2023 Golden Ear: Pro-Ject T1 Phono SB Turntable

$449

The Pro-Ject T1 Phono SB is an attractive entry-level turntable with a surprising number of features. It’s composed of a rectangular base made of solid MDF with absolutely no plastic involved. The platter is glass—unusual at this price—and sits on top of a sub-platter mounted to a precision bearing, all of which is connected to the aluminum pulley system using a belt. Since the T1 SB Phono includes a built-in electronically regulated motor with a push-button switch between 33 and 45rpm, there’s no frustrating moving of a belt to different notches to change speeds. Finally, there’s the 8.6″ tonearm made from black aluminum with an adjustable counterweight for easy cartridge swapping, though it comes pre-set with a pre-mounted cartridge straight from the factory. Overall, the T1 Phono SB sounded great, especially through its built-in phono preamp. Rhythm and pacing were solid, and there was a ton of life and excitement pouring out of the speakers regardless of genre. But where this deck really shines is in pure value proposition: For $449, listeners can get a true hi-fi turntable with almost all the bells-and-whistles that come with higher-end gear—one that’s easily set up and eminently functional. Highly recommended for anyone getting into vinyl for the first time. (339)