Pro-Ject X2 B Turntable - Satin White - Ortofon Quintet Red

A Genuine Step Up in Turntable Engineering

The X2 B builds on the X1 B with a longer tonearm and a heavier platter, for a further gain in detail and stability. This version ships with Ortofon's Quintet Red moving-coil cartridge, pre-installed and aligned at the factory — an easy first step into MC-cartridge sound.

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 X2 B works with a conventional phono stage today and a balanced one later, without buying a different turntable.

A Tonearm and Platter a Step Above the X1 B

A 9-Inch Carbon/Aluminum Tonearm

The X2 B steps up to a longer, 9-inch carbon-over-aluminum tonearm, reducing tracking error across a record side compared to the X1 B's 8.6-inch arm. The same four-pinpoint cardanic bearing and TPE-damped counterweight carry over, for smooth, low-resonance tracking.

Tonearm height adjusts by loosening two screws, letting you fine-tune VTA for your preferred mat or a future cartridge upgrade, and the full aluminum tonearm base adds adjustable azimuth as well.

A Heavier Acrylic Platter for Added Stability

At 4.4lb and 1.2 inches thick, the X2 B's acrylic platter is noticeably heavier and thicker than the X1 B's, for a further gain in speed stability and resonance control. The complete turntable weighs 22lb.

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).

What Reviewers Are Saying

Reviewing the X2 B for SoundStage! Hi-Fi, Philip Beaudette wrote, "if you already own a phono stage you like, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend the Pro-Ject Audio Systems X2 B."

"The deck serves the bass well," observed Jason Kennedy for hi-fi+. "The decent platter mass clearly helps to give the sound some weight and impetus... the low bass remains articulate and tuneful regardless of how heavy the beats got."

Who Is the X2 B Best For?

• You want to move up to a moving-coil cartridge — the Quintet Red is a genuine, well-regarded entry point into MC sound
• You want more tonearm and platter mass than the X1 B offers — the longer arm and heavier platter add further detail and stability
• 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 are running an MM-only phono input — the Quintet Red is a moving-coil cartridge and needs far more gain than a moving-magnet stage provides; pair it with one of our MM/MC phono preamplifiers or the balanced output has nothing to feed

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 with MC gain 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 X2 B goes from here:

• Phono preamplifiers — confirm yours has MC gain, since the Quintet Red's output is lower than a standard MM cartridge
• 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 X2 B include a cartridge?

Yes. An Ortofon Quintet Red moving-coil cartridge comes pre-installed and aligned at the factory.

Does my phono stage need to support moving-coil cartridges?

Yes. The Quintet Red's output is lower than a moving-magnet cartridge's, so your phono stage (or amp's phono input) needs MC gain or loading to match it.

What does the "B" in X2 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.

How does it compare to the X1 B?

The X2 B's tonearm is longer (9 inches vs. 8.6) and its acrylic platter is heavier and thicker, for a further gain in detail and stability.

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 X2 B.

See It in Action

An independent look at the X2 B's balanced design:

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Learn More

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