Audio T Verdict
The Pro-Ject Elvis Turntable could easily have been little more than memorabilia with a tonearm attached. Thankfully, it isn't. Underneath the unmistakable illuminated ELVIS logo is a serious Pro-Ject record player based on the proven T2 platform, complete with a substantial 1.7kg glass platter, electronically regulated AC motor, 9-inch one-piece aluminium tonearm and pre-adjusted Sumiko Rainier Moving Magnet cartridge.
The centrepiece is obviously that illuminated plinth. Inspired by the famous ELVIS light display from Presley's 1968 NBC Comeback Special, LEDs are integrated into the CNC-machined MDF chassis and their brightness can be adjusted from underneath the turntable. Switch the lights off and the engineering still stands on its own; switch them on and there really isn't another turntable quite like it.
For an Elvis fan who also wants a proper Hi-Fi turntable rather than a decorative collector's piece, Pro-Ject has struck the balance rather well. Just remember that this is a limited special edition, so its place in the range is naturally less permanent than a standard T2 or Debut model.
Pro-Ject Elvis Limited Edition Turntable
Created to celebrate what would have been Elvis Presley's 90th birthday, the Pro-Ject Elvis Turntable combines the engineering platform of the T2 with a completely distinctive illuminated chassis inspired by one of the most recognisable moments of his career.
The famous red ELVIS lettering seen behind Presley during the 1968 NBC Comeback Special is recreated using LEDs integrated beneath the turntable surface, allowing the complete logo to glow beneath the transparent glass platter.
But this is not simply a display piece. The Elvis Turntable remains a fully fledged manual belt-drive Hi-Fi turntable, handmade in Europe and supplied ready to use with a pre-adjusted Sumiko Rainier Moving Magnet cartridge.
- Limited Special Edition
- Created to celebrate Elvis Presley's 90th birthday
- Based on Pro-Ject's T2 turntable platform
- Dimmable illuminated ELVIS logo
- CNC-machined MDF chassis
- Larger chassis for improved stability
- Manual belt-drive operation
- Electronic 33 and 45 RPM speed selection
- Electronically regulated AC motor
- Internal DC/AC motor power generator
- ABS glass-fibre composite sub-platter
- 10mm-thick blasted-glass main platter
- 1.7kg platter weight
- 9-inch one-piece aluminium tonearm
- Integrated headshell
- 230mm effective tonearm length
- 9.5g effective tonearm mass
- Spring-based adjustable anti-skating
- Nickel-finish counterweight
- Pre-adjusted Sumiko Rainier MM cartridge
- Elliptical diamond stylus
- Detachable RCA phono cable
- Gold-plated RCA sockets
- Vibration-absorbing feet
- Acrylic dust cover included
- Felt record mat included
- 7-inch single adaptor included
- Handmade in Europe
Inspired by the 1968 Comeback Special
The visual design takes its inspiration from the illuminated ELVIS sign associated with Presley's legendary 1968 NBC television special.
Rather than simply printing a logo onto a conventional plinth, Pro-Ject integrates the lettering into the turntable itself. With the LEDs illuminated, the red ELVIS design shines through and around the transparent platter.
The result is particularly dramatic once the room lights come down, but the turntable remains recognisably Pro-Ject rather than becoming a novelty record player.
Dimmable LED ELVIS Logo
The illumination is adjustable.
A dedicated control is positioned underneath the left-hand side of the plinth. Pressing the control operates the lighting, while holding it allows the brightness to be adjusted.
This means the turntable does not have to remain at maximum brightness during evening listening.
You Can Tone the Lighting Down
The illuminated design is the visual centrepiece of the Elvis edition, but it doesn't have to dominate the room. Use the control underneath the left side of the plinth to adjust the LED intensity to suit your surroundings.
Based on the Pro-Ject T2
Underneath its special-edition styling, the Elvis Turntable is based on Pro-Ject's established T2 platform.
That provides a much more credible starting point than building a commemorative record player solely around appearance.
