Pro-Ject Essential 111 Turntable

The Essential III retains the simple yet elegant frame of the Essential II. Now made from high-quality MDF for its superior acoustically neutral character, and wrapped in a high-gloss paint finish (available in red, white or black); the turntable plinth combines both elegance and functionality. The structure is then mounted on three anti-vibration feet, for effective decoupling from the surface on which the turntable is placed.

One of the most obvious changes with the new model is in the use of a high quality MDF gloss-wrapped platter. The platter slots into a stainless steel bearing in a bronze bushing with Teflon-lined bottom for liquid-smooth rotation. The overall sound result is an open, exciting sound that arrives at a foot-tapping tempo.

The Essential III uses the same 9V motor as its predecessor, but it’s also the first to use a new integrated grounding link that dramatically reduces electrical interference to unprecedented low levels. The motor is a premium, synchronous AC design that’s driven by a built-in signal generator, ensuring optimal speed stability and minimal resonances. The brand new aluminium pulley improves the performance and the appearance even further still.

The Essential III is pre-fitted with an 8.6” aluminium tonearm for its lightweight, rigid characteristics. The gimbal bearing assembly uses sapphire bearings to allow for smooth tracking across a record, and the supplied counterweight allows for a variety of premium pick-up cartridges to be installed. The tonearm is supplied with an Ortofon OM 10 cartridge pre-fitted. Superior to the Essential II’s OM 5E cartridge, the OM 10 uses an elliptical profile and precision micro-mechanics to deliver a nice, full soundstage with plenty of impact.

The Essential III is a significant step forward for vinyl enthusiasts on a budget. The sound and the style have been pushed to new heights, all for a price that defies belief.