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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
williewonka
3,072 posts
 

@syr1990 - My Rega Planar II originally had a glass platter - it was tough to get a mat that worked really well.

Finally settled on a 20 SRM/TECH Acrylic Platter

DELUXE ACRYLIC PLATTER FOR REGA AND REGA CLONES | eBay

Installed it and never looked back.

I think what helps the performance of this platter is the "Peripheral Rubber Band" surround - which helps add mass and prevents the platter from "ringing"

This provided the performance boost I was looking for

  • more artculate
  • improved details and clarity
  • tighter bass
  • less glare
  • improved sibilance

A mat is not required with this platter.

Since changing to the Acrylic platter I have upgraded the plinth, arm and cartridge and each time this platter simply provided more and more details.

After this experience, I would not consider any turntable that did not have an acrylic platter

Hope that helps Steve

 

lewm
12,560 posts
 

Using 3 different materials on 3 different models from one company indicates the absence of any coherent theory at Pro-ject. So I wouldn’t buy a Pro-ject at all. You don’t say whether any or all of these come with a mat. Aluminum platter with mat is extremely common and works fine. In that case the SQ is determined largely by the mat. I personally don’t like acrylic at all but many obviously do. MDF strikes me as a bad choice for a platter because MDF imparts an objectionable coloration but maybe in a CLD layering with a harder material it works.

syr1990 OP
15 posts
 

@lewm 

I do not believe any of them come with a mat, but that could be purchased separately.
 

I’m open to recommendations for turntables in that price range (approx $1500-$2800) if you have any. 

lewm
12,560 posts
 

I think I was a little too emphatic in my statement about Pro-ject. They seem to have many satisfied users. I am no expert on mid or low cost belt drive TTs.

melm
1,057 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.

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