The T2-derived engineering includes:
- Belt drive
- Electronic motor control
- Glass-fibre composite sub-platter
- Precision main bearing
- Heavy glass platter
- 9-inch aluminium tonearm
- Spring-based anti-skating
- Detachable phono cable
A Larger Solid MDF Chassis
The special Elvis plinth is CNC machined from MDF and uses a larger chassis for increased mechanical stability.
Pro-Ject also avoids unnecessary hollow spaces within the structure.
This matters because the plinth provides the mechanical relationship between the motor, platter bearing and tonearm. Ideally it should support those components without adding significant resonant behaviour of its own.
10mm-Thick Glass Platter
The transparent platter is not simply there so the illuminated artwork can be seen underneath it.
It is manufactured from 10mm-thick glass and weighs approximately 1.7kg.
Pro-Ject uses glass because its high mass and low-resonance behaviour make it a useful platter material while simultaneously avoiding some of the resonant characteristics associated with lightweight plastic or thin steel alternatives.
1.7kg of Rotating Mass
The relatively high platter mass contributes useful rotational inertia once the turntable reaches operating speed.
That gives the drive system a substantial mechanical flywheel rather than asking a very lightweight platter to maintain stable rotation.
Felt Record Mat Included
A felt mat is supplied and sits directly on the glass platter during normal playback.
This provides the immediate supporting surface for the record and prevents vinyl from being placed directly against the bare glass.
Precision Belt Drive
The motor does not drive the record platter directly.
Instead, a precision belt transfers rotation to the sub-platter. The flexible belt provides useful mechanical separation between the motor and the platter assembly, reducing the direct transmission of motor vibration towards the stylus.
ABS Glass-Fibre Composite Sub-Platter
The belt drives a specially developed ABS glass-fibre composite sub-platter.
This component sits beneath the main glass platter and forms part of the rotating drive system.
Its bearing interface is produced to extremely tight tolerances, with Pro-Ject describing the assembly around its main bearing as accurate to 0.001mm.
Steel and Brass Main Bearing
The sub-platter rotates around a precision steel axle operating within a brass bushing.
The main bearing is one of the most important mechanical elements in any turntable because it establishes the axis around which the record rotates.
Low play and stable alignment help the platter maintain its intended relationship with the tonearm and cartridge.
Electronically Regulated AC Motor
The Elvis Turntable uses Pro-Ject's electronically controlled AC motor.
Rather than simply relying on an unregulated motor tied directly to the incoming power supply, Pro-Ject generates a controlled AC waveform internally.
DC/AC Power Generator
Pro-Ject's motor-control circuit creates a fresh AC sine wave for the turntable motor.
This gives the electronics greater control over motor frequency and therefore platter speed than a basic unregulated drive arrangement.
Electronic 33 and 45 RPM Speed Selection
A rocker switch underneath the left-hand side of the turntable provides electronic speed selection.
The positions provide:
There is no need to remove the main platter and manually reposition the belt every time you change between an LP and a 45 RPM record.
No 78 RPM Mode
The current manufacturer specification lists 33 and 45 RPM only. Audio T therefore does not advertise the Elvis Turntable as a 78 RPM model.
Speed Performance
Pro-Ject publishes the following figures:
- Speed drift at 33 RPM: ±0.60%
- Speed drift at 45 RPM: ±0.50%
- Wow and flutter at 33 RPM: ±0.19%
- Wow and flutter at 45 RPM: ±0.17%
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 67dB
Wow and flutter describe relatively rapid changes in rotational speed, while speed drift describes longer-term deviation from the nominal playback speed.
9-Inch One-Piece Aluminium Tonearm
The Elvis Turntable uses a straight 9-inch one-piece aluminium tonearm.
The integrated headshell is formed as part of the same arm structure rather than being bolted, screwed or glued on as a separate component.
This removes an additional mechanical joint close to the cartridge.
Integrated Headshell
A detachable headshell can be useful when frequently changing cartridges, but it also introduces another mechanical interface into the tonearm.
