Pro-ject XA B Review
Oh no – a Pro-Ject in an acrylic look! What initially seems like a typical addition to the analog specialist’s extensive turntable portfolio turns out to be a surprise tip: the XA B stands for more.
Over the course of more than three decades, Pro-Ject has developed a special expertise in getting the most sound quality out of an affordable turntable. From the very beginning in 1991, offering great sound for a small price has been part of the DNA of this Austrian brand. Although the new XA B, is not among the lowest-priced turntables in the company’s wide range, it still aims to deliver smart solutions in a perfectly balanced design.
This balance applies both literally and figuratively with the XA B. Aside from its technical and mechanical features, the turntable can also be operated in balanced mode, which is what the “B” in its name stands for. This earth-free, phase-complementary transmission of phono signals, where interference is canceled out, is considered a recipe for effective sound enhancement, typically reserved for the high-end sector and for moving coil (MC) cartridges. The Austrians aim to change that.
As part of their “True Balanced Connection” campaign, Pro-Ject has equipped the XA B with the MM cartridge Pick it Pro Balanced, a variation of Ortofon’s popular 2M series made to Pro-Ject’s specifications. This MM cartridge, with its elliptical stylus mounted on an aluminum cantilever, offers standard connection values. It has been precisely installed at the factory in the tonearm, which is correctly adjusted for height. This means that after a few quick steps, like adjusting the tracking force using the scale and attaching the anti-skating weight, the buyer can quickly start listening.
Component Selection for Sonic Balance
The tonearm, adjustable in height and vertical tracking angle (VTA) and fitted with a five-pin socket at the base, comes from Pro-Ject’s large series, featuring lightweight, precise bearings.
Instead of a carbon fiber tube or a sandwich of carbon fiber and aluminum (common in Pro-Ject’s MDF-chassis models), this model features a pure aluminum arm that is 10 inches long. Pro-Ject found that this combination provided an optimal sonic balance with the 20-millimeter thick acrylic plinth used in the XA B.
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Pro-Ject emphasizes that special attention must be paid to the acrylic plinth, as its high internal damping prevents resonances but could also reduce the liveliness of the sound. When combined with the aluminum arm, the 1.7-kilogram platter (also made from aluminum and damped by a TPE ring underneath), and the three adjustable feet (damped with rubber inserts), the intended sonic balance is achieved, whether the XA B is connected in balanced or unbalanced mode.
The platter, topped with a thin felt mat and a 200-gram felt-lined record clamp, rests on a smaller sub-platter driven by a flat belt. The electronic unit, located at the rear of the chassis and powered by an external power supply, generates clean sine waves to drive the synchronous motor, ensuring precise speed consistency.
Our test unit ran slightly below the target speed of 33.33 RPM, possibly due to a minor flaw in this early test model. However, Pro-Ject turntables have consistently performed well in our lab over the years, with their speeds usually being very accurate.
The speed is selected via a three-position switch on the control panel, marked I, O, and II, corresponding to 33, off, and 45 RPM. A more intuitive label might have been helpful, but after a short adjustment period, it becomes easy to use.
TEST DEVICES
- Turntable: Pro-Ject X1
- Phono Preamplifier: Brinkmann Edison Mk II, Pro-Ject Phono Box DS3 B
- Pre-/Power Amplifier: Audio Research REF 6 SE / Accustic Arts Amp VI
- Integrated Amplifier: Symphonic Line RG14 MK5
- Speakers: B&W 801 D4, DALI Rubikore 6, Wilson Audio WATT/Puppy
An Example of Balance
The supplied phono cable from Pro-Ject’s own line is decent and exits the tonearm base at an angle to the left. A straight-back cable routing might have been more practical. The RCA connectors are compatible with almost all phono stages. For the few cases where a balanced connection is desired, Pro-Ject offers a matching cable.
Thanks to its user-friendly manual, setting up the acrylic Pro-Ject turntable is quick. After the break-in period, the turntable immediately impressed us with its natural, sonorous presentation, the ability to create a well-organized, three-dimensional soundstage, and its perfect balance between vibrant liveliness and calm authority. The claim of sonic balance between the components is convincing.
“B” STANDS FOR “BALANCED”
The XA B’s cartridge is – unusually for MM cartridges – suitable for a balanced connection. Here’s why – and how it sounds.
The XA B is part of Pro-Ject’s “True Balanced Connection” range, which aims to bring the benefits of balanced phono operation to more affordable price ranges. Using the right cable, many Pro-Ject turntables, starting at around 400 euros for the Phono Box S3 B, support balanced connections. We tested this with the X2 B turntable in the July 2022. A month later, we also tested the higher-level Phono Box DS3 B, which further enhances the balanced mode.
