Pro-Ject: Pick It Pro Balanced Moving Magnet Cartridge

LAB POINTS

• first-of-its-kind MM cartridge to carry a ‘true balanced’ signal, developed in partnership w/ Ortofon
• exceptionally lively & robust sound, very detailed with low distortion + high dynamic range
• easy mounting, design fits most turntables
• made in Europe

“With Pick it PRO Balanced, no longer are you limited to moving coil cartridges to begin a balanced signal chain! As word spreads about the merits & attainability of Pro-Jects True Balanced concept, we aim to make it even easier for you to dip your toes in the balanced pond. To achieve their relatively high output voltage, MM cartridges require far more coil windings. This means theres a much greater length of metal through which the signal must travel. This in turn amounts to higher internal impedance values relative to MC cartridges and greater susceptibility to interference. To stave off noise & interference, most all the moving magnet cartridges on the market use a generator shield thats tied to the right channel ground. As such, balanced signal transmission from the cartridge is no longer attainable. To solve this problem, Pro-Ject Audio Systems has teamed up with Ortofon to develop a new MM cartridge design that does not associate the generator shield with the right channel ground. Long & short, Pick it PRO Balanced sends a symmetrical signal that, with a Pro-Ject True Balanced turntable, phono preamp & cable, delivers the balanced audio experience starting from a moving magnet phono cartridge an industry first!” – Pro-Ject

KEY FEATURES

• cartridge type: moving magnet for everyday listening
• stylus shape: elliptical
• stylus construction: bonded diamond
• cantilever material: aluminum
• output voltage: 4.0 mV
• frequency response: 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz
• channel separation: 22 dB
• tracking force: 2.0 g
• cartridge weight: 7.2 g
• replaceable stylus: yes
• upgradeable stylus: no

ABOUT TRUE BALANCED AUDIO

• true balanced audio refers to a superior audio signal that results in higher sound quality with nearly zero background noise, check out our in-depth guide here
• true balanced gear can be utilized as both balanced (with the proper components and signal path) or non-balanced
• true balanced audio requires a moving coil cartridge (MC) or the Pro-Ject Pick it Pro Balanced MM Cartridge
• true balanced audio requires a balanced audio cable (5-Pin DIN, mini XLR / XLR, or RCA > Mini XLR) connected from the turntable to the preamp
• true balanced audio requires a preamp that accepts balanced cables; you can output either XLR (recommended) or RCA from the preamp to speakers / amplifier
• shop all Pro-Ject True Balanced

COMES WITH

• mounting screws