Audio T Verdict
The Pro-Ject T2 Super Phono gets one of the most useful turntable conveniences right: its built-in phono stage makes getting started exceptionally easy, but it doesn't lock you into using it forever.
Switch the rear panel to LINE OUT and the supplied Sumiko Rainier feeds Pro-Ject's dual-stage split-passive MM phono preamplifier, allowing the turntable to connect directly to virtually any normal AUX, CD or line input. Switch to PHONO OUT and that stage is bypassed completely, allowing you to experiment with an external phono stage or even move to a suitable Moving Coil cartridge later.
The turntable underneath is equally well considered. A substantial 1.7kg glass platter, precision belt drive, 9-inch one-piece aluminium tonearm, spring-based anti-skating and pre-adjusted Sumiko Rainier give the T2 Super Phono considerably more substance than its plug-and-play description might suggest. It is easy to live with from day one without preventing the system from growing around it.
Pro-Ject T2 Super Phono Turntable
The T2 Super Phono is a manual belt-drive turntable designed to combine straightforward setup with a genuinely useful upgrade path.
Its built-in Moving Magnet phono stage means you can connect it directly to a conventional line-level amplifier input, while a rear-panel switch allows that phono stage to be bypassed completely if you want to use a separate phono preamplifier instead.
Pro-Ject supplies the turntable with a Sumiko Rainier Moving Magnet cartridge already fitted and adjusted, so no additional cartridge or phono electronics are required if your amplifier has a spare line input.
- Manual belt-drive turntable
- Electronic 33 and 45 RPM speed selection
- Switchable built-in MM phono preamplifier
- Dual-stage split-passive phono-stage architecture
- LINE OUT for direct connection to conventional amplifier inputs
- PHONO OUT for use with an external phono stage
- 42dB built-in phono-stage gain
- 47kOhm / 50pF phono-stage input
- RIAA accuracy within 0.3dB from 20Hz to 20kHz
- Sumiko Rainier Moving Magnet cartridge
- 0.3 x 0.7mil elliptical stylus
- 5mV cartridge output
- 2.0g recommended tracking force
- 9-inch one-piece aluminium tonearm
- 230mm effective arm length
- 9.5g effective tonearm mass
- Spring-based adjustable anti-skating
- 10mm glass platter
- 1.7kg platter weight
- Stainless-steel and brass main bearing
- Precision sub-platter belt drive
- Electronically regulated AC motor
- CNC-machined plinth
- Vibration-absorbing feet
- Gold-plated RCA outputs
- Detachable phono cable
- Dust cover included
- Felt record mat included
- 7-inch single adaptor included
- Made in Europe
Built-In Phono Stage Without the Usual Compromise
A built-in phono stage is convenient, but it becomes considerably more useful when it can also be removed from the signal path.
That is exactly what Pro-Ject has done with the T2 Super Phono.
The rear switch provides two distinct operating modes:
LINE OUT
- Built-in MM phono stage active
- RIAA equalisation applied internally
- Signal raised to line level
- Connect to AUX, CD, Tuner, Tape or another normal line input
- No external phono stage required
PHONO OUT
- Built-in phono stage bypassed
- Cartridge-level signal sent through the RCA outputs
- Connect to an MM phono input with the supplied cartridge
- Allows a separate phono stage to be upgraded independently
- Allows suitable MC cartridge use with an appropriate external MC stage
Match the Rear Switch to the Amplifier Input
Use LINE OUT with a normal AUX, CD, Tuner, Tape or other line-level input. Use PHONO OUT with a proper phono preamplifier or amplifier phono input. Sending LINE OUT into another phono stage means the signal is being amplified and equalised twice and is not the correct connection.
A Dual-Stage Split-Passive MM Phono Preamplifier
The internal phono stage is not simply a basic convenience circuit.
Pro-Ject uses a dual-stage split-passive Moving Magnet phono preamplifier. The original architecture first appeared in the T2 W, but the Super Phono version benefits from additional PCB space, allowing Pro-Ject to further refine the component layout.
