Pro-Ject 6 Perspex SB Turntable Review High-End Precision Meets Elegant DesignThe Pro-Ject 6 Perspex SB is a high-end turntable that blends audiophile performance with stunning aesthetics. Built with attention to detail and designed for those who value both sound and style, it stands out in a crowded market. Whether you’re a seasoned vinyl lover or upgrading your system, this turntable deserves your attention.
In this topic, we’ll explore what makes the 6 Perspex SB unique, including its features, sound performance, build quality, and who it’s best suited for.
Elegant and Functional Design
The most striking feature of the Pro-Ject 6 Perspex SB is its acrylic chassis. The transparent design gives it a modern and minimalistic appearance while serving a functional purpose reducing unwanted vibrations. The chassis is decoupled from its support using magnetic feet, creating a floating appearance that’s as practical as it is eye-catching.
The sandwich construction of acrylic and MDF ensures the unit remains sturdy without adding unnecessary weight. It’s not just about looks every design choice serves a sonic purpose.
Precision Engineering and Materials
At the heart of the 6 Perspex SB is the heavy acrylic platter. Its mass and material help suppress resonance and maintain stable rotation. Underneath is a sub-platter and inverted bearing system with a ceramic ball and Teflon-lined bearing. This combination minimizes friction and ensures smooth, silent operation.
The turntable uses a belt-drive system, which isolates the motor’s vibrations from the platter. This method is preferred by many audiophiles for its low noise and clean performance.
The motor is governed by a built-in Speed Box (hence the SB in its name), which offers electronic speed change between 33 and 45 RPM. This feature eliminates the need to manually adjust the belt position, adding convenience for listeners who switch speeds often.
Tonearm and Cartridge Compatibility
The 6 Perspex SB comes fitted with a 9cc Evolution carbon-fiber tonearm, one of Pro-Ject’s high-performance models. It’s lightweight, rigid, and ideal for extracting detail from your vinyl.
The tonearm features adjustable azimuth and VTA (vertical tracking angle), giving you fine control over your cartridge setup. It supports a wide range of cartridges, making this turntable a flexible platform for future upgrades.
Although the turntable is often sold without a cartridge, it pairs beautifully with both moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) cartridges. This allows the user to choose a stylus that best fits their listening preferences and budget.
Sound Quality What You Can Expect
The Pro-Ject 6 Perspex SB is designed to reveal detail, clarity, and dynamics. It offers a neutral and transparent presentation that brings out the natural tone of instruments and voices.
-
Bass Tight and controlled. The low end feels clean, with good extension but never overpowering.
-
Midrange Lifelike and rich. Vocals and acoustic instruments shine, especially on well-pressed records.
-
Treble Smooth and extended. High frequencies are detailed without sounding sharp or fatiguing.
The soundstage is spacious and layered, making it easier to locate instruments across a mix. Separation and imaging are standout features, ideal for those who want to hear every nuance in a recording.
Isolation and Stability
One of the most impressive aspects of the 6 Perspex SB is its ability to reject external vibrations. The magnetic suspension system, combined with the acrylic build and mass-loaded platter, keeps noise to an absolute minimum.
This makes the turntable suitable for environments where vibrations or footsteps might otherwise affect playback. It also contributes to its excellent performance in retrieving subtle details from records.
Setup and Ease of Use
While not necessarily beginner-friendly, the Pro-Ject 6 Perspex SB isn’t overly complicated either. It requires careful setup, especially with cartridge alignment and tonearm adjustments, but once dialed in, it offers consistent and fuss-free operation.
The inclusion of the Speed Box adds convenience, allowing for quick and accurate speed changes at the touch of a button. You won’t need to lift the platter or touch the belt, making daily use much smoother.
Build Quality and Craftsmanship
As expected from a Pro-Ject turntable in this price range, the 6 Perspex SB is built to a very high standard. The fit and finish of every part, from the tonearm to the platter bearing, reflects expert craftsmanship.
Even the smallest components, like the RCA output terminals and power connections, feel solid and reliable. Pro-Ject takes pride in its European manufacturing, and it shows in the build quality of this model.
Who Is the Pro-Ject 6 Perspex SB For?
This turntable is aimed at serious vinyl enthusiasts who want premium performance without going into ultra-high-end pricing territory. It’s perfect for listeners who
-
Appreciate precision engineering and beautiful design
-
Want customizable tonearm and cartridge options
-
Value low noise and excellent isolation
-
Prefer a neutral sound signature that highlights the music itself
It may not be the best choice for newcomers due to its manual setup, but for intermediate to advanced users, it’s a rewarding investment.
Pros and Cons
Pros
-
Elegant and functional acrylic design
-
Excellent isolation and low noise
-
High-performance carbon-fiber tonearm
-
Speed Box offers electronic speed control
-
Customizable cartridge compatibility
Cons
-
No cartridge included by default
-
Manual setup can be challenging for beginners
-
Requires proper supporting equipment for best results
Final Thoughts A Balanced Blend of Art and Engineering
The Pro-Ject 6 Perspex SB is a high-end turntable that combines thoughtful design with audiophile-level sound quality. From its visually striking acrylic body to its technical sophistication, it delivers a rich analog experience that’s both detailed and musical.
Whether you’re rediscovering your vinyl collection or building a reference-grade system, the 6 Perspex SB stands as a compelling choice in the premium turntable market. With the right setup, it can become the centerpiece of a listening space that celebrates the warmth and depth of analog sound.