The fact that the XA B can be operated symmetrically, with two “hot” poles and no ground, is because its cartridge – unlike the regular Pick it Pro – does not connect either of its “ground” contacts to the outer casing, as is common with MM cartridges. Normally, this would cause ground loops in balanced setups. The absence of this small metal tab on the Pick it Pro Balanced cartridge is what allows for ground-free operation. This is standard for MC cartridges, which is why balanced operation is usually reserved for this type.
Of course, in addition to a phono stage with XLR or mini-XLR inputs, you also need a suitable cable for ground-free signal processing. The XA B comes with an RCA cable for unbalanced connection, which makes sense, as most users will connect it this way. An XLR cable wouldn’t be as practical for the majority of users, whose phono preamps or integrated amplifiers only have RCA inputs.
However, Pro-Ject offers its Connect it Line E cable with XLR connectors. We listened to the XA B with both configurations using Pro-Ject’s DS3 B phono stage, which is available in black or silver. As we’ve experienced with many other comparisons of this kind, music played in balanced mode sounds more spacious, relaxed, and well-ordered, with a clearer soundstage.
Although the differences are not essential for balanced operation, they are noticeable, especially with quieter MC cartridges. Even with the XA B, the improvement is worth the price of an XLR phono cable!
Grace and Energy in Harmony
The XA B clearly outshines the smaller X1 model (with its MDF chassis and 9-inch carbon tonearm) by delivering a more refined and pleasant reproduction of Tomasz Stanko’s trumpet in “Hermento’s Mood” and a more relaxed vocal performance in “Warmth of the Sun” from the California Project. The XA B demonstrates audiophile-level performance and the ability to convey emotions effortlessly. Its slightly elevated high frequencies are balanced by deep bass and rich midrange, resulting in a clean and balanced sound.
Switching from our reference turntable to the Pro-Ject was surprisingly easy. The XA B impressed with its punchy, precise sound, especially when playing the dense percussion in Markus Stockhausen’s “Reflexion”. Such substance is rare in this price range, as is the ease with which the sound detached from the speakers.
It’s possible that the XA B performs even better when connected symmetrically, but even in unbalanced mode, it delivers exceptional musicality, combining sensitivity with power when needed.
Like all cartridges, the Pick it Pro Balanced responds sensitively to small changes in tracking force. The perfect balance of fullness and energy on one side and agility and lightness on the other was achieved at 19.5 millinewtons. To get the most out of Pro-Ject’s well-designed XA B, such precision is key.
Specs
| Product Type | Turntable |
| Price Range | 500 – 1,500 Euros |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 46 x 13 x 34 cm |
| Weight | 8 kg |
| Turntable Type | Manual |
| Drive Principle | Belt Drive |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Connections | Five-pin socket on tonearm |
| Integrated Phono Preamp | No |
| Cartridge Included | Yes, Pick it Pro Balanced MM cartridge |
| Speeds | 33, 45 RPM |
| Footfall Isolation | Yes, damped feet |
| Speed Adjustment | No |
| Tonearm Type | Adjustable (height, azimuth) |
| Tonearm Cable Replaceable | Yes |
| Dust Cover Included | Yes |
| Build Quality | Clean and professional |
| Power Consumption (Standby / Idle) | < 0.05 / 2.9 W |
| Power Switch | Hard switch |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Verdict
SOUND
- Rating: 9.8 / 10
- Sound Quality: Explicitly balanced, as dynamic and lively as it is clear and refined.
MEASUREMENTS
- Rating: 7.1 / 10
- Rumble: Still good
- Speed Deviation (in %): Slightly high
FEATURES
- Rating: 8.2 / 10
- Dust Cover Included: Yes
- Build Quality: Clean and professional
- Replaceable Tonearm Cable: Yes
- Speeds in RPM: 33, 45
- Speed Adjustment or Auto Regulation: No
- Footfall Isolation: Yes (damped feet)
HANDLING & OPERATION
- Rating: 6.7 / 10
- Speed Switching: Simple with toggle switch
- Instruction Manual Quality: Very detailed and fully illustrated
- Plug and Play: No
- Adjustability: Tonearm height, foot height, azimuth
- Detachable Headshell: No
SERVICE & ENVIRONMENT
- Rating: 9 / 10
- Packaging: Secure packaging, but perhaps too much plastic
- Power Consumption: Standby / Idle (in Watts): < 0.05 / 2.9
- Hard Power Switch: Yes
Pro-Ject XA B = EISA WINNER
We proudly announce that our XA B has won the EISA award for best turntable 2024/2025! This turntable with balanced outputs ...
Pro-Ject XA B This turntable is absolutely gorgeous, with an MM cartridge and an acrylic chassis.
Heavy aluminum casted platter with TPE damping, 4-point Cardan tonearm with one piece aluminum arm tube and special TPE ...
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