Pro-Ject XA B Clear Acrylic Turntable - Pick it Pro B Cartridge

An Award-Winning Turntable You Can See Through

The XA B pairs a clear acrylic plinth with a one-piece aluminum tonearm and Pro-Ject's "True Balanced" 5-pin output, for a turntable that's as much a visual statement as a listening one. It ships with the Pick it PRO Balanced moving-magnet cartridge pre-installed and aligned at the factory — the same cartridge included with the X1 B.

Unlike Pro-Ject's earlier all-acrylic experiments, the XA B keeps acrylic to the plinth only; the platter itself is die-cast aluminum with a TPE damping ring underneath, a combination Pro-Ject settled on after finding an all-acrylic platter didn't sound as good.

The XA B was named EISA Turntable of the Year for 2024-2025 and received SoundStage! Network's Award for Innovation & Design the same year — recognition for both its sound and its distinctive look.

A Tonearm and Platter Built to Match the Acrylic Plinth

A One-Piece Aluminum Tonearm

The 10-inch (9-inch effective length) tonearm is machined from a single aluminum tube, chosen deliberately to complement the sound of the acrylic plinth rather than as a cost-saving measure. A cardanic bearing with adjustable azimuth and VTA, plus a TPE-damped counterweight, carry over from the rest of the X-series.

Antiskate is set with a simple thread-and-weight system, and the tonearm accepts the included Pick it PRO Balanced cartridge as well as other cartridges if you decide to upgrade later.

A Die-Cast Aluminum Platter

The platter is die-cast aluminum with a TPE damping ring on its underside, spinning at 33 or 45rpm (no 78rpm support) with a simple electronic toggle switch. A glass-reinforced polymer subplatter and belt drive keep speed drift and wow-and-flutter low.

At roughly 6.3lb net, the whole turntable is noticeably lighter than the X1 B or X2 B, a natural result of its acrylic-and-aluminum build rather than their denser MDF plinths.

What Reviewers Are Saying

The EISA judges wrote: "there's something magical about seeing your vinyl records spinning above the clear acrylic plinth of the XA B... this is a striking turntable, and a very capable one."

Reviewing the XA B for SoundStage! Network, Philip Beaudette noted, "although its clean, neutral demeanor embodies Pro-Ject's house sound, it's the XA B's intriguing design that sets it apart from those other models," calling it "enthusiastically recommended."

"I was taken aback by just how good this turntable sounded from the first time I set it up," wrote Andrew Dewhirst for Future Audiophile, praising its balanced output as a standout feature at its price point.

Who Is the XA B Best For?

• You want a turntable that's also a conversation piece — the clear acrylic plinth puts the spinning platter and belt on full display
• 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 balanced 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 clear acrylic and a true balanced output — 33 and 45rpm, straight into a balanced phono stage

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.

The XA B's balanced output uses Pro-Ject's 5-pin connector at the tonearm base; a balanced 5-pin-to-XLR cable is a separate purchase, since the included Connect it E cable is unbalanced.

Pairs Well With

Where the XA 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, and visible shelf does the acrylic plinth justice
• Record cleaning accessories — clean records sound better and protect the stylus

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the XA B include a cartridge?

Yes. The Pick it PRO Balanced moving-magnet cartridge, the same one included with the X1 B, comes pre-installed and aligned at the factory.

Is the whole turntable acrylic?

Just the plinth. The platter is die-cast aluminum with a TPE damping ring; Pro-Ject found an all-acrylic platter didn't sound as good.

Does it play 78rpm records?

It doesn't. The XA B supports 33 and 45rpm only; the X1 B and X2 B both add 78rpm.

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.

What comes in the box?

The turntable with cartridge installed, a dust cover, a felt mat, a 7-inch adapter, the Connect it E phono cable, a record puck, and the power supply.

What's the warranty?

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

See It in Action

Pro-Ject presents the XA B clear acrylic turntable:

Audioholics takes a closer look at the XA B:

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Learn More

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