The Pro-Ject T1 is classic Pro-Ject design with clean lines and no frills. The turntable houses a built-in belt drive motor and spindle, which should help with isolating some vibration from the motor. Unlike many other turntables around this price, the Pro-Ject T1 BT has all the elements of a proper hi-fi turntable - just at a lower price. Rather than plastic, the CNC machined plinth is made from MDF. This gives lower resonance for reduced distortion. Mounted to the plinth is a steel/brass bearing that’s the same as the award-winning Essential III and, combined with the new heavy glass platter, provides smooth and stable running for perfect pitch.

OK, so it does introduce digital processing, which many argue defeats the object, but for convenience and perhaps more casual living room record listening, I’d be more than happy to use Bluetooth connectivity.With its standard Bluetooth output, the T1 BT opens up a whole range of new connection possibilities. Perfect for connecting to a Bluetooth speaker or a Bluetooth enabled hi-fi system, the wireless connection lets you place the turntable much further away from the system than would otherwise be possible. Plus, it’s clutter-free! That said, we are reviewing the base model T1, which means it doesn’t come with a phono pre-amp nor Bluetooth. Design The T1 brings many improvements to the table when stepping up from Pro-Ject’s budget offerings. The sound has the same overall sense of balance that I know and love from the very affordable Ortofon OM5E, but with greater focus and detail. The standardT1is finished with properly shielded, semisymmetrical, low-capacitance phono cables, designed by Pro-Ject, fixed to the turntable underneath the tonearm. It has a standard phono output, for connecting to a phono stage. Prices valid in stores (all including VAT) until close of business on 29th November 2023. (Some of these web prices are cheaper than in-store, so please mention that you've seen these offers online.)

In terms of using the Pro-Ject T1, everything was simple but there were no nice-to-have features that we loved from the Fluance turntables. Speed changes are a hassle as you need to remove the platter and move the belt to the correct pulley and there’s no auto-stop feature that protects your needle from excessive wear either like you do on the Fluance tables. Sparser arrangements are also beneficial, however, because this isn’t the most spacious of soundstages and can sometimes be cluttered by a throng of instruments. Detail can be lost, and the presentation somewhat muddied. There’s a strong sense of balance, with a tight, well-rounded bass response without being too overpowering. Each instrument is easy to place within the soundstage and the delivery is confident and dynamic, just like the E1. Pro-Ject would also argue the T1 is easier to set up than its Rega rival, and with that we couldn't disagree. It might only be the difference of 15 minutes or so spent gauging weights, but that could understandably be pivotal for those looking for an easy entry into great vinyl sound. One nice feature that the Pro-Ject T1 has that sets it apart from the competition is the glass platter. The platter is extremely well-made with a nice frosted finish on one side and a glossy finish on the other side. In the box is a felt turntable mat.

Tech Specs

heavy glass platter + solid machined plinth (base) designed to minimize resonance and unwanted vibration

TheT1 BTfeatures a switchable Moving Magnet phono stage with Bluetooth transmission so you can output at Line level, Phono or wirelessly via Bluetooth. The turntable definitely feels more solid to operate; the added weight really does make a great deal of difference, and I did find the E1 was on the light side, causing the plinth to slide around easily. On top of the base model, the T1 BT features a built-in phono stage and a BT transmitter for wireless music streaming to your favourite BT speakers and headphones. Effortlessly simple to set-up and produces a highly engaging, accessible sound that really makes your records sing. Made in Europe, and featuring only premium materials – there is no plastic where it shouldn’t be, as every component part is made to the same exacting standards as far more expensive designs. ProJect have a passionate belief in the importance of true stereo sound, and their turntables are a key part of that. One feature I did miss on the T1 BT was the speed control; for my money, I would rather have this feature than Bluetooth connectivity. Choosing the best model for you comes down to your priorities and connectivity requirements. Pro-Ject T1 Review ConclusionOn top of the base model, the T1 BT features a built-in phono stage and a Bluetooth transmitter for wireless music streaming to your favourite Bluetooth speakers and headphones." - Pro-Ject 🔑KEY FEATURES With the T1, however, I did get a sense of added focus and depth, likely due to the improved resonance control of the wooden plinth and glass platter. The model I am testing today is the T1 BT, which sadly doesn’t have speed control. So if you’re in the market, there are decisions to be made with the T1 depending on your priorities. If you want the convenience of Bluetooth, this comes with the inconvenience of manual speed control from 33 1/3 rpm to 45 rpm. Decisions decision… Pro-Ject T1 Review: Sound Quality Test