Pro-Ject Pick It Pro Balanced

The Pro-Ject Pick It Pro Balanced is a high-end phono cartridge designed for audiophile turntables. This moving magnet (MM) cartridge stands out for its ability to deliver “True Balanced” signal transmission, an innovation that promises exceptional sound quality and a significant reduction in interference.

A Balanced Cartridge for an Immersive Sound Experience

The Pick It Pro Balanced represents a major advancement in phono cartridge technology. Its unique symmetrical design ensures balanced and dynamic sound reproduction. This approach captures even the finest details with remarkable precision while effectively eliminating unwanted noise and interference. The result is an immersive listening experience, faithfully reproducing every nuance of your vinyl records.

The use of balanced connection technology, commonly employed in professional environments such as recording studios, offers a significant advantage. It drastically reduces external noise and interference, ensuring exceptionally pure signal transmission. This feature is particularly appreciated by demanding audiophiles seeking the most faithful sound reproduction possible.

A European Collaboration for Uncompromising Quality

True to its philosophy of European production, Pro-Ject collaborated with renowned Danish manufacturer Ortofon to develop the Pick It Pro Balanced. This strategic partnership combines Pro-Ject’s expertise in turntable design with Ortofon’s excellence in phono cartridge manufacturing. The result is a product that embodies the best of European craftsmanship in high-end audio.

The “Made in Europe” build quality is a strong selling point for the Pick It Pro Balanced. It not only ensures enhanced durability but also meticulous attention to detail, which makes a significant difference in sound performance. This approach allows Pro-Ject to offer a very special cartridge capable of competing with much more expensive models.

Impressive Technical Performance

The Pick It Pro Balanced is not just innovative; it also boasts impressive technical performance. With a frequency response of 20 to 20,000 Hz (+/- 2dB), it covers the entire audible spectrum with remarkable linearity. Its 4 mV output voltage at 1 kHz is ideal for compatibility with a wide range of phono preamplifiers, ensuring optimal integration with various audio systems.

The elliptical diamond stylus mounted on this cartridge provides precise groove tracking, extracting maximum sound information while minimizing record wear. The recommended tracking force of 2.0 g (mN) and compliance of 12 µm/mN strike a perfect balance between performance and vinyl preservation. These technical features translate into vibrant and robust sound quality, with a high dynamic range that will delight even the most discerning listeners.

Simplified Installation for Optimal User Experience

Pro-Ject has designed the Pick It Pro Balanced with user convenience in mind. Pre-adjusted at the factory, it spares vinyl enthusiasts the complex adjustments often required when installing a new cartridge. This “plug-and-play” approach ensures quick and easy installation, allowing users to enjoy optimal performance right out of the box.

This ease of installation does not compromise customization options. Experienced audiophiles will appreciate the ability to fine-tune the VTA (Vertical Tracking Angle) and azimuth, enabling advanced sound optimization. These adjustments allow users to explore the full depth and richness of sound that only a perfectly optimized setup can deliver.

Compatibility and Versatility

The Pick It Pro Balanced shines in its versatility. While it is designed to fully leverage the benefits of a balanced connection, it remains compatible with traditional unbalanced systems. This flexibility allows users to enjoy its exceptional sound quality regardless of their current setup, while also offering the possibility to upgrade to a fully balanced system in the future.

Pro-Ject offers a range of “True Balanced” cables specifically designed to maximize the performance of this cartridge. Pairing it with balanced phono preamplifiers, such as Pro-Ject’s Phono Box S3 B or Phono Box DS3 B, unlocks the full potential of the Pick It Pro Balanced, delivering a truly transcendent listening experience.

Technical Specifications

Electrical Specifications

• Output voltage at 1 kHz: 4 mV
• Internal impedance, DC resistance: 750 Ω
• Internal inductance: 450 mH
• Recommended load resistance: 47 kΩ
• Recommended load capacitance: 150 - 300 pF

Acoustic Specifications

• Principle: Moving Magnet (MM)
• Channel separation at 1 kHz: 22 dB
• Tracking ability at 315 Hz: 70 μm
• Frequency response: 20 - 20,000 Hz ± 2 dB

Physical Specifications

• Stylus type: Elliptical
• Stylus radius: r / R 8 / 18 μm
• Tracking force:
  • Range: 1.8 - 2.2 g (19.6 mN)
  • Recommended: 2.0 g (19.6 mN)
• Tracking angle: 20°
• Cartridge weight: 7.2 g