A phono stage has two fundamental jobs: applying substantial gain to the very low cartridge signal and restoring the correct frequency balance using RIAA equalisation.
42dB of Phono Gain
The internal phono stage provides 42dB gain.
With a 5mV input at 1kHz, Pro-Ject publishes a typical output level of approximately 630mV.
That raises the signal into the range expected by a conventional amplifier line input.
47kOhm / 50pF Input
Input loading for the built-in MM stage is specified at:
- Input resistance: 47kOhm
- Input capacitance: 50pF
The supplied Sumiko Rainier cartridge itself specifies a conventional 47kOhm load and 100 to 200pF recommended total capacitance.
RIAA Equalisation Accuracy
Pro-Ject specifies RIAA equalisation accuracy within a maximum of 0.3dB from 20Hz to 20kHz.
The published phono-stage noise floor is -75dB.
Why Does a Record Need RIAA Equalisation?
Records are not cut with a flat frequency response. Low frequencies are reduced and high frequencies increased according to the standard RIAA curve during mastering.
The phono preamplifier reverses that process during playback, restoring the intended tonal balance while also providing the significant gain required by the cartridge signal.
Use It Straight Into a Line Input
For the easiest installation:
- Set the rear switch to LINE OUT.
- Connect the RCA cable to a normal amplifier line input.
- Connect left and right channels correctly.
- Select the corresponding amplifier input.
- Play a record.
No separate phono preamplifier is required in this configuration.
Use Your Own MM Phono Stage
If your amplifier already contains a high-quality MM phono input, or you want to experiment with a dedicated external phono preamplifier, set the T2 Super Phono to PHONO OUT.
The built-in stage is then removed from the signal path and the receiving phono stage performs the gain and RIAA equalisation instead.
A Real MC Upgrade Path
The switchable architecture is also important if you later want to move beyond Moving Magnet cartridges.
Pro-Ject explicitly identifies switching the internal phono stage off as the route to using a suitable Moving Coil cartridge.
You will also need an external phono stage offering the appropriate gain and loading for the chosen MC cartridge.
You Don't Need an External Phono Stage Immediately
The built-in Super Phono stage is part of the reason to choose this model. Use it first. If the rest of your system develops later, PHONO OUT means you can compare an external phono stage without having to replace the turntable.
Sumiko Rainier Cartridge Included
The T2 Super Phono is supplied with a pre-mounted and factory-adjusted Sumiko Rainier Moving Magnet cartridge.
Rainier is part of Sumiko's Oyster Moving Magnet family and is hand-assembled in Japan.
It is a proper replaceable-stylus Hi-Fi cartridge rather than something permanently built into the tonearm.
0.3 x 0.7mil Elliptical Stylus
The Rainier uses a 0.3 x 0.7mil elliptical stylus.
Unlike a spherical stylus with the same radius in every direction, the elliptical profile has different front-to-back and side-to-side radii, allowing it to follow finer groove modulation.
Aluminium Cantilever
The diamond stylus is mounted to a 0.6mm aluminium cantilever.
The cantilever transfers the minute movement generated at the stylus into the cartridge's Moving Magnet generator.
5mV Output
Sumiko specifies an output of 5.0mV at 1kHz.
This is a useful match for Pro-Ject's 42dB internal MM stage and also makes Rainier straightforward to use with most conventional external MM phono stages if PHONO OUT is selected.
2.0g Recommended Tracking Force
Sumiko specifies:
- Tracking-force range: 1.8 to 2.2g
- Recommended tracking force: 2.0g
The T2 Super Phono arrives with its counterweight and tracking force pre-adjusted for the supplied cartridge.
Fine-Tuning Tracking Force
If tracking force ever needs to be reset, Pro-Ject supplies a stylus-pressure gauge.
The Rainier requires 20mN, equivalent to 2.0g, so the stylus is placed on the 20mN position of the supplied gauge while the counterweight is adjusted.
Changing Cartridge Means Resetting the Tonearm
If you replace the Rainier, do not assume its 2.0g tracking force and anti-skating setting remain appropriate. The replacement cartridge should be installed, aligned and adjusted according to its own manufacturer's specification.
