Pro-ject Essential III A Piano Black Turntable

The Essential III design boasts a series of notable improvements that elevate it well beyond the ability of its multi-award winning predecessor, both technically and cosmetically.

The Essential III A 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 'A' model is in the use of an upgraded Acryl-IT E platter. Also available separately, the Acryl-IT E offers an inert platform for your vinyl records to reduce the unwanted effects of resonance. Available for use with and without the supplied felt mat, 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, detailed and rich soundstage that arrives at a foot-tapping tempo.

The Essential III A 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 A 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 A is a significant step forward for vinyl enthusiasts on a budget. With the inclusion of the Acryl-IT E platter, the sound performance and the cosmetic appeal have taken another significant step forward, while maintaining a price that defies belief.

Key Features:

• High quality Acryl-IT E platter included
• Belt drive mechanism with silicone belt
• Low vibration synchronous motor
• Integrated motor control with DC power supply secures silent running
• Main platter bearing made from stainless steel runs in bronze bushing with Teflon bottom
• 8.6" aluminium tonearm with sapphire bearings
• Factory fitted Ortofon OM10 cartridge
• Pre-mounted gold-plated RCA interconnect cable
• Special turntable feet for effective decoupling
• Lid included