Pro-Ject Audio - The Dark Side of the Moon - Special Edition Turntable
$1,999
Features:
- Fully Manual - Belt Drive
- Glass Platter
- Aluminum Sub-platter
- Dimmable LED Rainbow Backlight
- Pick it PRO Special Edition Cartridge
- Handmade in Europe
In the world of 1970’s Classic Rock, one album stands apart as possibly the greatest of all time. Released in 1973, the epic Dark Side of the Moon by Pink Floyd has withstood the test of time with fans, and especially with fans of hi-fidelity sound reproduction. Fifty plus years after the initial release, the album is still being used to show off, test and challenge the best equipment audio manufactures can build. One of those manufacturers, Pro-ject, decided to help celebrate the 50th anniversary of the album with a Dark Side of the Moon Special Edition Turntable.
I got my first look at this turntable back in February at the Florida International Audio Expo Show in Tampa. It certainly was an attention getter, bringing smiles to the faces of the attendees, and more than a few went home with a new turntable. It didn't matter if you are a member of the audio elite with a $50k table and $20k phono-stage at home, the DSOTM table was a must-see stop on the tour of rooms. Pro-ject has taken great care to pack this turntable with cool features that honors the sound quality heritage of the original LP, while also making the visuals the star of the show.
A heavy glass platter was almost mandatory to stay with the prism theme of the original album artwork. The acrylic tonearm also adds a nice touch to the overall look of the turntable. Project has equipped this beauty with the Pick it Pro Special Edition Cartridge. The Pro-Ject Pick it Pro ($150) is equipped with a special elliptical stylus tip which provides detailed sound reproduction and expansive imaging. The plinth is made of a very high quality performance MDF which provides excellent isolation, and the aluminum sub-platter improves speed accuracy and damps resonance for better sound. I love the inclusion of the aluminum arm switch which is an obvious nod to the beam of light entering the prism of the album cover. When it is switched to the "On" position, it lines up perfectly.
As you would expect, the operation of this turntable is fully manual with a precision belt drive. The "On" switch is definitely a cool touch, Pro-ject broke with tradition to create a functional feature out of the album aesthetic. The switch from 33 to 45 RPM is accomplished by adjusting the belt and pulley underneath the platter - a pretty quick switch for listening to 45 releases. When you're listening to Dark Side of the Moon late at night, the LED Rainbow backlight really puts you in the mood for classic tracks like “Money” and “Time”. Another nice touch is the dimming feature of the LED backlight for users to relax in semi or total darkness.
Speaking of time, these turntables will not be around forever. The limited production nature of special editions makes it important to pick one up before they are discontinued, if this is your dream turntable.
Enjoy, and see you on the Dark Side of the Moon!