proximity to the turntable.
Improved Automatic Mechanism
Pro-Ject has invested in a new aluminum diecast top for the entire sub-chassis and automatic mechanism, reducing the use of plastic parts and enhancing resonance isolation. This marks the first major improvement to the original German automatic design in the 50-year history of the A2.
Controlled 33/45/78 RPM Speeds
The motor of the A2 is electronically controlled, ensuring accurate and stable playback speeds. Users can easily switch between 33, 45, and 78 RPM with a simple switch.
Crafted with Precision and Attention to Detail
The Automat A2 is fully handmade in Schwarzwald, Germany, an area renowned for its decades of turntable manufacturing expertise. Pro-Ject’s meticulous craftsmanship, coupled with Austrian design and engineering, results in a clean, minimalistic aesthetic that aligns with iconic German audio industry designs.
Availability and Pricing
The Automat A2 will be available at Pro-Ject dealers from July 2023, with a suggested retail price of €1199 (including VAT).
For more information about the Automat A2 and other Pro-Ject products, please visit www.project-audio.com.