Pro-Ject Blends Legacy and Innovation in The Classic Reference Turntable - HiFi.Fan
Pro-Ject Blends Legacy and Innovation in The Classic Reference Turntable
By HiFi Editorial24 February 2026
Key Highlights
Inspired by Pro-Ject's collaboration with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, The Classic Reference blends musical heritage with cutting-edge engineering.
Features include an EVO 9 ASHG tonearm, high-mass aluminum platter with TPE damping, and precision sub-platter system for exceptional sound accuracy.
Offers both RCA and balanced XLR outputs for professional-grade noise rejection and interference immunity.
For the true vinyl enthusiasts out there, Pro-Ject Audio Systems has just unveiled a masterpiece that resonates deeply with the soul of analog music lovers. Introducing The Classic Reference—a turntable that doesn't just play records; it tells a story.
A Legacy Reborn
One of Pro-Ject's proudest achievements was the creation of a sublime turntable in collaboration with the world-famous Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra for their 175th anniversary. Crafted from the very woods and metals of the orchestra's original instruments, only 175 units were ever made. These turntables became instant collectibles, cherished by audiophiles worldwide.
Inspired by the overwhelming admiration for that exclusive model, Pro-Ject decided to bring back the essence of its beauty and technological brilliance. While the original instrument parts remain exclusive to the anniversary edition, The Classic Reference captures that same spirit, blending luxurious design with cutting-edge engineering.
Technical Mastery Meets Luxurious Design
At the heart of The Classic Reference lies a commitment to sonic perfection:
EVO 9 ASHG Tonearm: Equipped with inverted cardanic Swiss ABEC7 bearings featuring four stainless steel tips, all housed within a robust aluminum gimbal. This design ensures unparalleled stability and minimizes vibrations. The S-shaped tonearm, complete with internal damping and a removable SME-type headshell, allows for precise tracking and effortless cartridge swaps.
High-Mass Aluminum Platter: The 300mm platter is meticulously machined from a special aluminum alloy and damped with Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE). This effectively eliminates unwanted resonances and prevents the ringing effect common in lesser platters, providing a pure and silent foundation for your vinyl.
Precision Sub-Platter System: Beneath the main platter lies a diamond-cut aluminum sub-platter, adding mass and enhancing rotational stability. This ensures consistent speed accuracy, which is crucial for faithful sound reproduction.
Balanced XLR Outputs: Embracing professional audio standards, The Classic Reference features both RCA and true balanced XLR outputs. This offers superior noise rejection and interference immunity, delivering an unadulterated signal to your phono stage.
Advanced Motor Control: The turntable's motor is powered by a DC-driven AC generator, producing a clean sine wave for impeccable speed stability at 33⅓, 45, and even 78 RPM. Electronic speed change allows for seamless transitions between different record types.
A Story Woven into Every Detail
The collaboration with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra wasn't just a partnership—it was a fusion of musical heritage and audio craftsmanship. By integrating design elements inspired by the orchestra's instruments and leveraging the experience gained from the 175th-anniversary edition, Pro-Ject has created a turntable that pays homage to musical tradition while pushing the boundaries of analog technology.
To elevate the auditory experience even further, Pro-Ject offers an optional hand-selected Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra Anniversary cartridge. Fine-tuned in collaboration with members of the orchestra and built by Ortofon in Europe according to Pro-Ject's specifications, this special cartridge captures the music's essence with exceptional fidelity.
Specifications at a Glance
Speeds: 33⅓, 45, and 78 RPM (electronic speed change)
Drive Principle: Belt drive with precision motor control
Platter: 300mm aluminum with TPE damping ring
Main Bearing: Stainless steel
Wow & Flutter: ±0.03% at 33⅓ RPM
Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 73dB
Tonearm: EVO 9 AS HG, 230mm effective length
Effective Tonearm Mass: 24.2g
Outputs: RCA and balanced XLR
Dimensions: 460 x 131 x 351 mm (WxHxD) with lid closed
Included Accessories: Dust cover, Clamp it record clamp, Leather it turntable mat, Connect it Phono RCA cable
Aesthetic Excellence
Available in two exquisite finishes, The Classic Reference is as much a visual delight as it is a sonic one:
Acacia Wood with Bronze Accents: Exuding a warm, classic aesthetic that complements any listening space.
Piano Black with Silver Details: Offering a sleek, modern look that pairs elegance with sophistication.
Now available through select authorized Pro-Ject dealers.
Rediscovering the Soul of Vinyl
The Classic Reference isn't just another turntable—it's a bridge between the rich heritage of analog sound and today's audiophile demands. It's about more than just spinning records; it's about experiencing music the way it was meant to be heard. Every component, every material, and every design choice has been meticulously considered to bring out the best in your vinyl collection.
Final Thoughts
In a world increasingly dominated by digital convenience, The Classic Reference stands as a testament to the enduring allure of analog music. It invites audiophiles to not just listen but to engage with their music on a deeper level. Pro-Ject has crafted a turntable that doesn't just meet expectations—it surpasses them, offering an experience that's both nostalgic and refreshingly new.