Pro-Ject takes the opposite approach here, using a continuous arm and headshell structure to maximise rigidity and minimise additional resonant interfaces.
230mm Effective Tonearm Length
The published effective length is 230mm, with 22mm overhang.
These dimensions determine the tonearm's intended cartridge geometry and should be respected if the factory cartridge is ever replaced.
9.5g Effective Tonearm Mass
The tonearm has a published effective mass of 9.5g.
This is an important figure when considering future cartridge changes because the mechanical resonance of the tonearm/cartridge combination depends partly on arm mass and cartridge compliance.
Low-Friction Tonearm Bearing
The tonearm is mounted in a low-friction bearing assembly so it can move freely as the stylus follows the record groove.
The bearing must allow tiny horizontal and vertical movements without introducing unnecessary resistance or looseness.
Spring-Based Adjustable Anti-Skating
Rather than using the familiar hanging-weight arrangement found on many Pro-Ject turntables, the Elvis model uses an adjustable spring-based anti-skating mechanism.
Anti-skating provides a counterforce to the inward force generated by the geometry of a pivoted tonearm while a record is playing.
Correct adjustment helps the stylus maintain more even contact with the two groove walls.
Nickel-Finish Counterweight
A nickel-finish counterweight at the rear of the tonearm balances the cartridge assembly and allows the required vertical tracking force to be established.
The factory-fitted Rainier is pre-adjusted, but tracking force should always be rechecked if the cartridge is replaced.
Sumiko Rainier Moving Magnet Cartridge
The Elvis Turntable is supplied with a pre-adjusted Sumiko Rainier Moving Magnet cartridge.
Rainier sits within Sumiko's Oyster range and is hand-assembled in Japan.
It uses an aluminium cantilever, high-purity copper coils and a replaceable elliptical stylus.
Elliptical Diamond Stylus
The Rainier stylus has a 0.3 x 0.7mil elliptical profile.
An elliptical stylus has different front-to-back and side-to-side radii, allowing it to trace record-groove modulation more accurately than a basic spherical tip.
5mV Output
Sumiko specifies an output of 5.0mV at 1kHz.
That makes Rainier a conventional high-output Moving Magnet cartridge suitable for the majority of standard MM phono stages.
Recommended Phono Loading
Sumiko currently recommends:
- Load impedance: 47kOhm
- Capacitance: 100 - 200pF
- Tracking-force range: 1.8 - 2.2g
- Recommended tracking force: 2.0g
Which Phono Stage Do I Need?
Use a conventional Moving Magnet phono stage with a 47kOhm input. If your phono stage allows capacitance adjustment, Sumiko specifies 100 to 200pF for the Rainier.
Rainier Cartridge Performance
Current Sumiko specifications include:
- Frequency response: 15Hz - 20kHz
- Channel separation: 25dB at 1kHz
- Channel balance: better than 2dB at 1kHz
- Compliance: 10 x 10-6cm/dyn at 100Hz
- Vertical tracking angle: 25 degrees
- Cartridge weight: 6.7g
A Useful Cartridge Upgrade Path
One particularly useful feature of the Rainier is that Sumiko designed its Oyster MM family around interchangeable stylus assemblies.
The cartridge body can accept replacement styli from:
- Rainier
- Olympia
- Moonstone
- Wellfleet
- Amethyst
- RS 78
This provides a relatively straightforward upgrade route without immediately having to remove and realign the complete cartridge.
An Easy First Upgrade
If you want more from the turntable later, changing to a higher Oyster-series stylus can be considerably simpler than replacing the complete cartridge. Audio T can advise which upgrade makes sense for the rest of your system.
No Built-In Phono Stage
The Elvis Turntable is a traditional analogue turntable and does not contain its own phono preamplifier.
You therefore need either:
- An amplifier with a Moving Magnet phono input
- A separate MM phono stage connected to an ordinary amplifier line input
Don't Connect Directly to an Ordinary AUX or CD Input
The Rainier produces a low-level phono signal that requires both amplification and RIAA equalisation. If your amplifier does not have a suitable MM phono input, use an external phono stage between the turntable and amplifier.
