Pro-Ject Pick it MM 5 – New premium class MM cartridge

For Pro-Ject Audio Systems, it has long been a matter of course not to limit itself to the development and production of record players in the analogue segment, but to treat the subject comprehensively. This means that the company not only develops its own phono preamplifiers, which, incidentally, with the Pro-Ject Box Design Series have even become a completely independent product group in the HiFi sector. Pro-Ject Audio Systems has also been producing tonearms and cartridge systems for years.

In the latter product group, it is the so-called Pro-Ject Pick it Series, which is constantly being expanded, such as the new Pro-Ject Pick it MM 5, which Pro-Ject Audio Systems describes as a new premium-class MM cartridge system.

New high-quality moving magnet cartridge system

With the new Pro-Ject Pick it MM 5, Pro-Ject Audio Systems is once again working with a proven specialist, namely the Danish company Ortofon A/S.

Pro-Ject Audio Systems and Ortofon A/S have enjoyed a partnership for decades, as the world market leader in record players often relies on cartridge systems from the Danish company for its turntables, and they have also developed numerous solutions together over the years.

In the case of the new Pro-Ject Pick it MM 5, a certain affinity with the cartridge systems of the extremely successful Ortofon 2M Series cannot be denied, which is not the worst reference.

In fact, Pro-Ject Audio Systems says that the new Pro-Ject Pick it MM 5 is manufactured by Ortofon A/S, and that its own design team then carries out the careful tuning according to its own ideas.

Foto © Pro-Ject Audio Systems | Pro-Ject Pick it MM 5

Highly detailed reproduction

The new Pro-Ject Pick it MM 5 is designed as a solution for discerning music lovers, whereby the MM cartridge system is based on a diamond with Nude Elliptical r/R 8/18 μm. The company particularly emphasises that a robust cantilever based on High-end DJ systems is used, but the stylus can of course also be replaced at any time.

According to Pro-Ject Audio Systems, the pick-up system consists of a unique combination of technologies, with the so-called split pole pins from Ortofon A/S being a very important one, as this enables a flat frequency response that is comparable to MC pick-ups.

Technical data of the Pro-Ject Pick it MM 5 cartridge

The new Pro-Ject Pick it MM 5 is designed for light to medium tonearm masses and as an MM cartridge system. It has a weight of 7,2 g and can cover a frequency range between 20 Hz and 25 kHz. The manufacturer specifies the output voltage as 4 mV, the recommended terminating resistor as 47 kOhm, and the recommended terminating capacitance as 150 to 300 pF. The tracking force range is stated in the data sheet as 1,6 to 2 g, with the recommended tracking force being 1,8 g.

Prices and availability

The new Pro-Ject Pick it MM 5 should be available from specialist retailers within the next few days. The recommended retail price is listed at € 399,-. It can be assumed that the Pro-Ject Pick it MM 5 will be pre-installed on many a Pro-Ject Audio Systems drive in the coming months.

Getting to the point

With the new Pro-Ject Pick it MM 5, a premium class MM cartridge system will be available, a solution that is almost on a par with MC cartridge systems, but with all the advantages that distinguish MM cartridges from MC cartridges. Pro-Ject Audio Systems promises a solution with a flat frequency response, high-resolution, dynamic and, above all, natural performance. Last but not least, it is expressly emphasised that the new Pro-Ject Pick it MM 5 is also a product manufactured in the EU.