This sleek turntable catches any modernist eye with a piano lacquered high gloss chassis. It sounds even better than it looks. The Pro-Ject RM5.1SE boasts superior tracking qualities with virtually no friction thanks to Swiss designed bearings and impressive carbon fiber arm tube. MDF/vinyl composite platter has a high mass with low resonance. This turntable has a rhythmic incisiveness that lets you hear even your favorite tune with fresh ears. The Pro-Ject RM5.1SE delivers incredibly smooth sonic quality from the loudest crescendo to the most intricate pizzicatos.
The RM5.1SE uses an MDF platter with an integrated vinyl mat. A felt mat is pictured here.
The RM-5 SE makes a stunning design and audio performance statement in a “value oriented” performance package featuring a Sumiko Blue Point No.2 high-output moving coil cartridge that is factory mounted for your convenience. A resonance-optimized platter made from MDF with integrated vinyl mat rests upon an MDF plinth with a suspended motor assembly optimized for low resonance and speed stability. The table incorporates a stainless steel axle that runs on a Teflon bearing plate in a bronze housing for lower wow-and-flutter and superior speed accuracy. Three-point aluminum cone feet further reduce noise and vibration. A 9" fixed headshell tonearm with precision Swiss bearings and rigid carbon fiber arm tube provides superior tracking and cartridge control. Accurate adjustment of both VTA and azimuth is easily accomplished. Detachable interconnect cable and a screw down record clamp are included.
The aim to better the hi-fi -classic Pro-Ject-1 is achieved with two different approaches: According to the principle of "less is more" we exchanged the rectangular chassis in favour of a radical "drop-form". In addition, the old resonating main platter was exchanged for MDF which is free of resonance. A metal ring is mounted around the main bearing for optimised conductance of unwanted vibrations. The audible benefits are amazing. The sound is calmer and richer without losing detail.
Absolute Sound Pro-Ject Debut III, RM-5, RM-10 Turntables, and TubeBox SE Phonostage By Jim Hannon, june 2007 "...The RM-5 and Blue Point No.2 make a formidable combination in the sub-kilobuck sweepstakes, and the carbon-fiber arm is a pleasant surprise. Whereas this combo does not provide triple the performance of the Debut III, it brings forth more of the fine details that make listening more engaging and rewarding. Its sound is far closer to the bigger Pro-Ject ’tables and worth the extra coin."
Don Lindich’s Sound Advice Blog Pro-Ject RM-5 Turntable-Record Rennaisance in the iPod Age "...No matter the record, the RM-5 made sound that was magical- clean, warm, and natural, with powerful, defined bass and crystalline highs that were not too bright. The music emanated from a silent background, the system providing all the clarity, quietness and impact one associates with CD, but with a far more natural, engaging, and delicate sound- even from 40 year-old records. A British magazine said of the RM-5, “already becoming a legend”. I can see why. That the RM-5/Blue Point No. 2 system is available for under $1,000 total is quite an achievement and a testament to Pro-Ject’s high value equation."
JazzTimes Let’s Get Physical: Why Analog Always Trumps Digital By Mike Quinn, November 2007 "...The RM-5, though not sporting the heft nor the features of more expensive tables, is a very respectable performer in its own right, and offers something that normally only comes with much costlier tables, a screw-down record clamp that guarantees the record will lay flat on the platter (in analog, flatter is better). Listening to this rig was more than pleasurable, and even at this price point, bested all but the most meticulously engineered CDs. There is just something inherently organic about analog playback at any level that makes listening more involving, and this Pro-Ject table did not disappoint in this very important aspect. For the money, this is an outstanding performer, and a great way to catch the vinyl bug on a budget."
Pro-Ject RM5.1SE Features:
Chassis piano-lacquered dark grey
A quiet running AC motor with a two-step pulley drives the hub and platter via a flat-ground belt.
The medium density fibre plinth stands on three height-adjustable rubber-damped aluminium cones.
The motor is decoupled from the plinth to reduce vibration transmission.
MDF platter with integrated vinyl mat
The platter's low-tolerance chrome-plated stainless-steel axle runs on a Teflon bearing plate in a sintered bronze bearing housing.
Central metal block optimises centre of gravity and damps main bearing.
Connection to the phono input of the amplifier can be made with connecting cables of your taste through the gold plated phono sockets and earth screw. A standard cable is provided.
External power supply avoids potential electro-mechanical interference.
Pro-Ject RM5.1SE Technical Data:
Nominal speeds: 33 / 45 / 78 r.p.m. (78 optional)
Dust cover: Pro-Ject Cover it optional
Record clamp: yes
RCA phono sockets: yes
Rubber-damped aluminium cones: yes
Central metal block: yes
Tonearm: Pro-Ject 9cc
Tonearm with fibre armtube and sapphire thrust-pads: yes
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