No Bluetooth or USB
This is deliberately a conventional analogue Hi-Fi turntable.
It does not include:
- Bluetooth
- USB audio
- USB recording
- Network streaming
- Digital audio output
The cartridge signal remains analogue as it leaves the turntable.
Gold-Plated RCA Outputs
Rear-mounted gold-plated RCA sockets allow the phono cable to be detached.
This is preferable to a permanently attached lead if the cable ever becomes damaged or you want to experiment with another suitably low-capacitance phono cable later.
Connect it Phono E RCA Cable Included
Pro-Ject supplies a purpose-designed Connect it Phono E RCA cable rather than a generic line-level interconnect.
It uses copper conductors, metal connectors and semi-symmetrical shielding.
The shielding is connected at one end only, so the yellow-marked end should be connected to the receiving phono stage or amplifier.
Why Phono Cable Capacitance Matters
A Moving Magnet cartridge is electrically sensitive to the capacitance presented by the tonearm wiring, interconnect and phono-stage input.
This is why using a cable designed specifically for phono signals is preferable to choosing an arbitrary long RCA lead.
The Rainier itself is specified for a total recommended load capacitance of 100 to 200pF.
Vibration-Absorbing Feet
Purpose-selected feet help isolate the turntable from vibration travelling through the furniture supporting it.
This is important because the stylus cannot distinguish between movement caused by the record groove and unwanted vibration reaching the cartridge through the turntable structure.
Give It a Stable Support
Isolation feet help, but the turntable should still sit on a rigid, level surface away from strong loudspeaker vibration. Avoid placing it directly beside a loudspeaker on the same lightweight cabinet where possible.
Manual Operation
The Elvis Turntable is fully manual.
To play a record:
- Place the record on the platter.
- Select 33? or 45 RPM.
- Move the tonearm over the record.
- Lower the stylus using the cueing mechanism.
- At the end of the record, raise and return the tonearm manually.
There is no automatic start, stop or tonearm return.
Acrylic Dust Cover Included
A clear acrylic dust cover is supplied with adjustable hinges.
It protects the platter, cartridge and tonearm when the turntable is not being used while still leaving the illuminated design visible.
7-Inch Single Adaptor Included
A centre adaptor for large-hole 7-inch singles is included as standard.
465mm-Wide Chassis
The special-edition chassis is broader than a standard compact Pro-Ject deck.
Dimensions with the dust cover closed are:
- Width: 465mm
- Height: 135mm
- Depth: 347mm
Allow additional space behind the turntable for the phono cable and power connection, and above it if you want to use the hinged dust cover normally.
5.5kg Net Weight
The Elvis Turntable weighs 5.5kg.
The substantial glass platter contributes a significant proportion of that mass, while the enlarged MDF chassis gives the deck a more substantial footprint than many entry-level designs.
External Power Supply
The current dedicated Pro-Ject specification states a 12V / 3000mA DC universal external power supply.
The main mains-voltage conversion therefore remains outside the turntable chassis.
Low Power Consumption
Pro-Ject's current dedicated specification states:
- Operating consumption: 4.5W
- Standby consumption: 0W
Handmade in Europe
Like the T2 on which it is based, the Elvis Turntable is handmade in Europe.
That includes the mechanical assembly of the turntable itself, while the supplied Sumiko Rainier cartridge is separately hand-assembled in Japan.
Collector's Piece or Serious Turntable?
It can realistically be both.
The Elvis Edition
- 90th-birthday special edition
- 1968 Comeback Special-inspired design
- Integrated red LED ELVIS logo
- Adjustable illumination
- Distinctive larger plinth
- Limited-edition status
The Hi-Fi Engineering
- T2-derived belt-drive platform
- 1.7kg glass platter
- Electronic motor control
- 9-inch aluminium tonearm
- Spring anti-skating
- Sumiko Rainier MM cartridge
- Detachable phono cable
The visual treatment will understandably be the reason many people first notice it, but the underlying specification means you do not have to choose between owning an Elvis collectable and owning a credible Hi-Fi source.
