Pro-Ject Audio Signature 12.2: Flagship turntable launched

With the Signature 12.2, manufacturer Pro-Ject Audio Systems wants to offer the highest level of turntable technology that also looks very nice. All components are made in their own factory and the production of the Signature 12.2 takes two days. Components are carefully polished, buffed and assembled by hand.

The new S-shaped aluminum tonearm measures 12 inches in length and features several new innovations. Two of the more subtle changes are improvements to the counterweight and anti-skating. The most significant change is in the tonearm bearing. The designers redesigned the tonearm bearing to move from a uni-pivot to a three-point pivot system. Precise alignment of the three pivot points results in further reduction of friction and improved stability, which the manufacturer claims outperforms gimbal bearings and previous versions of unipivot bearings.

The TPE damped platter is made of aluminum, weighs over 22 pounds and sits on an inverted bearing that is magnetically decoupled. The vinyl layer on top is the perfect surface for the resting record. The motor is controlled by a precision DC-driven AC generator and makes the platter spin at either 33 1/3 or 45 revolutions per minute.

The Signature 12.2 measures 580 x 220 x 480 millimeters (W x H x D) and weighs 80 pounds. Delivery is excluding element. The Signature 12.2 changes owner for an amount of $12,000.