Review on 🎶 Pro-Ject Essential Turntable: Acryl-E Acrylic Platter Upgrade for Enhanced Performance by Jamie Behm

Pro-Ject Essential II Acrylic Disc is a really worthwhile upgrade for this particular player. I particularly speak for this table because the original MDF top is light in mass and weight, while the acrylic top is much heavier. This is important for this table as the base and platter have relatively little mass and the extra weight/mass this platter supports provides a stronger flywheel effect which helps stabilize rotation speed and reduces wow and flutter . Acrylic doesn't resonate, so it also helps reduce some of the vibration noise transmitted from the motor to the disc bearing, disc and base (but honestly the noise level was never really unacceptable and was well below musical levels). the initial signal level is acceptable for an entry-level table). To improve the sound, I opted for an acrylic disc in combination with a Pro-Ject Cork-It mat, although according to the manufacturer this is not necessary. The cork-it mat is flimsy and this slight change in VTA is not significant or audible, at least not with the included Ortofon OEM cartridge. To my taste, without a cork mat, the high notes sound a little "harsh" with a vinyl record directly on the acrylic, and the mat seems to smooth them out a bit, but still sounds very solid. A clear but subtle improvement can be heard if you upgrade the board, the sound is subjectively "harder" than with the MDF board, the bass is a bit more defined, even with the cork mat. (Note: I haven't even used the thin felt mat that came with the table.) And as mentioned, the added mass of the disc helps with speed stability. (Note that I acknowledge that whether to use a turntable mat and what type of material is best is a separate matter of discussion among audiophiles. I am expressing my preference only, your opinion may differ from mine and in the Actual equivalent, as I understand that your opinion reflects your listening preferences. I believe that a mat affects the sound and using it, particularly on a bare acrylic surface, reduces the potential for slippage, especially if a clamp or weight is also used. .next paragraph..) I would also recommend considering an extra weight or clamp to better secure the record to the surface of the platter to reduce slippage and resonance, with or without the use of a mat. You can buy one or, if you'd like, try making one out of a hockey puck or a plastic can lid. Look for the procedure online! At least you can get an idea of how it can work for you with minimal investment.