Who Is the Pro-Ject Elvis Turntable For?
It makes particular sense if you:
- Are an Elvis Presley fan with a substantial vinyl collection
- Want a genuinely distinctive centrepiece for your Hi-Fi system
- Want a limited-edition turntable built on an established Pro-Ject platform
- Prefer a heavy glass platter
- Want electronic 33/45 speed changing
- Want a quality cartridge supplied and pre-adjusted
- Already have or plan to buy a good Moving Magnet phono stage
- Want a cartridge with an easy stylus-upgrade path
- Prefer a fully manual turntable without Bluetooth or digital electronics
Key Features
- Pro-Ject Elvis Turntable
- Limited Special Edition
- Celebrates Elvis Presley's 90th birthday
- Based on Pro-Ject T2
- 1968 Comeback Special-inspired design
- Illuminated ELVIS logo
- Dimmable LED illumination
- CNC-machined MDF plinth
- Larger chassis
- Manual belt drive
- Electronic 33/45 speed change
- Electronically regulated AC motor
- DC/AC motor generator
- ABS glass-fibre composite sub-platter
- Precision main bearing
- Steel axle
- Brass bearing bushing
- 10mm glass platter
- 1.7kg platter
- Felt mat
- 9-inch aluminium tonearm
- One-piece arm and headshell
- 230mm effective arm length
- 9.5g effective tonearm mass
- 22mm overhang
- Low-friction tonearm bearing
- Spring-based anti-skating
- Nickel-finish counterweight
- Sumiko Rainier cartridge
- Moving Magnet cartridge
- 0.3 x 0.7mil elliptical stylus
- 5mV cartridge output
- 2.0g recommended tracking force
- Replaceable Rainier-family stylus
- Gold-plated RCA sockets
- Connect it Phono E RCA included
- Semi-symmetrical phono cable
- Vibration-absorbing feet
- Acrylic dust cover
- 7-inch adaptor
- 67dB turntable S/N
- 465mm-wide chassis
- 5.5kg net weight
- Handmade in Europe
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Pro-Ject Elvis Turntable still current?
Yes. It remains listed in Pro-Ject's current turntable range and webshop, but it is a Limited Special Edition rather than a permanent core-range product.
Why was it created?
Pro-Ject created the turntable to celebrate what would have been Elvis Presley's 90th birthday.
What is the design based on?
The turntable is based on Pro-Ject's T2 platform.
What does the illuminated design reference?
It recreates the famous illuminated ELVIS lettering associated with Presley's 1968 NBC Comeback Special.
Does the ELVIS logo actually light up?
Yes. LEDs are integrated into the plinth.
Can the lighting be dimmed?
Yes. A control underneath the left side of the plinth operates the lighting and allows its brightness to be adjusted.
Can I turn the lighting down for normal listening?
Yes.
Is this just a collector's display item?
No. It is a fully functional Hi-Fi turntable based on Pro-Ject's T2 platform, with a substantial glass platter, regulated belt drive, 9-inch tonearm and Sumiko cartridge.
What cartridge is included?
A pre-adjusted Sumiko Rainier Moving Magnet cartridge.
Where is the Rainier made?
Sumiko states that its cartridges are hand-assembled by Excel Sound in Yokohama, Japan.
What type of stylus does the Rainier use?
An elliptical 0.3 x 0.7mil stylus.
What is the Rainier output?
5.0mV at 1kHz under Sumiko's published measurement conditions.
What tracking force does Sumiko recommend?
2.0g.
What is the tracking-force range?
1.8 to 2.2g.
What phono-stage loading does it need?
Sumiko specifies 47kOhm input resistance and 100 to 200pF capacitance.
Can the Rainier stylus be replaced?
Yes.
Can I upgrade the stylus?
