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Pro-Ject unveils new RPM 9 Carbon turntable

Hi-Fi Choice  |  Nov 19, 2015

Pro-Ject informs us that the new RPM 9 Carbon has been introduced to satisfy the needs of high-end audio enthusiasts that want a record player that stands apart, and with the same 'tear drop' chassis as its RPM 9.2 Evolution, it should certainly stand out from the pack.

The RPM 9 Carbon is supplied with a 9CC Evolution Tonearm pre-installed. This 9in tonearm has a conical carbon fibre tube and inverted bearing design and is supplied with a 5-Pin to RCA Connect-IT CC cable.

The RPM 9 Carbon boasts a new 7.2kg polished aluminium platter – inspired by the  Xtension 9 SuperPack turntable – that's internally lined with TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) damping material and topped with vinyl. The whole platter sits on top of an inverted ceramic main bearing that's claimed to provide completely stable turntable speed with extra-low rumble.

Like all models in the RPM series, the RPM 9 Carbon has a perimeter belt drive mechanism with an automatic speed change switch built into the top panel. The motor is completely decoupled from the main chassis and sits on top of a custom-designed steel base for improved stability.

The plinth's MDF structure is packed with resin-coated steel pellets to form a high-mass sandwich construction that provides a firm base for the turntable. This has been put through a complex heat treatment process and coated in a carbon fibre surface to reduce resonance levels as low as possible. The main turntable structure is then effectively decoupled from its support by the plinth’s magnetic feet. 

Spec details are as follows:

Speed: 33, 45 RPM (Electronic Speed Change)
Drive Principle: Belt Drive
Platter: 7.2kg aluminium (300mm diameter)
Main Bearing: Inverted Stainless Steel (with Ceramic Ball)
Wow & Flutter: 33: ± 0.10%, 45: ± 0.10%
Speed Drift: 33: ± 0.10%, 45: ± 0.10%
Signal-To-Noise Ratio: -75dB
Tonearm: 9in Carbon Evolution
Effective Arm Length: 230mm
Effective Arm Mass: 8g
Overhang: 18mm
Tracking Force: 10-35mN
Supplied Counterweights: 5 – 7.5g / 7 – 10g / 9 – 11g / 10 – 14g
External Power Supply: 15V DC / 0.8A
Power Consumption: 13W (max.) / < 0.3W (standby)
Dimensions (W x H x D): 440 x 180 x 325mm
Weight: 16.7kg net

The RPM 9 Carbon is available to buy now for £1,500 via UK supplier Henley Designs and UK customers can have an Ortofon Quintet Black cartridge installed for an extra £400.

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