Founded in 1991 by Heinz Lichtenegger in Mistelbach, Austria, Pro-Ject Audio Systems emerged during the CD era's dominance with a mission to produce audiophile quality Hi-Fi components at affordable prices. Lichtenegger, a High End distributor since 1985 with special passion for analog players, acquired a turntable factory in Litovel, Czech Republic after the Iron Curtain fell. The Pro-Ject 1 (1991), a modified Tesla NC-500, marked their entry into revitalizing vinyl interest. Designing products in Austria while manufacturing in Germany, Czech Republic, and Slovakia, Pro-Ject operates in over 80 countries with 5,000+ dealers and 500+ employees across four factories. Winner of numerous international awards including EISA and Red Dot Design Awards, the company produces reference entry-level turntables alongside micro Hi-Fi components including amplifiers, CD transports, phono stages, streaming devices, and loudspeakers. Pro-Ject played a crucial role in making audiophile equipment accessible to broader markets, significantly contributing to vinyl's renaissance.