Project Signature Tonearm

Project

Project Signature Tonearm

Price
£2,049.00
Project Signature Tonearm
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Product Colour
- Optional

The Signature tonearms from Pro-Ject Audio Systems offer true audiophile sound and striking style. They represent the absolute best performance possible.

Historically, Pro-Ject's premium tonearms have used stiff, light, one-piece arm tubes with Cardan bearing assemblies. This created a range of models that perform best with Moving Magnet and Moving Coil cartridges with middling compliance, and facilitated the lively, fast and dynamic sound that Pro-Ject turntables are known for. However, the high-end analogue market has changed in recent years, with a growing trend toward heavier cartridges with low compliance and low resonant frequency.

Project Signature Tonearm in a wooden box

Low compliance, low resonant-frequency, heavy cartridges can deliver a big sound on high-end systems; yet they need a heavier arm with more internal damping to work optimally. So Pro-Ject set to work on a new high-end alternative, which could work with modern high-end cartridges and still deliver that coveted Pro-Ject sound.

The Signature tonearms are made from different metal and aluminium alloys and are tooled with ultra-precise diamond cutters on CNC machinery. Inside the tonearm tube, damping material is meticulously applied to add mass and acoustic integrity, but in order to keep the iconic toe-tapping sound that Pro-Ject is associate with, the tube is mounted on a special, oil-damped Uni-Pivot bearing. The use of a uni-pivot addresses the potential for a gimble bearing assembly to provide too much friction for a heavier tonearm tube. The anti-skate system is also a new design, that moves relative to the arm position - ensuring the exact required amount of anti-skate is applied at any given time.

Set-up possibilities of the Signature tonearms are extensive, with VTA, azimuth and overhang all easily adjustable. The counterweight assembly can accomodate cartridges weighing between 5 and 25g (37g including the supplied aluminium headshell), and the use of a detachable headshell allows for easy changing between different types of cartridges.

The Signature tonearms truly warrant their place at the apex of Pro-Ject's coveted range of high-end tonearms. Available in the UK in 10" or 12" Effective Length.

Key Features:

  • Single-pivot tonearm design with minimal friction
  • Available in 10" and 12" length
  • Stunning high-gloss finish
  • Non-magnetic low resonance construction
  • Accomodates a wide range of cartridges, including SPU models
  • Aluminium headshell with built-in fingerlift included
  • High-conductivity Oxygen-Free Copper (OFC) headshell cables included
  • Built-in 5-pin DIN connector (tonearm cable not included)
  • VTA, azimuth and overhang adjustment all easily accessible
  • Selection of set-up tools included
Specifications
  • Effective Tonearm length:    
    • 10" 254mm
    • 12" 304.8mm 
  • Mounting Distance:    
    • 10" 238mm
    • 12" 291.6mm 
  • Offset Angle: 
    • 10" 21.4°     
    • 12" 18°
  • Overhang: 
    • 10" 16mm     
    • 12" 13.2mm 
  • Effective Tonearm Mass: (including Aluminium Headshell)    
    • 10" 18.5g    
    • 12" 19.5mm
  • Counterweight Rotation Diameter:    
    • 10" 77mm     
    • 12" 77mm 
  • Cartridge Weight Range: (Depending on Individual Headshell Weight)    
    • 10" 5-25g    
    • 12" 5-25g

Overall Rating