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Pro-Ject

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Pro-Ject Audio Systems
Company typePrivately held company
IndustryElectronics
Founded1991; 35 years ago (1991)
HeadquartersMistelbach, Lower Austria, Austria
Key people
Heinz Lichtenegger (founder and director)
ProductsHi-fi equipment, Turntables
Revenueunknown
Number of employees
approx. 300
Websiteproject-audio.com
Debut EVO Soundsystem in the HQ showroom

Pro-Ject Audio Systems is a manufacturer of audiophile equipment, founded in 1991 by Heinz Lichtenegger and located in Mistelbach, Austria.[1][2] Pro-Ject Audio Systems designs the products in Austria and produces them in plants located in Germany, Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Its product range includes a family of turntables, which are often quoted as reference entry-level models.[3][4] The Pro-Ject Debut turntable, introduced in 1999, played a pivotal role in revitalizing interest in vinyl records (Phonograph record) by offering high-quality analog playback at an affordable price point, making quality turntables accessible to a broader audience.[5]

Since 2015 Pro-Ject has released limited edition Artist Collection[6] turntables in cooperation with the Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Metallica, Hans Theessink, Parov Stelar, and the Vienna Philharmonic.[7]

They also manufactures a range of micro Hi-Fi components such as Amps, CD Transports, Phono Stages, Streaming Devices, Loudspeakers and more.[8][9][10][11]

Pro-Ject Audio Systems is a division of Audio Tuning,[12] that also owns Musical Fidelity,[13] REKKORD AUDIO[14] and TONE Factory.[15]

History

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Pro-Ject founder Heinz Lichtenegger began producing and selling turntables under this brand name in 1991. The Pro-Ject 1, launched in 1991, marked the company's entry into the turntable market. Developed by founder Heinz Lichtenegger, this deck was essentially a modified version of the Tesla NC-500, a turntable produced in the Czech Republic. By enhancing the design with improved materials and engineering, Pro-Ject created an affordable yet high-quality turntable that laid the foundation for its future success.[16]

Timeline

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Significant events in the history of Pro-Ject Audio Systems[17][18]

1991 – Foundation

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Heinz Lichtenegger founded Pro-Ject Audio Systems and launched the first turntable, the Pro-Ject 1. The consortium of the most experienced hi-fi editors within the Expert Imaging and Sound Association EISA has chosen the Pro-Ject 1 for an award in the category ‘Best Buy Turntable’.[19]

1993 – Partnership

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After the collapse of the Iron Curtain, Pro-Ject partnered with a former Tesla factory in the Czech Republic, which continues to produce turntables for Pro-Ject.

1994 – Pro-Ject 6

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Introduction of the first high-end turntable, the Pro-Ject 6.

1999 – Debut Series

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Launch of the Debut turntable, aiming to make hi-fi products more accessible; it has sold nearly one million units to date.[20]

2000 – New Factories

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To support electronics production, Pro-Ject established new partnerships in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

2007 – Digital Entry

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Introduction of the first digital products: Pre Box, Amp Box, and DAC Box.

Since 2015 – Artist Collection

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Collaboration with artists such as Parov Stelar, The Beatles, Metallica and The Rolling Stones to create special edition turntables.

2017 – Headquarters

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Opening of new headquarters in Lower Austria, including offices, logistics center, administration, and R&D facilities.

2021 – 30th Anniversary

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Celebration marked by the release of the Debut PRO turntable.

2023 – EVO Tonearms

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Release of 24 different high-precision tonearms, handmade in Europe.

