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Thoughts on the various platter materials used in Pro-Ject's midrange turntables?

I've been looking at Pro-Ject's mid-priced turntables and it has got me thinking: which ones have better platters for sonic performance?  Specifically, the models, all which have different platter materials are:

X2 - Acrylic ($1,699);

The Classic Evo - Aluminum (Precision balanced TPE-damped) ($1,999);

6 PerspeX SB - Vinyl/MDF sandwiched platter ($2,799).

 

Doing some general searches online, there seems to be high praise for acrylic.  A lot of bashing of aluminum and not great comments regarding MDF.  Is it possible that the cheapest turntable (X2) has the best platter?  Obviously, this discussion does not take into consideration the other differences with the turntables, including cartridge differences.  But just thought I'd get some insight specifically on the platter issue.

syr1990

Showing 2 responses by melm

melm
1,085 posts
 

IMO the weight of a platter is a very important consideration.  What do each of these weigh?  On acrylic and vinyl, you may be better off without a mat.  It's worth trying.

melm
1,085 posts
 

@syr1990 

It's shameful that audio manufacturers often don't fully describe what you are getting.  [I'm involved in some discussions about DACs and finding out what's actually inside some of these is detective work.]  IMO platter weight is perhaps the most important turntable spec.  If you're serious about buying you might write to Pro-ject and ask.

They are correct about ringing aluminum platters if they are not thick and heavy (like VPI for ex.).  Best then to use a substantial mat for dampening.

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