ProJect "Genie" RM-1.3 Turntable, Clean and Classy

Pro-Ject Audio Systems was founded in 1991 in Austria by engineer Heinz Lichtenegger.  Heinz was smart to name his company Pro-Ject. An opportunist, he purchased the remnants of a Czech turntable company following the collapse of the Berlin Wall and subsequent chaotic "re-opening" of Europe.  His goal was to make high quality, European-made turntables available to the world; and he has since succeeded. Since then, Pro-Ject has delivered excellent acoustic quality, across an entire line of components, at both affordable and outlandish prices...To suit every type of refined budget. 

The RM-1.3 "Genie" turntable is one such refinement that elevates the listening experience beyond the base-level, without a crazy ratcheting in price.  Adapted from the extremely successful model 1 and Debut III models, the RM-1.3 takes things a step further, most notably with a physically separated motor assembly.  From there, a thin rubberized belt delicately wraps around the pulley and platter, making it the only contact point between the motor and the rest of the machine. 

The plinth itself is made from a lightweight composite board, built-up in layers and machined to make it as unintrusive as possible. This allows the framework to hold the extra-dense platter without adding its own coloration to the sound.  A lightweight "S" shaped aluminum tonearm, commonly found in the Pro-Ject Debut provides adequate adjustability to align the cartridge and create the perfect contact patch between stylus and record. 

This unit has been combined with an equally impressive Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge, properly aligned, and also includes a brand new motor and pulley assembly imported from the UK. 

This is an excellent "skeletal" turntable design for the up-and-coming vinyl nut.  Has a classy, open frame look, and plays incredibly well.

$379 (plus applicable shipping and/or MA sales tax)