2024 – Current Status

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Pro-Ject operates in over 80 countries with more than 5,000 dealers, employing over 500 people across four factories, and has received numerous international awards, including EISA and Red Dot Design Awards.[21]

Pro-Ject Turntables in Film-Sets

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Pro-Ject turntables have made notable appearances in various films, often serving as key elements in set designs. These placements underscore a cultural significance and aesthetic appeal of turntables in contemporary movies.[22] For instance, the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Line was featured in the film A Bigger Splash (2015 film)[23] for the authentic portrayal of a character with a passion for vinyl records. It also appeared in the Music video of the Song “Giorgio by Moroder” by Daft Punk.[24] Several Pro-Ject turntable models appeared in Do Not Disturb (2014 film),[25] Westworld (TV series), Season 4,[26] Suits (American TV series) or The Mechanic (2011 film).[27]

Picture Gallerie

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Go Analogue! in the third millenium" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 23 September 2010.
  2. ^ "Pro-ject Audio Systems". Archived from the original on 28 June 2018. Retrieved 23 April 2018.
  3. ^ "Currently active record player manufacturers. G to Q". Audiotools.com. Retrieved 26 November 2024.
  4. ^ "Pro-ject Owners Manuals, Service Manuals, Schematics, Free Download". Vinyl Engine. Retrieved 23 September 2010.
  5. ^ Bob (27 April 2017). "History of the Pro-Ject Debut a Budget Classic". audio affair. Retrieved 1 December 2024.
  6. ^ "Pro-Ject TURNTABLES / Artist Collection". project-audio.com. 7 June 2021. Retrieved 26 November 2024.
  7. ^ "Plattenspieler der Extraklasse: The Classic Reference". connect.de. 30 October 2024. Retrieved 26 November 2024.
  8. ^ "Box Design by Pro-Ject Audio Systems". Box-designs.com. 23 August 2016. Archived from the original on 25 June 2018. Retrieved 10 September 2016.
  9. ^ Reina, Robert J. (February 2010). "Pro-Ject Debut III record player". Stereophile. Retrieved 23 September 2010.
  10. ^ Gold, Phil (April 2004). "Entry Level Vinyl Spinner... Pro-Ject 1 Xpression And Speed Box". Enjoythemusic.com. Retrieved 23 September 2010.
  11. ^ Price, David (January 1998). "VINYL TO GO!". Hi-fi World. Archived from the original on 20 September 2010. Retrieved 23 September 2010.
  12. ^ https://www.audiotuning.com
  13. ^ https://www.musicalfidelity.com
  14. ^ https://www.rekkord-audio.com
  15. ^ https://www.tone-factory.com
  16. ^ Joe Cox (23 September 2023). "12 of the best Pro-Ject turntables of all time". WHAT HI*FI?. Retrieved 1 December 2024.
  17. ^ Marcus Carlsen (8 February 2024). "Pro-Ject Audio Systems". Stereoindex. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
  18. ^ "Hi-Fi Hall of Fame - Business Inductee - Pro-Ject Audio Systems". Hi-Fi Hall Of Fame. 2023. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
  19. ^ Atr (19 August 2019). "EISA-Awards for Pro-Ject". Atr – Lust auf Hifi (in German). ATR – Audio Trade. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
  20. ^ What Hi-Fi? (16 October 2023). "Pro-Ject Debut Pro review". What Hi-Fi. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
  21. ^ "Company history – From the Beginning". Pro-Ject. 15 June 2021.
  22. ^ Kashfia Kabir (25 October 2018). "21 of our favourite turntable cameos in films and TV shows". WHAT HI*FI. Retrieved 4 December 2024.
  23. ^ Reel by projectaudiosystems (19 February 2024). "Pro-Ject on Movie-Set: A bigger splash". Instagram. Retrieved 4 December 2024.
  24. ^ Daft Punk (24 February 2014). "Daft Punk - Giorgio by Moroder (Official Audio)". YouTube. Retrieved 4 December 2024.
  25. ^ Reel by projectaudiosystems (14 February 2024). "Pro-Ject on Movie-Set: Do not disturb". Instagram. Retrieved 4 December 2024.
  26. ^ Reel by projectaudiosystems (13 March 2024). "Pro-Ject on Movie-Set: Westworld (TV Series), Season 4". Instagram. Retrieved 4 December 2024.
  27. ^ Reel by projectaudiosystems (21 December 2023). "Pro-Ject on Movie-Sets: The Mechanic (2011)". Instagram. Retrieved 4 December 2024.
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