Yes. Sumiko's Rainier-family cartridge body accepts compatible Olympia, Moonstone, Wellfleet and Amethyst replacement styli, as well as the standard Rainier and RS 78 options.
Does the turntable have a built-in phono stage?
No. Use a suitable MM phono stage or an amplifier with an MM phono input.
Can I connect it directly to an AUX input?
Not without a phono stage between the turntable and the line-level input.
Does it have Bluetooth?
No.
Does it have USB output?
No.
Is it fully analogue?
The audio signal path from the cartridge is analogue. Electronic circuitry is used to regulate the motor and power the illuminated plinth.
What speeds does it play?
33? and 45 RPM.
Does it play 78 RPM records?
No 78 RPM mode is specified by Pro-Ject for the current Elvis Turntable.
How are 33 and 45 RPM selected?
Electronically using the rocker switch beneath the plinth.
Is it belt driven?
Yes.
What type of motor does it use?
An electronically regulated AC motor supplied by Pro-Ject's internal DC/AC power-generation system.
What is the sub-platter made from?
ABS glass-fibre composite.
What is the main platter made from?
Glass.
How thick is the platter?
10mm.
How heavy is the platter?
Approximately 1.7kg.
Is a record mat included?
Yes. A felt mat is supplied.
What is the main bearing?
A precision steel axle operating in a brass bushing.
What is the tonearm made from?
Aluminium.
How long is the tonearm?
It is described as a 9-inch arm, with a published effective length of 230mm.
What is the effective tonearm mass?
9.5g.
What is the overhang?
22mm.
Does it have a detachable headshell?
No. Pro-Ject uses a one-piece aluminium tonearm with an integrated headshell.
Can I change the cartridge?
Yes, although a replacement must be mechanically compatible with the tonearm and correctly aligned, balanced and matched to the phono stage.
Is anti-skating adjustable?
Yes. The Elvis Turntable uses a spring-based adjustable anti-skating mechanism.
What is the signal-to-noise ratio?
67dB.
What are the wow-and-flutter figures?
±0.19% at 33 RPM and ±0.17% at 45 RPM.
What are the speed-drift figures?
±0.60% at 33 RPM and ±0.50% at 45 RPM.
Can I change the phono cable?
Yes. Gold-plated RCA output sockets are fitted rather than a permanently attached signal lead.
Which cable is supplied?
Pro-Ject Connect it Phono E RCA.
Is a dust cover included?
Yes. A clear acrylic cover with adjustable hinges is supplied.
Is a 7-inch single adaptor included?
Yes.
Is the turntable automatic?
No. It is fully manual.
Does the tonearm return automatically?
No.
How large is the turntable?
465mm wide, 135mm high and 347mm deep with the dust cover closed.
How much does it weigh?
5.5kg net.
What power supply does it use?
Pro-Ject's current dedicated product page and product information specify a 12V / 3000mA DC universal external supply.
What is the power consumption?
The current dedicated specification states 4.5W in operation and 0W in standby.
Where is the turntable made?
Pro-Ject specifies it as handmade in Europe.
Related Pro-Ject Products
Why Buy the Pro-Ject Elvis Turntable From Audio T?
The Elvis Turntable may be a limited-edition design, but it still deserves the same care in setup as any serious record player. Cartridge tracking force, anti-skating, turntable support and phono-stage matching all affect how well the underlying T2 platform performs.
Audio T can demonstrate the Elvis Turntable as a proper Hi-Fi source, help match its Sumiko Rainier cartridge to a suitable MM phono stage and make sure everything is set up correctly before you start working your way through your Elvis collection.
- In-store demonstrations
- Turntable setup
- Sumiko Rainier setup
- Tracking-force checks
- Anti-skating adjustment
- MM phono-stage matching
- Phono capacitance guidance
- Rainier stylus replacement advice
- Oyster-series stylus upgrade advice
- Cartridge upgrade guidance
- Phono cable advice
- Turntable isolation and support guidance
- LED illumination setup
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration or discuss the best phono-stage and system match for the Pro-Ject Elvis Limited Edition Turntable.