The Pro-Ject E1 Phono is an entry-level turntable offered by the Austrian manufacturer Pro-Ject. Designed to provide an accessible audio experience, it is suitable for both beginners and seasoned vinyl enthusiasts. Made in Europe, this turntable stands out for its meticulous design and ease of use, while meeting the expectations of vinyl lovers.
The Pro-Ject E1 Phono features a minimalist and elegant design, characteristic of the brand. Its CNC-machined composite fiber plinth is available in three finishes: glossy black, satin white, or walnut. The main platter, made of ABS polymer, is reinforced with specially designed ridges to create an ideal anti-resonant platform for your records. An acrylic dust cover with adjustable hinges is included to protect the turntable from dust.
The E1 Phono is designed for simplicity and intuitive use. Playback speed (33 or 45 RPM) is selected via an electronic button located on the side of the turntable. The 8.6-inch aluminum tonearm is lightweight and low-friction, optimized for the included Audio-Technica AT3600L cartridge.
Despite its entry-level positioning, the Pro-Ject E1 Phono does not compromise on sound quality. The aluminum tonearm and Audio-Technica AT3600L cartridge deliver precise and detailed playback of record grooves. The ABS polymer platter helps reduce unwanted resonances, ensuring more accurate playback of your records.
The E1 Phono offers a balanced sound reproduction, with solid bass and a pleasing openness in the midrange. The tonal quality is natural, and the soundstage is well-defined. While it doesn’t reach the performance level of the brand’s high-end models, this turntable delivers very respectable performance for its price range.
One of the key features of the Pro-Ject E1 Phono is its built-in phono preamp. This functionality allows you to connect the turntable directly to any amplifier or active speakers without the need for an external phono preamp. This is a significant advantage for beginners or those seeking a simplified setup.
The integrated preamp provides high-quality amplification of the cartridge’s signal, with very low noise levels. For more demanding users or those who already own a high-quality external phono preamp, the built-in preamp can be deactivated via a switch located on the back of the turntable.
Although designed as an entry-level turntable, the Pro-Ject E1 Phono offers interesting upgrade possibilities. The tonearm allows for cartridge replacement, paving the way for future enhancements. The ability to deactivate the built-in phono preamp also enables the use of a higher-quality external preamp if you wish to push the performance further.
These features make the E1 Phono an excellent starting point for exploring the world of vinyl, while leaving room for future upgrades as your passion and expectations grow.
Despite its attractive price, the Pro-Ject E1 Phono benefits from careful craftsmanship, handmade in Europe. The composite fiber plinth provides excellent rigidity, while the ABS polymer platter ensures stable rotation. The aluminum tonearm is precisely mounted, guaranteeing optimal groove tracking.
The turntable comes pre-adjusted from the factory, with tracking force and anti-skating set by experienced technicians. This allows for immediate use without complex adjustments, ensuring optimal performance right out of the box.
Yes, this turntable is perfectly suited for beginners thanks to its ease of use and factory pre-adjustments. The built-in phono preamp also simplifies its integration into any audio system.
Absolutely, thanks to the built-in phono preamp, you can connect the turntable directly to active speakers using an RCA cable.
Yes, the E1 Phono’s tonearm allows for cartridge replacement. You can consider future upgrades by opting for a higher-quality cartridge.
No, the Pro-Ject E1 Phono only supports 33 and 45 RPM playback speeds. It is not compatible with 78 RPM records.
Yes, the turntable comes with an acrylic dust cover equipped with adjustable hinges to protect your turntable from dust.
Cyril
Excellent turntable, and on top of that a real pleasure for beginners.
Comment from December 05, 2025 — Experience from November 22, 2025
Michael
It's perfect. Nothing to add.
Comment from July 30, 2024 — Experience from July 18, 2024
