Pro-Ject Pick It MC1

The Pro-Ject Pick it MC1 represents a significant step forward for vinyl enthusiasts looking to explore the world of Moving Coil (MC) cartridges. Designed by the renowned Austrian manufacturer Pro-Ject Audio Systems, this entry-level cartridge offers superior sound quality while remaining accessible. With its resonance-optimized ABS housing and a weight of just 5 grams, it integrates seamlessly with most entry-level and mid-range turntables. The Pick it MC1 embodies Pro-Ject’s philosophy: making authentic high-fidelity accessible to all music lovers.

Construction and Technical Specifications: Excellence in Detail

The Pick it MC1 features meticulous construction with high-quality materials. Its resonance-optimized ABS housing contributes to its lightweight design of approximately 5 grams, ideal for many tonearms. The cartridge uses a high-quality N40H neodymium magnet coupled with a square generator coil with pure OFC 6N (oxygen-free) copper windings.

The spherical diamond is mounted on an aluminum cantilever, offering a good balance between performance and durability. With a dynamic compliance of 18 μm/mN, this cartridge is perfectly suited for most medium-mass tonearms, typical of entry-level and mid-range turntables.

The output voltage of 0.4 mV at 1 kHz is characteristic of MC cartridges, requiring a compatible phono preamp. The channel separation of over 27 dB ensures precise stereo imaging, while the frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz (±1 dB) covers the entire audible spectrum with accuracy.

Installation is simplified thanks to the standard half-inch (12.7 mm) mount and threaded holes, allowing direct mounting without nuts, reducing the risk of losing small parts during installation.

A Transformed Listening Experience: The Sonic Advantages of the Pick it MC1

Switching from an MM cartridge to the Pick it MC1 truly transforms the listening experience. Listeners will immediately notice improved audio clarity, more precise stereo imaging, and enhanced transparency. The lightweight stylus/coil assembly allows superior responsiveness, capturing nuances and micro-details often lost with less sophisticated cartridges.

The soundstage gains in width and precision, enabling the localization of each instrument with newfound accuracy. The bass is reproduced with greater control and definition, while the midrange becomes more natural. The treble benefits from increased extension and finesse without harshness.

The spherical diamond, while less complex than elliptical or more advanced profiles, offers excellent groove tracking and good durability. It is a wise choice for an entry-level cartridge, providing a good balance between performance and longevity.

Compatibility and Installation: Seamless Integration

With its medium compliance of 18 μm/mN, the Pick it MC1 pairs perfectly with the majority of medium to high-mass tonearms. This versatility makes it an ideal choice for enhancing the performance of entry-level and mid-range turntables without requiring complex modifications.

Installation is made easier by the standard half-inch mount and threaded holes, eliminating the need for separate nuts. The recommended tracking force is between 1.7 and 2.1 grams, with an optimal value of 1.9 grams. Precise adjustment of this parameter is essential to achieve the best performance while preserving the longevity of the diamond and records.

It is worth noting that, like all MC cartridges, the Pick it MC1 requires a compatible MC phono preamp. Its low output voltage (0.4 mV) and recommended load impedance between 100 and 470 ohms necessitate an appropriate preamplification stage. Many modern phono preamps offer settings for both MM and MC cartridges, but a model dedicated to MC cartridges will optimize the performance of this cartridge.

Positioning in the Pro-Ject Range: A Gateway to Excellence

The Pick it MC1 is positioned as the entry-level model in Pro-Ject’s MC cartridge series, which also includes the MC2, MC3, DS2 MC, and MC9 models, each offering increasing levels of performance at higher price points.

This strategy allows Pro-Ject to offer a coherent progression for audiophiles looking to upgrade their system step by step. The Pick it MC1 is thus an excellent introduction to the world of MC cartridges, offering a substantial improvement over MM cartridges without the significant investment typically associated with this technology.

Compared to higher-end models in the range, the MC1 uses a simpler spherical diamond than the more sophisticated profiles of the premium versions but retains the core advantages of MC technology at an accessible price.

Technical Specifications

Construction

• Pro-Ject Audio design
• Resonance-optimized ABS housing
• Standard 12.7 mm mount
• Threaded holes for easy nut-free mounting
• Cartridge weight: 5 g

Components

• N40H neodymium magnet
• Square generator coil
• Pure 6N oxygen-free copper (OFC) winding
• Spherical diamond mounted on aluminum cantilever

Electrical Characteristics

• Principle: Moving Coil (MC)
• Output voltage at 1 kHz: 0.4 mV (3.54 cm/s)
• Channel separation at 1 kHz: > 27 dB
• Recommended load impedance: 100-470 Ω

Performance

• Tracking ability at 315 Hz: 70 μm
• Dynamic compliance: 18 μm/mN
• Frequency response: 20 - 20,000 Hz ± 1 dB
• Stylus type: Spherical on aluminum cantilever
• Tracking force:
  • Range: 1.7 - 2.1 g (mN)
  • Recommended: 1.9 g (mN)
• Tracking angle: 22°

General Characteristics

• Entry-level Moving Coil (MC Pick it) cartridge
• Versatile musical cartridge