Pro-Ject Signature Tonearm

The Signature tonearms from Pro-Ject Audio Systems offer true audiophile sound and striking style. They represent the absolute best performance possible.

Historically, Pro-Ject's premium tonearms have used stiff, light, one-piece arm tubes with Cardan bearing assemblies. This created a range of models that perform best with Moving Magnet and Moving Coil cartridges with middling compliance, and facilitated the lively, fast and dynamic sound that Pro-Ject turntables are known for. However, the high-end analogue market has changed in recent years, with a growing trend toward heavier cartridges with low compliance and low resonant frequency.

Low compliance, low resonant-frequency, heavy cartridges can deliver a big sound on high-end systems; yet they need a heavier arm with more internal damping to work optimally. So Pro-Ject set to work on a new high-end design, which could work with modern high-end cartridges and still deliver that coveted Pro-Ject sound.

The Signature tonearms are made from different metal and aluminium alloys and are produced using ultra-precise diamond cutters on CNC machinery. Inside the tonearm tube, damping material is meticulously applied to add mass and acoustic integrity, but in order to keep the iconic toe-tapping sound that Pro-Ject is associated with, the tube is mounted on a special, oil-damped Uni-Pivot bearing. The use of a uni-pivot addresses the potential for a gimble bearing assembly to provide too much friction for a heavier tonearm tube. The anti-skate system is also a new design, that moves relative to the arm position - ensuring the exact required amount of anti-skate is applied at any given time.

Set-up possibilities of the Signature tonearms are extensive, with VTA, azimuth and overhang all easily adjustable. The counterweight assembly can accomodate cartridges weighing between 5 and 25g (37g including the supplied aluminium headshell), and the use of a detachable headshell allows for easy changing between different types of cartridges. The Signature tonearms truly warrant their place at the apex of Pro-Ject's coveted range of high-end tonearms. Available in the UK in 10" or 12" Effective Length.

Technical Specifications for 10" Arm:

Effective Tonearm Length: 254mm
Mounting Distance: 238mm
Offset Angle: 21.4°
Overhang: 16mm
Effective Tonearm Mass: 18.5g
Cartridge Weight: 5-25g

Technical Specifications for 12" Arm:

Effective Tonearm Length: 304.8mm
Mounting Distance: 291.6mm
Offset Angle: 18°
Overhang: 13.2mm
Effective Tonearm Mass: 19.5g
Cartridge Weight: 5-25g