Pro-Ject E1
Budget turntables · 2022–? Discontinued
£185 typical UK used price
The entry point of Pro-Ject's current E line: everything pre-adjusted at the factory, with an Ortofon OM 5E and electronic speed change.
Who it suits
Best suited to: a first turntable for casual, low-effort listening. Less ideal for: an existing hi-fi system where you want to hear more detail — the fixed cartridge and light tonearm are the limiting factors there; anyone who wants a manufacturer warranty — this model is no longer sold new.
Compatibility and setup
- Manual operation: you cue and lift the tonearm by hand at the start and end of each side — there’s no auto-return or auto-lift.
Good to know
- No built-in phono stage — use an amplifier with a phono input or add a separate phono preamplifier.
- This is a used-market purchase. Ask about condition, originality and service history — for this drive type, check the drive belt (often perished or stretched with age) and bearing, plus the stylus regardless.
Specifications
| Drive | belt drive |
|---|---|
| Speeds | 33/45 rpm |
| Operation | manual |
| Cartridge included | Ortofon OM 5E |
| Built-in phono stage | No |
| USB output | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Platter | ABS with anti-resonance ribs |
| Tonearm | 8.6" aluminium |
| Warranty | 2 years (extendable to 3 with registration) |
| Years | 2022–? |
Where to buy the Pro-Ject E1
2 UK merchants handle used or discontinued decks like this — each outbound link searches the deck on that merchant’s site.
| Merchant | Type | Delivery | Product search |
|---|---|---|---|
| eBay UK | used marketplace | Varies by seller | Search at eBay UK ↗ |
| Vinyl Revival | music retail | UK delivery | Search at Vinyl Revival ↗ |
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