Automat A2 Turntable – The Technology The A2 allows you to select the lateral location where the tonearm drops to the record groove. Make this selection with the dial for 7″ records (45rpm singles) or 12″ (33 or 45rpm vinyl records). For additional flexibility, they’ve added 78rpm to the speed selector dial, allowing you to dust off your collection of old 10″ shellac records (please manually position the tonearm for 10″ 78s, then use the dampened cueing lever). Remember that 78s have unusual groove width and are made of different materials than most other discs. They recommend Sumiko’s RS 78 stylus for use with the highly adept Sumiko Rainier moving magnet phono cartridge (it’s mounted & aligned at the factory!). To enjoy listening to your A2 turntable, just flip the ‘Start’ switch. The tonearm will automatically move to the lead-in groove of the selected record size. Once playing, the automatic tonearm functions are entirely disengaged until the arm reaches the lead-out groove. At the lead-out groove, the tonearm will automatically lift and return to the arm rest and the turntable will shut down. Because the automatic functions are entirely mechanical, they bear no influence over sound quality during playback! Improved Tonearm & Gimbal Bearing The A2 automatic record player features an ultra-low-mass 8.3″ aluminum tonearm. They use an arm tube with a larger diameter to accommodate more cartridges. They proudly supply the A2 with a Sumiko Rainier ($149 value), which positions you to upgrade to Olympia, Moonstone, or Wellfleet with a simple stylus swap. The suspended sub-chassis design yields a fast response loaded with transient detail and alluring micro-dynamics while the Sumiko Rainier lends its warmth & smoothness - a match made in heaven. The tonearm bearing features a 4-pinpoint gimbal with steel-tip ball bearings made in-house by Pro-Ject. This design yields the lowest amount of friction possible and A2 will trace your record grooves with the utmost precision. Heavy MDF Plinth, Floating Sub-Chassis The heavy MDF plinth is carefully hand-painted in a luxurious 8-coat matte black finish. Its mass greatly reduces unwanted resonance and isolates the turntable from external vibration. The A2 then employs a system wherein the tonearm, platter bearing, and motor are affixed to a separate, floating sub-chassis. This isolates the most critical components of the turntable from external noise, resonance & interference. This can be especially advantageous when, for example, your loudspeakers are near your turntable in proximity. Massless Tracking Force Adjustment Damping the counterweight makes the tonearm as a whole more robust. It also decouples the counterweight from the tonearm which reduces resonant frequencies. Tracking force is set by adjusting a precision spring (as from the wristwatch industry!) affixed to the tonearm bearing. This keeps the center of gravity directly above the bearing center. Why a Suspended Sub-Chassis Design? The automatic mechanism is sizable and comprised of many parts. Thus it requires a substantial cutout from the main plinth. Enclosed hollow spaces in turntables are cavernous propagators of vibration & resonance. By employing a suspended sub-chassis, Pro-Ject decouples the tonearm, cartridge, and drive mechanism from the solid, high-mass main chassis, eliminating hollow spaces and their adverse effects on sound quality. Handmade in Germany A2’s automatic mechanism is fully handmade in Germany and builds on decades worth of experience in the manufacturing of turntables. Upwards of 98% of its parts & components are made and produced in Germany (either within the factory or in its immediate vicinity). The main chassis is designed & made in Austria and assembly takes place in Germany.
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