The RM-1.3 is designed to look and perform like no other affordable turntable. Featuring a Sumiko Pearl moving magnet cartridge that is factory mounted for your convenience, the RM-1.3 delivers musical fidelity that belies its price. A resonance-optimized MDF platter with a felt mat rests upon a three-point MDF plinth with an isolated motor assembly optimized for low noise and speed stability. The RM-1.3 incorporates an inverted chrome plated stainless steel axle that rests on a polished steel bearing in a bronze housing for low wow-and-flutter and speed accuracy. Three nylon cone feet further reduce noise and vibration. A single-piece fixed headshell 9” S-shaped tonearm features hardened stainless steel bearings and rigid aluminum tube to provide superb tracking. Accurate adjustment of both VTA and azimuth is easily accomplished. Detachable RCA interconnect cables included.
Our newest "BEST BUY" Star – radical design with no compromise on sound quality at the lowest price possible. All ingredients, like the shape of the chassis with decoupled motor, inverted main bearing and newly designed tone-arm all add up to a miracle in sound for the price!
The latest addition to the Pro-Ject line of turntables, the RPM1.3 Genie, bridges the gap between the Debut III ($349) and the Xpression III ($699). Going for $499 including cartridge, the Genie does more to earn its place in the illustrious line of turntables than not. Sumiko, the US importer, outfits the Genie with their Pearl cartridge – which retails for $100 on its own. At first glance, the Genie makes an impression with its shape. Modeled slightly after their RM5.1SE ($999), its plinth is circular, and doesn’t extend further than the platter – except to house the tonearm board, and motor. The motor is housed in a cut-out from the plinth, which it doesn’t make contact with, so not to transfer any vibrations to the playing surface. The tonearm is Pro-Ject’s first curved model to hit the US. Further vibration control has been met with coned feet. Offered in black, white, or red, the Genie aims to fit in just about any listening room’s design aesthetic.
The Sound With isolation taking precedence, Pro-Ject has managed to manufacture a budget-friendly turntable capable of capturing inner detail and nuance. From the first listening session, we were impressed with how stable this machine really was – both speed wise and in construction. Pace and timing were spot on, and quite exciting considering the price point. Vocals were believable, and harmonics rich. In examining Herbie Hancock’s Watermelon Man, the right-and-left channel play between horns was discernable and palatable. The keys were comfortably supporting the rest of the players, just as they should be.
The Verdict The RPM1.3 Genie is absolutely killer for the money. Users can stick with the Pearl cartridge (a great match for the tonearm), or opt for just about any medium mass cartridge. The sound is as good as the fit and finish, making it easy to recommend.
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