Spring-Based Adjustable Anti-Skating
The T2 Super Phono uses Pro-Ject's integrated spring-based anti-skating mechanism.
Anti-skating compensates for the inward skating force created by the geometry of a pivoted tonearm as a record plays.
For the factory-fitted Rainier at 2.0g tracking force, Pro-Ject specifies the middle anti-skating position marked 2.
Rainier Cartridge Specification
- Design: Moving Magnet
- Stylus: 0.3 x 0.7mil elliptical
- Cantilever: 0.6mm aluminium
- Coils: High-purity copper
- Internal impedance: 1,130Ohm at 1kHz
- Load impedance: 47kOhm
- Frequency response: 15Hz - 20kHz
- Output: 5.0mV
- Channel separation: 25dB at 1kHz
- Channel balance: better than 2dB at 1kHz
- Compliance: 10 x 10-6cm/dyn at 100Hz
- Recommended capacitance: 100 - 200pF
- Vertical tracking angle: 25 degrees
- Tracking-force range: 1.8 - 2.2g
- Recommended tracking force: 2.0g
- Cartridge mass: 6.7g
Replaceable and Upgradeable Stylus
The Rainier cartridge body is designed around a replaceable stylus assembly.
Sumiko's Oyster family also gives it an unusually useful upgrade path because several higher models use interchangeable stylus assemblies.
Compatible options include:
- Rainier
- Olympia
- Moonstone
- Wellfleet
- Amethyst
- RS 78
This means the cartridge can be upgraded without immediately removing and realigning the complete cartridge body.
9-Inch One-Piece Aluminium Tonearm
The cartridge is mounted to a 9-inch one-piece aluminium tonearm.
The arm tube and headshell form a continuous structure, avoiding the extra mechanical joint introduced by a detachable headshell.
230mm Effective Length
The effective tonearm length is 230mm with 22mm overhang.
These dimensions define the intended cartridge geometry and become particularly important if the factory cartridge is ever replaced and realigned.
9.5g Effective Mass
Effective tonearm mass is specified at 9.5g.
This is useful when assessing a replacement cartridge because arm mass and cartridge compliance together influence the mechanical resonance of the tonearm/cartridge system.
Low-Friction Tonearm Bearings
The T2 generation uses revised low-friction tonearm bearings designed around the longer and larger-diameter 9-inch arm.
The bearing assembly allows the stylus to follow both vertical and horizontal groove modulation while keeping the arm accurately located.
Cartridge Alignment Can Be Adjusted
The cartridge uses conventional half-inch mounting and can be replaced.
Pro-Ject includes a two-point cartridge alignment protractor for correctly setting a new cartridge.
If you have not aligned a cartridge before, we recommend having Audio T fit and configure it rather than relying on visual approximation.
10mm Glass Platter
The main platter is manufactured from 10mm-thick glass.
It weighs approximately 1.7kg, significantly increasing rotational mass compared with the lightweight plastic or thin steel platters found on many entry-level turntables.
Why a Heavy Glass Platter?
The platter acts as both the rotating support for the record and part of the turntable's mechanical reference.
Glass combines useful mass with controlled resonance behaviour, while the 1.7kg weight provides substantial rotational inertia once the platter reaches operating speed.
Felt Mat Included
A felt mat is supplied and forms the normal contact surface between the record and glass platter.
Precision Sub-Platter Drive
The motor drives a purpose-developed sub-platter through a belt.
Using a belt provides a degree of mechanical isolation between the motor and record platter, reducing the direct path through which motor vibration can reach the stylus.
Ultra-Precise Main Bearing
Pro-Ject specifies its T-line sub-platter as operating on an ultra-precise main-bearing system with a hardened steel axle and brass bushing.
The company describes manufacturing tolerances down to 0.001mm in this bearing assembly.
Electronically Regulated AC Motor
Rather than using an unregulated DC motor, Pro-Ject uses an electronically regulated precision-speed AC motor.
The aim is to establish stable platter rotation independently of the speed variation associated with simpler motor arrangements.
