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.
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
- 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