Pro-Ject A2 Turntable - Black Review

Setting up the Pro-Ject A2 was a breeze, which is a huge plus for anyone who may not want to dive deep into the nitty-gritty of turntable assembly. With its fully automatic operation, I simply pressed a button, and the tonearm gracefully lifted and dropped onto the record. This feature alone removes a lot of the anxiety that can come with vinyl playback, especially if you’re juggling a busy household or just not in the mood to fuss with manual setups.

For those migrating from a suitcase player, the A2 represents a significant step up in usability. The automatic start and return mean I can walk away without worrying about the stylus grinding into the record at the end of a side. It’s like having a reliable friend who not only plays great music but also knows when to call it a night.

The A2 boasts a clean black finish that looks sleek next to my receiver and bookshelf speakers. It feels like a proper piece of hi-fi gear rather than a toy, which is a common pitfall for many automatic turntables out there. The build quality reflects Pro-Ject’s reputation, and it certainly feels sturdy enough to handle daily use without any worries about it falling apart.

One thing I really appreciate is the belt-drive design, which helps with sound isolation and contributes to a quieter listening experience. You can tell this wasn’t designed just for looks; it’s built to deliver a solid performance in a home environment, making it a joy to use during those late-night listening sessions.

Equipped with an Ortofon OM10 cartridge, the A2 delivers a surprisingly rich sound that exceeds expectations for an automatic turntable. The clarity and detail in the midrange really stand out, bringing my vinyl collection to life in a way that feels engaging. I was particularly impressed with how well it handled both vocals and instrumentals, making my favorite records sound vibrant and full.

That said, if you’re coming from a manual turntable, you might find the sound a bit more laid-back and less dynamic than what some audiophiles might prefer. It’s tailored for ease of use rather than experimentation, which is something to keep in mind if you’re a sonic tinkerer.

The built-in phono preamp is a handy feature that I found useful, especially since I connected the A2 to powered speakers without a dedicated phono input. This means I could enjoy my records without needing any extra gear, simplifying my setup significantly. The RCA outputs are standard, making it easy to integrate into most systems without any fuss.

However, if you’re someone who values Bluetooth connectivity, you might want to look elsewhere. The A2 sticks to the basics, focusing on delivering a solid, wired connection, which might not appeal to everyone, especially those who prefer a wireless setup.

In daily use, the Pro-Ject A2 shines as a reliable companion for vinyl lovers. The automatic features make it a stress-free experience, allowing me to enjoy my records without the usual worry of damaging the stylus or the vinyl. It’s perfect for those moments when you just want to kick back and let the music play without interruption.

That said, if you’re the type who likes to tweak settings or experiment with upgrades frequently, this turntable might feel a bit too polished for your taste. It’s designed for ease and consistency rather than for the hands-on experience that many manual turntables offer, which could be a drawback for some enthusiasts.