Electronic 33 and 45 RPM Speed Selection
A three-position switch underneath the chassis provides:
Changing between LP and 45 RPM playback therefore does not require removing the platter or manually moving the drive belt.
No 78 RPM Mode
Pro-Ject's current specification and manual list 33 and 45 RPM operation for the T2 Super Phono. Audio T therefore does not advertise it for 78 RPM playback.
Speed Performance
Pro-Ject publishes:
- Speed variance at 33 RPM: ±0.60%
- Speed variance 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
What Do Wow and Flutter Mean?
Wow and flutter measure relatively rapid variations in rotational speed which can cause musical pitch to fluctuate.
Speed variance describes longer-term deviation from the target 33? or 45 RPM speed.
CNC-Machined Plinth
The larger T2 chassis is CNC machined and designed without unnecessary hollow spaces.
The aim is to provide a stable mechanical structure connecting the tonearm and platter bearing while reducing cabinet resonances that could feed energy back towards the cartridge.
Vibration-Absorbing Feet
Purpose-selected feet help isolate the chassis from structure-borne vibration travelling through the furniture supporting the turntable.
They do not remove the need for a good support, so the T2 Super Phono should still be placed on a rigid, level surface away from strong loudspeaker vibration wherever possible.
Gold-Plated RCA Connections
The rear panel uses gold-plated RCA sockets rather than a permanently attached signal cable.
This makes cable replacement straightforward and allows a different suitable phono interconnect to be tried later if desired.
Phono Cable Included
Pro-Ject supplies a purpose-designed semi-symmetrical phono RCA cable with metal connectors.
A separate grounding connection is also provided for use when required, particularly in PHONO OUT mode with an external phono preamplifier.
Three Current Finish Options
The T2 Super Phono is available in:
- High Gloss Black
- Satin White
- Walnut
Acrylic Dust Cover Included
A hinged acrylic dust cover is supplied with adjustable hinges, along with the felt record mat and 7-inch single adaptor.
Current Dimensions
Pro-Ject's current dedicated product page specifies dimensions with the dust cover closed of:
- Width: 465mm
- Height: 135mm
- Depth: 347mm
Allow additional space behind the turntable for its RCA cable, grounding wire and external power connection, as well as vertical clearance if you intend to use the hinged dust cover normally.
5.5kg Net Weight
The turntable weighs 5.5kg.
A significant proportion of that mass comes from the substantial glass platter and enlarged chassis.
15V External Power Supply
The T2 Super Phono uses a universal 15V DC / 800mA external power supply.
Keeping the mains-voltage conversion outside the turntable reduces the amount of power-supply hardware sharing the same enclosure as the cartridge, tonearm and platter bearing.
4.5W Operating Consumption
Pro-Ject specifies operating power consumption at 4.5W.
Manual Operation
The T2 Super Phono is a fully manual turntable.
You place the record on the platter, select the required speed, move the tonearm over the record and lower it using the cueing lever.
At the end of the side, the arm must be raised and returned to its rest manually.
No Automatic Tonearm Return
There is no automatic start, automatic stop or automatic arm return mechanism.
This keeps the mechanical architecture focused on conventional manual Hi-Fi playback.
T2 Super Phono or T2 W?
The two models share much of their turntable engineering, but they are intended for very different systems.
T2 Super Phono
- Switchable built-in MM phono stage
- LINE OUT and PHONO OUT
- External phono-stage upgrade path
- Future MC cartridge capability with suitable external stage
- No network-streaming system
- Designed primarily for a conventional wired Hi-Fi
T2 W
- Built-in MM phono stage permanently active
- Fixed analogue line output
- Wi-Fi and Ethernet
- UPnP vinyl streaming
- 24-bit/48kHz lossless network option
- Designed for network distribution of vinyl
Choose the Pro-Ject T2 W if sending vinyl across a network is the main attraction. Choose the T2 Super Phono if you want a conventional wired turntable with an excellent plug-and-play phono stage that can also be bypassed when your system develops.
