If you’ve been thinking about getting into vinyl—or getting back into it—the new Pro-Ject E1.2 might be the kind of turntable that makes the idea feel a lot more doable. Launching in July 2025 for £249 / €329, it’s a no-frills, fully manual record player that skips the flashy features in favor of sound quality and simplicity.

This is not a turntable that tries to be everything. There’s no Bluetooth, no USB port, and no built-in phono preamp. What you’re getting instead is a straightforward, analog-first design that takes its cues from Pro-Ject’s original turntable, the Pro-Ject 1, which came out all the way back in 1991.

The E1.2 is fully manual, which means you’ll cue records up yourself—just like people have been doing for decades. Speed switching is handled electronically, though, so jumping between 33 and 45 RPM is as easy as pushing a button. That balance of manual control with a touch of convenience makes it a solid option whether this is your first turntable or your fifth.

By design, the E1.2 skips features that don’t directly contribute to how your records sound. It doesn’t include a built-in phono stage, so you’ll need to pair it with a compatible amplifier, powered speakers, or a standalone phono preamp. It’s meant to be an analog-only setup, and for folks who want to keep it that way, that’s part of the appeal.

The E1.2 is an evolution of the earlier E1 model, and it comes with a few smart upgrades. The platter, which used to be made of ABS plastic, is now a heavier die-cast aluminum version that weighs in at 730 grams. There’s also a built-in TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) damping ring that helps keep vibrations in check—so your music sounds clearer, even at higher volumes.

Underneath, the sub-platter is made from glass-fiber-reinforced ABS, a design borrowed from Pro-Ject’s more expensive Debut line. This helps improve speed accuracy and reduce mechanical noise. For a turntable at this price, performance specs like wow and flutter values of +/-0.23% (33 RPM) and +/-0.21% (45 RPM) are perfectly respectable.

The tonearm is 8.6 inches long, made from aluminum, and mounted with a gimbal bearing that’s designed to glide smoothly as it tracks the grooves on your records. It comes with a carbon-reinforced headshell for extra rigidity, and it’s pre-fitted with a Pick it MM E cartridge. This cartridge uses a lightweight body, a tiny neodymium magnet, and a conical diamond stylus—and it’s already aligned at the factory, so you won’t have to worry about setup.

For beginners, that’s a big plus. Getting cartridge alignment wrong can lead to poor sound and record wear. With the E1.2, it’s all been dialed in ahead of time.

The base—called the plinth—is CNC-machined from a rigid composite fiber material, with no hollow spots inside. This helps prevent unwanted vibrations from interfering with playback. You can get it in one of three finishes: high-gloss black, satin white, or walnut veneer. A dust cover is included in the box, and the whole package has a clean, minimal look that should fit nicely into most setups.

Other included features are damping feet (to reduce surface vibrations), gold-plated OFC phono cables, and that handy speed switch button. It’s not flashy, but everything here serves a purpose.

The E1.2 is clearly aimed at people who want to experience vinyl without going overboard—whether they’re just starting out or downsizing from a more complicated setup. If you’ve got a stereo system with a phono input, or powered speakers that include one, the E1.2 is ready to slot in. If not, adding a simple phono preamp will do the trick.

It’s also a good fit for anyone who prefers to keep their gear analog and isn’t interested in digital connectivity. If you want to rip records to MP3s or stream them over Bluetooth, you’ll need to look elsewhere. But if your goal is just to sit down and listen, this setup makes that pretty easy.

The E1.2 comes with a two-year warranty, and Pro-Ject says spare parts will be available for at least 25 years. That’s a reassuring detail in a world where many entry-level electronics feel disposable. Whether you need a new belt or decide to upgrade the cartridge a few years down the line, support should be there.

The Pro-Ject E1.2 isn’t trying to reinvent the turntable—it’s just trying to get the basics right. And for people who want to enjoy records without overcomplicating things, that might be exactly what they’re looking for. It’s built for sound, not features. And if that’s what you value, the E1.2 makes a strong case for sticking with the essentials.