Pro-Ject X1 B Turntable - Walnut - Pick it PRO B

A Genuine Step Up in Turntable Engineering

The X1 B is built around a two-layer carbon-and-aluminum tonearm, a heavy acrylic platter, and Pro-Ject's own "True Balanced" 5-pin output — features that used to live only on far pricier decks. It ships with Pro-Ject's Pick it PRO Balanced moving-magnet cartridge pre-installed and aligned at the factory.

The plinth is dense MDF, engineered to keep resonance out of the signal path, and it sits on height-adjustable, damped aluminum feet for precise leveling. Gloss finishes get eight coats of hand-polished paint; the walnut finish uses a genuine wood veneer instead.

Both a standard RCA phono output and a 5-pin mini XLR balanced output are built in, so the X1 B works with a conventional phono stage today and a balanced one later, without buying a different turntable.

An Audiophile-Grade Tonearm and Platter

An 8.6-Inch Carbon/Aluminum Tonearm

The tonearm's carbon outer layer over an aluminum inner tube keeps the armtube rigid and well-damped, running on a four-pinpoint cardanic bearing for smooth, precise tracking with zero bearing play across the whole record side.

A TPE-damped counterweight cuts arm-and-cartridge resonance by as much as half, and tonearm height adjusts by loosening two screws — useful if you ever swap in a different cartridge or turntable mat.

A Heavy, Resonance-Free Acrylic Platter

At 3.3lb and 0.8 inches thick, the acrylic platter adds real mass over the plastic platters common at this price, for more detailed, precise playback. The whole turntable weighs in at 15.4lb.

Speed changes electronically at the push of a button between 33 and 45rpm, with an included round belt to also enable 78rpm playback (a separate 78rpm-specific stylus is required, sold separately).

Who Is the X1 B Best For?

• You want real audiophile engineering at a reasonable price — the carbon/aluminum tonearm and acrylic platter are usually reserved for pricier decks
• You want a cartridge already installed and aligned — the Pick it PRO Balanced arrives factory-mounted, ready to play
• You're planning to add a balanced phono stage, now or later — the built-in 5-pin mini XLR output is ready whenever you are
• You only need a standard RCA connection today — that output is built in too, so nothing forces an immediate upgrade
• You want the step up in tonearm and platter mass the X2 B offers — the X2 B's 9-inch tonearm and heavier platter go further, at a step up in price

How Does It Connect to Your System?

For now, run the included Connect it E phono cable from the RCA output to your amp or receiver's phono input, or to an outboard phono preamp if your amp doesn't have one built in.

Pro-Ject's "True Balanced" system carries the cartridge's naturally balanced left and right signals straight through a 5-pin connector to a compatible balanced phono stage, avoiding the shared ground a standard RCA connection uses. Any Pro-Ject turntable still works fine over plain RCA — the balanced output is an added option, not a requirement.

Pairs Well With

Where the X1 B goes from here:

• Phono preamplifiers — needed if your amp has no phono input, balanced or otherwise
• Cables — a balanced 5-pin-to-XLR cable is a separate purchase whenever you're ready to go balanced
• Audio racks — a rigid, level shelf lets the damped feet do their job
• Record cleaning accessories — clean records sound better and protect the stylus

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the X1 B include a cartridge?

Yes. Pro-Ject's Pick it PRO Balanced moving-magnet cartridge comes pre-installed and aligned at the factory.

What does the "B" in X1 B mean?

Balanced. It refers to the built-in 5-pin mini XLR output, which runs alongside the standard RCA output rather than replacing it.

Do I need a balanced phono stage to use it?

It works fine without one. The RCA output runs with any standard phono stage; the balanced output is there whenever you want to use it.

How does it compare to the X2 B?

The X2 B steps up to a 9-inch tonearm and a heavier acrylic platter, for a further gain in detail and stability, at a higher price.

What comes in the box?

The turntable with cartridge installed, a dust cover, drive belts for all three speeds, and the Connect it E phono cable.

What's the warranty?

A two-year limited manufacturer warranty covers the X1 B.

See It in Action

Epic Tech examines the Pro-Ject X1 B:

Kronos AV demonstrates the X1 B in detail:

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Learn More

Want to learn more about turntable setup, balanced phono connections, or choosing a phono preamp? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.