Why the Super Phono Is More Upgradeable Than the T2 W
The crucial difference is phono bypass.
Because the T2 Super Phono can output the raw cartridge signal, the external phono stage becomes independently upgradeable. It also means you are not permanently restricted to cartridges suitable for its internal MM stage.
That makes the Super Phono the more flexible T2 if you think the analogue front end is likely to develop over time.
Who Is the T2 Super Phono For?
The T2 Super Phono makes particular sense if you:
- Want a turntable that is easy to connect from day one
- Do not currently own a phono preamplifier
- Want a quality cartridge pre-fitted and adjusted
- Want electronic 33/45 speed changing
- Prefer a heavy glass platter
- Want the phono stage to be bypassable later
- May upgrade to a separate phono stage
- May experiment with an MC cartridge in future
- Do not need Wi-Fi vinyl streaming
- Want a manual Hi-Fi turntable without unnecessary digital features
Key Features
- Pro-Ject T2 Super Phono
- Manual belt-drive turntable
- Electronic 33?/45 RPM speed control
- Electronically regulated AC motor
- Precision sub-platter drive
- Hardened steel main-bearing axle
- Brass bearing bushing
- 10mm glass platter
- 1.7kg platter
- Felt mat included
- 9-inch aluminium tonearm
- One-piece arm and integrated headshell
- 230mm effective arm length
- 9.5g effective arm mass
- 22mm overhang
- Low-friction tonearm bearings
- Adjustable spring-based anti-skating
- Sumiko Rainier MM cartridge
- 5mV cartridge output
- 0.3 x 0.7mil elliptical stylus
- 2.0g recommended tracking force
- Replaceable stylus
- Upgradeable Oyster-series stylus options
- Switchable MM phono stage
- Dual-stage split-passive phono architecture
- 42dB phono gain
- 47kOhm / 50pF phono input
- -75dB phono-stage noise floor
- RIAA accuracy within 0.3dB
- LINE OUT mode
- PHONO OUT mode
- External MM phono-stage compatibility
- Future MC upgrade capability
- Gold-plated RCA sockets
- Detachable phono cable
- CNC-machined plinth
- Vibration-absorbing feet
- Dust cover included
- 7-inch adaptor included
- High Gloss Black
- Satin White
- Walnut
- Made in Europe
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Pro-Ject T2 Super Phono current?
Yes. It remains part of Pro-Ject's active T Line and current turntable range.
Does it have a built-in phono stage?
Yes. Pro-Ject uses a dual-stage split-passive Moving Magnet phono preamplifier.
Can the built-in phono stage be switched off?
Yes. Select PHONO OUT on the rear panel to bypass it completely.
What is LINE OUT?
LINE OUT activates the built-in phono preamplifier and sends a line-level signal through the RCA outputs.
Where do I connect LINE OUT?
Use an ordinary AUX, CD, Tuner, Tape or other line-level amplifier input.
Should I connect LINE OUT to my amplifier's phono input?
No. The signal has already passed through the T2 Super Phono's phono preamplifier.
What is PHONO OUT?
PHONO OUT bypasses the internal phono preamplifier and sends the cartridge-level signal to the RCA outputs.
Where do I connect PHONO OUT?
To an appropriate external phono preamplifier or amplifier phono input.
Can I use my own MM phono stage?
Yes. Set the turntable to PHONO OUT.
Can I fit a Moving Coil cartridge?
Yes, provided the cartridge is mechanically suitable for the tonearm and PHONO OUT is used with an external phono stage offering the correct MC gain and loading.
Does the built-in phono stage support Moving Coil?
No. The internal stage is specified for Moving Magnet operation.
What is the gain of the internal phono stage?
42dB.
What is its input impedance?
47kOhm.
What is its input capacitance?
50pF.
What output does Pro-Ject publish for the internal stage?
Approximately 630mV at 1kHz from a 5mV input under Pro-Ject's specified conditions.
What is the phono-stage noise floor?
-75dB.
What is the RIAA accuracy?
Pro-Ject specifies a maximum deviation of 0.3dB from 20Hz to 20kHz.
