Henley Audio has announced the UK availability of two new turntables from Pro-Ject Audio Systems. The Signature 12.2, Pro-Ject’s new flagship, represents the pinnacle of the brand’s turntable engineering, while The Classic Reference draws one of the brand’s limited-edition designs to deliver high-end performance at a lower, though still premium, cost.
Both will make their official UK debut with Henley Audio at this weekend’s UK Hi-Fi Show Live (Ascot, 27–28 September).
Previously previewed as prototypes at audio shows, the decks now arrive in their final production versions. Each is handmade in Europe, reflecting Pro-Ject’s long tradition of in-house craftsmanship and precision engineering. Both also share the company’s focus on balanced connections, with the option of upgrading to True Balanced cabling with moving-coil cartridges.
The Signature 12.2 is the most advanced turntable Pro-Ject has ever built. It is assembled from more than 100 individually CNC-machined parts – all made in-house – and all metal parts are meticulously hand-polished over two full days before final assembly. Its hand-painted MDF chassis is finished in 10 layers of piano black lacquer, rounded at the edges to reduce standing waves and sits on newly designed conical-tipped spring-loaded feet adjustable from the top of the chassis for perfect levelling.
At its heart lies a 10.5kg aluminium platter, precision CNC-machined as a base before recycled vinyl records are glued on top to provide a perfect mat. This ‘sandwich’ is baked and precision-balanced, enhancing resonance control and highlighting Pro-Ject’s commitment to sustainability. Beneath it, an inverted ceramic ball bearing with magnetic support ensures ultra-quiet running.
A new 12in aluminium tonearm uses a three-point pivot bearing – a switch from its predecessor’s uni-pivot system – delivering greater stability, less friction and better handling of today’s heaviest MC cartridges.
The Classic Reference builds on The Classic EVO and the enhancements developed for Pro-Ject’s limited-edition 175 Vienna Philharmonic turntable, itself an evolved version of the Classic EVO. While the 175 remains a sought-after collector’s item, The Classic Reference brings that design and engineering ethos to a wider audience, combining refined materials, balanced connectivity and a clear upgrade path.
It features Pro-Ject’s EVO 9 AS HG tonearm with ultra-low friction ABEC-7 cardanic bearings in a massive aluminium housing, paired with an SME connector for quick cartridge swaps. The aluminium platter is precision-machined and damped with TPE, sitting atop an MDF/aluminium sandwich chassis with TPE-suspended sub-chassis for isolation. Importantly, it includes both traditional RCA outputs and balanced XLR sockets – offering the kind of noise-free connection typically found in professional recording studios.
At first glance, the switch-mode power supply may look basic – but all Pro-Ject turntables, including the Signature 12.2, hide a precision DC-driven AC generator inside each deck, which powers the motor and creates a completely clean sine wave, ensuring clean power and stable speed. For those seeking even higher performance, both models can be upgraded with Pro-Ject’s optional Power Box RS2 Phono (£799) and Phono Box RS2 £1399) phono stage.
The Signature 12.2 is an example of what’s possible in high-mass turntable engineering, while The Classic Reference continues the legacy of The Classic EVO and 175 VPO. Both deliver build and performance that, while far from cheap, would cost far more elsewhere, claims the manufacturer.
Available now in the UK through authorised Pro-Ject dealers, distributed exclusively by Henley Audio, the Signature 12.2 is priced at £10,599.00 (€12,000).
The Classic Reference is priced at £4,349 (€4,990) for the Piano/Silver finish and £5,199 (€5,990) for Acacia/Brass.