Pro-Ject RPM-1 Carbon Turntable - Gloss White - Sumiko Rainier Cartridge

Distinctive RPM Design with a Ready-to-Play Rainier Cartridge

The Pro-Ject RPM 1 Carbon brings the company’s open-plinth RPM design to an accessible manual turntable. Its freestanding motor, inverted ceramic platter bearing, and 8.6-inch composite tonearm create a carefully engineered foundation for vinyl playback. A factory-installed Sumiko Rainier moving-magnet cartridge means you do not have to select and mount a cartridge separately.

The Rainier works with a standard moving-magnet phono input and has a replaceable stylus for convenient maintenance and future upgrades. This turntable does not have a built-in phono preamplifier, so you will need a separate MM phono stage or an amplifier with a compatible phono input.

A Composite Tonearm Engineered to Control Resonance

The 8.6-inch S-shaped tonearm combines carbon fiber, aluminum, and resin. Pro-Ject forms the arm tube using heat and high pressure to increase rigidity while adding internal damping. The resulting structure is designed to provide a stable platform for the cartridge as it follows the record groove.

A magnetic anti-skating system applies tracking compensation without a hanging weight. Pro-Ject also adds TPE damping to the counterweight to control unwanted resonance. The arm accepts standard half-inch-mount cartridges, providing flexibility if you decide to change cartridges later.

Separate Motor and Inverted Ceramic Bearing

The synchronous motor sits in its own freestanding housing rather than being attached directly to the turntable chassis. Separating the motor from the plinth limits the direct transfer of motor vibration. A DC-powered AC generator supplies the motor with a controlled drive signal.

The 300 mm MDF platter rotates on an inverted stainless-steel bearing with a ceramic ball. A felt mat supports the record. The low-resonance MDF chassis concentrates the turntable’s structure around the platter bearing and tonearm while giving the RPM 1 Carbon its unmistakable sculpted appearance.

Sumiko Rainier Cartridge with a Simple Upgrade Path

The included Sumiko Rainier is a moving-magnet cartridge with a replaceable 0.3 x 0.7 mil elliptical stylus. Its 5.0 mV output and 47-kilohm loading make it compatible with most MM phono stages. Sumiko specifies a tracking-force range of 1.8 to 2.2 grams and recommends 2.0 grams.

Rainier-family replacement styli are interchangeable. This allows you to replace a worn stylus or move to a compatible Olympia, Moonstone, Wellfleet, or Amethyst stylus without replacing the complete cartridge body.

Is the Pro-Ject RPM 1 Carbon Right for You?

• Ready for MM vinyl playback: The factory-installed Sumiko Rainier removes the need to select and mount a cartridge before setup.
• Phono stage required: The turntable has no built-in phono preamp and cannot connect directly to a conventional AUX or line-level input.
• Fully manual operation: You lower the stylus to begin playback and return the tonearm when the record ends.
• Manual speed change: Switching between 33 and 45 rpm requires repositioning the belt on the motor pulley.
• Dust cover sold separately: A cover is not included, but compatible Pro-Ject external dust covers are available separately.

Setup, Compatibility & What’s Included

The Rainier cartridge is factory installed, but initial turntable setup is still required. Install the platter and belt, position the freestanding motor, balance the tonearm, set tracking force to 2.0 grams, and confirm the anti-skating adjustment before playing a record.

Connect the included phono cable to a moving-magnet phono preamplifier or a compatible MM phono input. The package also includes a felt mat, 7-inch single adapter, power supply, Allen key, and stylus-pressure gauge. Choose Gloss Black, Gloss White, or Gloss Red.