What cartridge is included?
A pre-mounted Sumiko Rainier Moving Magnet cartridge.
What is the Rainier output?
5.0mV.
What stylus does the Rainier use?
A 0.3 x 0.7mil elliptical stylus.
What is the recommended tracking force?
2.0g.
What is the tracking-force range?
1.8 to 2.2g.
What load does Sumiko recommend?
47kOhm resistance with 100 to 200pF recommended capacitance.
Is the stylus replaceable?
Yes.
Can I upgrade the Rainier stylus?
Yes. Compatible Oyster-family stylus options include Olympia, Moonstone, Wellfleet and Amethyst.
Can I change the complete cartridge?
Yes. The tonearm accepts standard half-inch-mount cartridges.
Will a replacement cartridge need setting up?
Yes. Tracking force, anti-skating and cartridge alignment should all be checked for the replacement cartridge.
What tonearm does it use?
A 9-inch one-piece aluminium tonearm with integrated headshell.
What is the effective arm length?
230mm.
What is the effective tonearm mass?
9.5g.
What is the overhang?
22mm.
Is anti-skating adjustable?
Yes. It uses a spring-based adjustment.
Which anti-skating position does the Rainier use?
Pro-Ject specifies position 2, the middle setting, with the Rainier at 2.0g tracking force.
What is the platter made from?
Glass.
How thick is the platter?
10mm.
How much does the platter weigh?
Approximately 1.7kg.
What is the main bearing made from?
Pro-Ject specifies a hardened steel axle operating in a brass bushing.
What speeds does it support?
33? and 45 RPM.
Is speed changing electronic?
Yes.
Does it play 78 RPM records?
No 78 RPM mode is specified for the current T2 Super Phono.
What is the speed variance?
±0.60% at 33 RPM and ±0.50% at 45 RPM.
What are the wow-and-flutter figures?
±0.19% at 33 RPM and ±0.17% at 45 RPM.
What is the signal-to-noise ratio?
67dB.
Does it have Wi-Fi?
No network-streaming functionality is part of the T2 Super Phono. The T2 W is Pro-Ject's network-enabled version.
Does it have Bluetooth?
No Bluetooth audio functionality is part of the T2 Super Phono.
Does it have USB output?
No USB audio or recording function is specified.
Is it automatic?
No. It is a fully manual turntable.
Does the tonearm return automatically?
No.
Is a phono cable included?
Yes. Pro-Ject supplies a semi-symmetrical RCA phono cable.
Is a dust cover included?
Yes.
Is a record mat included?
Yes. A felt mat is supplied.
Is a 7-inch single adaptor included?
Yes.
What finishes are available?
High Gloss Black, Satin White and Walnut.
How large is the current T2 Super Phono?
Pro-Ject's current dedicated product page specifies 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?
A universal 15V DC / 800mA external power supply.
What is the operating power consumption?
4.5W.
Where is it made?
Pro-Ject specifies the T2 Super Phono as handmade in Europe.
Related Pro-Ject Products
Why Buy the Pro-Ject T2 Super Phono From Audio T?
The T2 Super Phono is designed to be easy to get running, but its switchable output means there is considerably more flexibility available once the rest of your system develops.
Audio T can demonstrate the turntable using its internal Super Phono stage and then compare PHONO OUT through a separate phono preamplifier. We can also correctly fit and configure a replacement cartridge later, whether you stay with Moving Magnet or decide to explore Moving Coil.
- In-store turntable demonstrations
- Sumiko Rainier setup
- Tracking-force checks
- Spring anti-skating adjustment
- Cartridge alignment
- Built-in phono-stage demonstrations
- LINE OUT setup
- PHONO OUT setup
- External phono-stage comparisons
- Moving Magnet cartridge advice
- Moving Coil upgrade guidance
- Phono loading advice
- Rainier stylus replacement
- Sumiko stylus upgrade guidance
- Turntable support and isolation advice
- Phono cable guidance
- Ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration or compare the T2 Super Phono's internal phono stage with a separate phono preamplifier in a suitable system.