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Pro-Ject Pick it MC1 MC Cartridge and Pro-Ject Pick it MC2 MC Cartridge

Pro-Ject Pick it MC1 MC Cartridge and Pro-Ject Pick it MC2 MC Cartridge, two new MC cartridge systems are now available, which Pro-Ject Audio Systems recommends as a particularly favourable introduction to the fully balanced presentation of records propagated by the company.

Story Highlights
  • Pro-Ject Audio Systems presents two new MC cartridge systems at an attractive price with the Pro-Ject Pick it MC1 MC Cartridge and Pro-Ject Pick it MC2 MC Cartridge solutions.

As is well known, Pro-Ject Audio Systems proclaimed the so-called Pro-Ject Audio Systems Plan B some time ago, an initiative whose aim is to make fully balanced signal routing the standard for record playback. This includes all components in the chain, from the pick-up system to the appropriately equipped turntables and phono preamplifier.

With the latest cartridge systems in the Pro-Ject Pick it Series, the company now wants to provide vinyl lovers with two solutions that allow balanced signal routing at a particularly attractive price: the Pro-Ject Pick it MC1 MC Cartridge and Pro-Ject Pick it MC2 MC Cartridge solutions.

Moving coil cartridge for balanced signal routing

Pro-Ject Audio Systems is convinced that only symmetrical signal routing can achieve the best results when reproducing music from vinyl records. However, according to the company, this requires the use of so-called moving coil cartridges.

According to Pro-Ject Audio Systems, MC cartridge systems deliver less distortion and are less susceptible to negative interference than MM cartridge systems due to their low moving mass and low impedance. However, MC cartridge systems are more expensive to manufacture.

Since Pro-Ject Audio Systems has always set itself the goal of making High-end HiFi affordable for as many people as possible and considers a so-called True Balanced Connection to be a must for the best possible reproduction of records, it decided to develop a line of MC cartridges that is affordable for as many music lovers as possible, namely the Pro-Ject Pick it MC1 MC Cartridge and Pro-Ject Pick it MC2 MC Cartridge models.

Pro-Ject Pick it MC1 MC Cartridge and Pro-Ject Pick it MC2 MC Cartridge with new design

The two new cartridge systems Pro-Ject Pick it MC1 MC Cartridge and Pro-Ject Pick it MC2 MC Cartridge represent a completely new design of the company, as the manufacturer states in a press release.

They use components from the best international sources and a mechanical design developed by Pro-Ject Audio Systems itself, so that the lively, open sound with numerous details and full-bodied imaging favoured by the world market leader in record players can be achieved.

Both models feature resonance-optimised ABS housings, with the Pro-Ject Pick it MC1 in grey and the Pro-Ject Pick it C2 in rich yellow.

The developers have opted for a spherical stylus for the Pro-Ject Pick it MC1 and an elliptical stylus for the Pro-Ject Pick it MC2. In both cases, the stylus is mounted on an aluminium needle carrier and a neodymium N40H magnet, a square generator coil and windings made of pure copper (6N OFC) are used.

The pickup systems have a 1/2-inch mounting with threaded holes for easy installation without nuts.

Both pickup systems weigh 5 g and, according to the manufacturer, should be operated with a tracking force in the range of 1,7 to 2,1 g, ideally at 1,9 g.

The transmission range of the pickup systems is listed in the data sheet as 20 Hz to 20 kHz and the output voltage is stated as 0.4 mV, with a recommended terminating resistor of 50 to 200 ohms. Pro-Ject Audio Systems also recommends the new cartridge systems for all tonearms with a medium effective mass.

“In our search for the best Japanese components for the most critical parts such as the diamond and stylus, we were able to find an excellent, affordable motor to incorporate into our self-designed and manufactured resonance-free cabinet. After 1,5 years of fine-tuning and many listening and testing phases, we are proud to now offer this great MC cartridge.”

Pro-Ject Audio Systems

Prices and availability

The two new cartridge systems in the Pro-Ject Pick it Series should be available from specialist retailers in the next few days. The manufacturer’s recommended retail price is € 299,- for the Pro-Ject Pick it MC1 MC cartridge and € 399,- for the Pro-Ject Pick it MC2 MC cartridge.

Getting to the point

Pro-Ject Audio Systems is now offering two MC cartridge systems with an outstanding price-performance ratio with the two systems Pro-Ject Pick it MC1 MC Cartridge and Pro-Ject Pick it MC2 MC Cartridge. These are especially suitable for upgrading the Pro-Ject Debut Line, but are also ideal playing partners for the Pro-Ject X-Line turntables and record players in the Pro-Ject RPM Line. The Pro-Ject Pick it MC1 MC cartridge already boasts a particularly detailed performance, but the Pro-Ject Pick it MC2 MC cartridge boasts even more subtle imaging and detailing and therefore special sound clarity, stereo imaging and transparency.

PRODUCTPro-Ject Pick it MC1 MC Cartridge and Pro-Ject Pick it MC2 MC Cartridge
PricePro-Ject Pick it MC1 MC Cartridge € 299,-
Pro-Ject Pick it MC2 MC Cartridge € 399,-
BrandPRO-JECT AUDIO
ManufacturerPro-Ject Audio Systems a division of Audio Tuning Vertriebs GmbH
Distribution AustriaAudio Tuning Vertriebs GmbH
Distribution GermanyAudio Trade Hi-Fi Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH
Distribution SwitzerlandLakeside Audio
More about this manufacturer at HiFi BLOG

Michael Holzinger

Michael Holzinger, founder and editor-in-chief of HiFi BLOG and sempre-audio.at, has been working for years as a journalist in the fields of IT, photography, telecommunications and consumer electronics.

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