Signature 12.2

The Signature 12.2

The Pro-Ject Signature 12.2 represents the highest level of turntable technology on offer, incorporating exclusive materials, premium engineering, and a luxury finish. The turntable is handmade by a select few of Pro-Ject's highly skilled staff; A two-day process is undergone to hand-polish and precision-mount all components before the turntable commences in a strict four-step quality control phase. The Signature 12.2 is a labour of love from the start of the manufacturing process all the way through to the end; It isn't just their flagship model, it is their pride and joy. 

The Finest Craftsmanship

The heavy MDF main chassis is hand-painted in 10 layers and carefully hand-polished to achieve the classic, timeless and luxurious piano-black finish. The main chassis features rounded edges which help to reduce standing waves. With precision CNC machining we avoid hollow spaces wherever possible, eliminating any unwanted resonances.

Motor block and Flywheel

The Signature 12.2 utilises a flywheel belt drive system, this ensures a vibration free running which results in the most accurate and stable speeds.

The motors used are mounted in a full aluminum motor block, which further dampens vibrations. Aesthetically, the motor block adds additional high-gloss polished aluminum accents, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the complete Signature 12.2 package. An elegant and luxurious finishing touch.

Spring loaded feet

In order to accommodate the increased total mass of the Signature 12.2 compared to its predecessor, Pro-Ject have designed completely new spring-loaded feet. The new spring-loaded feet provide a superior decoupling effect for the turntable. Additionally, this enables the user to modify the damping characteristics and construct a mass-loaded sub-chassis. The feet use conical tips to redirect any unwanted energy (vibration, resonances, noise, etc.) away from the turntable. They are easily adjusted from the top of the chassis, allowing for a level position to be achieved with minimal effort. 

Electronic Speed Control

The motors of the Signature 12.2 are powered by a precision DC-driven AC generator for playback speeds of 33 and 45 RPM with the utmost precision. Pro-Ject opted for the elegant control panel crafted, again, from hand-polished aluminum as it helps to reduce unwanted electromagnetic radiation, but also a commitment to focus solely on audio quality.

Bearings

To ensure stable speeds a proper platter bearing is needed, the Signature 12.2 uses a special technology where the heavyweight platter spins on an inverted ceramic ball bearing with a magnetic support to reduce bearing noise and resonance to an absolute minimum.

Platter

The main platter is precision CNC-machined from aluminum and weighs a substantioal 10.5kg. Taking this base, Pro-Ject have glued recycled vinyl records to the top (which act as a perfect mat) and bake this ‘sandwich’ before precision balancing it. With this solution the final product benefits from a wonderfully resonance-free, heavy platter and with the magnetic decoupling we are able to relieve the main bearing and ensure that the platter runs ultra-silently.

Tonearm Design

The 12“ S-shape aluminium tonearm is incorporated with several new innovations from Pro-Ject. Two of the more subtle changes include improvements to the counterweight and the anti-skating. The counterweight now features a fine thread for smoother tracking force adjustment, allowing for smaller, more incremental changes.

Adaptive Anti-Skating

The anti-skating mechanism of the tonearm utilises Pro-Ject's correct adaptive anti-skating technology, adjusting the anti-skating to accurately reflect the force required between the inner and outer grooves of the vinyl record. Pro-Ject have fine tuned the position of the mechanism on the tonearm to make it more accessible and therefore easier to setup.

Upgrade to TRUE BALANCED

The Signature 12.2 is fitted with a 5pin DIN output connector making the turntable capable of balanced audio transmission. Pro-Ject’s True Balanced Connection concept invites users to take advantage of higher gain and reduced noise from their turntable. Pro-Ject's 'True Balanced' cable range offers you the perfect cable companion to extend this balanced signal from your turntable to a balanced-compatible phono stage.

Learn more about True Balanced here.  

The Signature 12.2 - A true reference product