Introduction
At Soundium, we seek gear that blends smart engineering with everyday ease. The Pro-Ject Automat A1.2 captures that balance perfectly: fully automatic start/stop for convenience, but a mechanical system that disengages during playback for clean, undisturbed sound. A new CNC-machined die-cast platter and updated drive refine performance over the original A1, while the pre-fitted Pick it MM E makes it ready to spin in minutes.
Key Features & Benefits
- Fully automatic, mechanically disengaged – start/stop at a button; the auto-mechanism decouples during playback to protect sound quality
- CNC-machined die-cast aluminium platter – improved balance, speed stability, and lower resonance vs. the stamped A1 platter
- 8.3″ ultra-light aluminium tonearm – rapid transient response; redesigned carbon-fibre-reinforced headshell
- Factory-aligned Pick it MM E – plug-and-play tracking force & anti-skate set at the factory
- Switchable phono preamp – connect straight to powered speakers/line inputs or bypass for an external phono stage
- Electronic speed switching – 33⅓ ↔ 45 RPM at the push of a button
- Resonance-damped wooden plinth & silicone feet – tames vibration for quieter playback
- Connect it E semi-balanced RCA cable included
Real-World Reactions
“Simply press the start button … then automatically lift and go back to its armrest at the end. Magic.” – What Hi-Fi?
“With its impactful revisions and user-friendly design, the A1.2 delivers great performance straight out of the box.” – The-EAR.net
How It Compares: A1.2 vs A1
| Advantage | Pro-Ject Automat A1.2 | Pro-Ject Automat A1 |
|---|---|---|
| Platter engineering | CNC-machined die-cast aluminium platter for precise balance & low resonance | Stamped/damped aluminium platter |
| Drive refinement | Updated drive system for smoother, quieter operation | Original mechanism |
| Cartridge included | Factory-mounted Pick it MM E | Factory-mounted Ortofon OM10 |
| Tonearm & headshell | 8.3″ ultra-light aluminium with carbon-reinforced headshell | 8.3″ aluminium tonearm with standard headshell |
| Automation system | Fully mechanical; disengages during playback for purity | Fully mechanical; disengages, but with earlier-gen parts |
| Noise & isolation | Resonance-damped wooden chassis with silicone feet | Wooden plinth with standard damping |
Who It’s For
- Vinyl fans who want hands-free convenience without sacrificing sound
- First-time turntable owners seeking a plug-and-play setup
- Listeners using powered speakers or amps without phono (thanks to the switchable preamp)
- Anyone who values quiet, low-resonance engineering in an easy system
Quick Specs
- Drive: Belt drive, fully automatic; mechanics disengage during play
- Speeds: 33⅓ & 45 RPM (electronic switching)
- Platter: Die-cast aluminium, CNC-balanced
- Tonearm: 8.3″ ultra-light aluminium; redesigned headshell
- Cartridge: Pick it MM E (factory-aligned)
- Phono preamp: Built-in, switchable
- Wow & Flutter: ±0.27% (33), ±0.25% (45)
- Speed drift: ±0.75% (33), ±0.65% (45)
- Signal-to-noise: 65 dB
- Dimensions (W×H×D): 43.0 × 13.0 × 36.5 cm
- Weight: 5.6 kg
- Included: Dust cover, felt mat, 7″ adapter, power supply, Connect it E RCA cable
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- True plug-and-play with fully mechanical, disengaging automation
- Upgraded CNC die-cast platter and refined drive for cleaner, steadier playback
- Switchable phono stage suits a wide range of systems
- Thoughtful vibration control (damped plinth, silicone feet)
⚠️ Cons:
- Heavier than ultra-compact decks
- Internal phono stage is practical, not “reference-grade”
- Limited upgrade paths vs. higher-end Pro-Ject lines
Where to Buy
The Pro-Ject Automat A1.2 is available at Soundium. Enjoy:
- Free pickup shipping on orders over €149
- Free courier shipping on orders over €299
- Secure checkout and interest-free payments
Order the Pro-Ject Automat A1.2 from Soundium
Final Thoughts
The Pro-Ject Automat A1.2 brings genuine hi-fi vinyl playback to anyone who values ease. Its automatic start/stop and mechanically disengaged design protect sound quality, while the upgraded platter, refined mechanism, and pre-aligned cartridge make it a confident recommendation for simple, high-performance listening.
Still Unsure?
Reach out to our team—we’ll help you find the right match for your setup.
