Pro-Ject Yellow Submarine

The Pro-Ject Yellow Submarine is a limited-edition turntable created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Beatles’ animated film Yellow Submarine. Manufactured by Pro-Ject, an Austrian brand renowned for its turntables, it combines a design inspired by the Beatles’ universe with refined audio performance.

Iconic Design Inspired by the Beatles

The most striking feature of the Pro-Ject Yellow Submarine is undoubtedly its design. The turntable’s chassis takes the shape of the famous yellow submarine, faithfully reproducing the psychedelic aesthetic of the animated film. Made from MDF, a material known for its vibration-dampening properties, the chassis features vibrant colors and a meticulous finish that perfectly captures the festive and quirky spirit of the Beatles’ world.

The 30 cm transparent glass platter harmoniously complements this unique design. Not only does it provide optimal stability for record playback, but it also allows you to admire the turntable from every angle, transforming this audio device into a true work of art. A felt platter mat protects your precious vinyl records while maintaining the overall aesthetic.

Audio Performance Worthy of the Legend

Beneath its playful appearance, the Pro-Ject Yellow Submarine houses cutting-edge technology worthy of the finest turntables. The belt-drive system, combined with a high-quality synchronous motor, ensures stable and precise platter rotation. Speed changes between 33 and 45 RPM are done manually, giving purists full control over their record playback.

The 8.6-inch (218.5 mm) aluminum tonearm features an S-shape design that optimizes groove tracking. Equipped with sapphire bearings, it delivers precise playback while minimizing unwanted resonances. The tonearm’s effective mass, set at 6 grams, ensures optimal compatibility with a wide range of cartridges.

The Ortofon Concorde Cartridge: A Perfect Audio Partnership

Pro-Ject partnered with its long-time collaborator, Danish specialist Ortofon, to equip the Yellow Submarine with a phono cartridge that meets its high standards. The Ortofon Concorde cartridge, renamed “Sonar” for this occasion, was specially designed to seamlessly integrate with the turntable’s aesthetic. Its bright yellow body perfectly matches the overall design.

Beyond its appearance, this moving magnet (MM) cartridge delivers outstanding audio performance. Pre-mounted and factory-adjusted, it provides clear and detailed playback of your vinyl records right from the first listen. Its elliptical stylus profile ensures precise groove tracking, faithfully reproducing the nuances and dynamics of your favorite recordings.

Anti-Vibration Design for Pristine Listening

The Pro-Ject Yellow Submarine is not just visually stunning; it is also engineered to deliver optimal sound quality. The MDF chassis, already noted for its aesthetic qualities, plays a crucial role in absorbing unwanted vibrations. This is further enhanced by specially designed feet that isolate the turntable from external vibrations, whether from the supporting furniture or nearby speakers.

The synchronous motor is powered by an external power supply, a technical feature that significantly reduces the risk of electromagnetic interference. This attention to detail is also evident in the use of gold-plated contacts for connections, ensuring optimal audio signal transmission.

A Limited Edition for Collectors and Music Lovers

The Pro-Ject Yellow Submarine is not just a high-performance turntable; it is also a collector’s item that will delight Beatles fans. Produced as a limited edition to commemorate the film’s 50th anniversary, it offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of pop music history.

Despite its status as a collector’s item, this turntable is first and foremost a precision instrument designed for everyday vinyl listening. Its versatility allows it to fit seamlessly into both audiophile hi-fi setups and more modest systems, adding a touch of originality and color to any listening space.

Technical Specifications

Design and Construction

• Rigid chassis made of medium-density fiberboard (MDF)
• Handcrafted in Europe
• Vibration-absorbing feet

Drive System

• Belt drive with synchronous motor
• Silicone belt with optimal damping
• Speeds: 33, 45 RPM (manual change)
• Speed variation: 33 RPM: 0.60%, 45 RPM: 0.50%
• Wow and flutter: 33 RPM: 0.19%, 45 RPM: 0.17%

Platter and Bearing

• 300 mm glass platter with felt mat
• Main bearing made of brass with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) plate

Tonearm and Cartridge

• Ultra-precise, lightweight 218.5 mm aluminum tonearm
• Sapphire tonearm bearing
• Effective length: 218.5 mm
• Effective mass: 6.0 g
• Counterweight for mass: 2-5.0 g
• Recommended tracking force: 1.75 g (17.5 mN)
• Overhang: 18.5 mm

Ortofon Concorde Cartridge, named Sonar

• Stylus type: spherical
• Output voltage at 1,000 Hz, 5 cm/s: 5 mV
• Frequency response: 20-20,000 Hz ± 1.5 dB
• Internal inductance: 450 mH
• Weight: 19 g
• Gold-plated contacts

Electrical Specifications

• Recommended load impedance: 47 kΩ
• Recommended load capacitance: 200-500 pF
• Power consumption: 4.5 W max.

Physical Specifications

• Dimensions: 500 × 120 × 400 mm (W × H × D)
• Net weight: 4.5 kg