Pro-Ject Xtension 9 Evolution

Description

Pro-Ject Xtension 9 Evolution is a high-end turntable with a dense, resonance absorbing MDF chassis filled with steel pellets that add mass and further disperse resonance. Unique opposing-magnetic feet decouple the main plinth from its surface. The feet isolate the weighty 35 lbs of total turntable mass from external vibration thus combining principles of mass-loading & suspension. Instead of a purely aluminum main platter, Pro-Ject uses a special alloy that is also damped with thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) with a top layer of recycled vinyl for optimal record coupling. The final product subsequently benefits from a wonderful resonance-free, high-mass platter that runs ultra-silently on an inverted ceramic bearing (ball & plate) with additional opposing-magnetic force to eliminate bearing friction & rumble.

Xtension 9 Evolution features high-precision quartz-generated electronic speed regulation with microprocessor control (Speed Box technology). Absolutely clean AC power is generated, which is then fed directly into a built-in synchronous motor. Decoupling from mains interference, quartz regulation and a dedicated filter circuit delivers far better speed stability and smooth, undisturbed motor operation. Speed selection between 33 and 45rpm is as simple as the push of a button.

Inside the Plinth

RPM 9 & 10 Carbon, Xtension 9, 10 & 12 Evolution, and Signature 10 & 12 use plinths that are more than meets the eye. These high-end turntables not only use multi-density fiber (MDF, which absorbs resonance), but inside the plinths are also “central gravity points” filled will steel pellets. Drawing harmful resonance to the central gravity point all but eliminates the potential for plinth and bearing noise to reach the tonearm and cartridge. Pellets are used as opposed to a solid alloy due to their dispersion effect where a solid alloy may resonate. This design heightens the overall mass of these turntables as well, a well-known approach to optimizing sonics.

True Balanced – Get Blown Away

Setting us apart from the competition, all Pro-Ject turntables are configured for balanced operation.* Switching to balanced is no subtle upgrade and promises to redefine ‘reference’ sound quality in your turntable system. What’s needed to get there are a) a moving coil cartridge, b) a turntable with balanced phono outputs, c) a phono preamp with balanced phono inputs and d) a balanced cable carrying the phono signal from turntable to phono preamp. Typically a much more costly endeavor, Pro-Ject has changed that landscape by offering products that make the technology attainable to any serious listener.

Xtension 9 Evolution comes equipped with a balanced 5-pin DIN phono output and can be run balanced with either DIN > XLR or DIN > mini XLR phono cables and a balanced phono stage. The turntable ships with a DIN > RCA phono cable for maximum compatibility out of the box (unbalanced dual single-ended RCA/ground is by far the most common connection type in phono). Balanced add-ons are sold separately. Browse options for balanced phono preamps & cables in the reel below!

*Excluding turntables with built-in phono preamps.

Tonearm Upgrades for Your Xtension 9 Turntable

The Xtension 9 Evolution turntable ships with the adept EVO 9 CC tonearm with ABEC 7 quality bearings & a one-piece carbon fiber armtube. The EVO 9 CA Premium tonearm is available as a drop-in upgrade (no soldering needed). It features a one-piece carbon/aluminum armtube, high-purity silver tonearm wire, an upgraded bearing assembly using stainless steel and an improved TPE-damped counterweight on a threaded stub. Explore even greater versatility with the EVO AS and EVO AS Premium tonearms. These are curved options with replaceable headshells- especially good for phono cartridge collectors. The EVO AS Premium receives the same upgrades as the EVO CA Premium mentioned above.