News

Vienna-based hi-fi specialist Pro-Ject Audio Systems has a firm grip on the turntable market, thanks to its impressive span of models designed to appeal to vinyl fans on every budget. The Primary E is the latest in a long run of new additions to the company’s seemingly continuously growing number of turntable models, and at £149 is currently
the most affordable in its 48-strong lineup. 

Originally introduced in 2016, the Primary turntable range is aimed at bringing quality audio to vinyl fans of all kinds on a tight budget, as the company looks to provide an entry-level deck with a ‘made in Europe’ quality design, offering true hi-fi credentials to challenge the pile ‘em high plastic decks littering certain record and clothing stores. 

As with earlier Primary decks, the Primary E takes its overall design inspiration from a merging of the company’s successful Elemental and Essential II turntables, offering traditional aesthetics and high-quality performance, the company tells us. The Primary E uses the same 8.6in aluminium tonearm as its Elemental sibling, with sapphire bearings for optimal tracking. The plinth is finished in matt black and remarkably at the price, includes a detachable acrylic dust cover. The pre-configured tonearm is engineered to match the pre-fitted Ortofon OM cartridge, with tracking force or anti-skate adjustments already set at the factory, making it a quick and easy plug-and-play solution for vinyl newbies or those looking to return to the format after a hiatus. 

A direct-to-mains 230V motor powers the same perimeter drive belt system as the original Primary deck, driving a 300mm wood platter topped with a felt mat while 33 and 45rpm speed change is handled manually by repositioning the rubber belt on the motor’s pulley. It’s available now, finished in black. Distributed in the UK by Henley Audio, the Primary E is available to buy now. Click here to find out more.