Skip to main content

Pro-Ject rides the lightning with Metallica-themed turntable

Get your metal horns ready, Metallica fans, and make some room on your hi-fi console. Audiophile equipment maker Pro-Ject has announced a special-edition turntable in collaboration with the legendary heavy metal band.

Paying homage to the group’s iconic ninja star logo, the handmade turntable’s plinth features four jagged blades with a mirrored finish visible through the clear glass platter and protruding from the edges of it in a striking starlike formation. In line with Pro-Ject’s previous artist-themed record players produced with the likes of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, this Metallica deck will be available in limited quantities and through select retailers this summer for $1,600.

Pro-Ject audio's limited edition Metallica turntable.
Pro-Ject

The turntable’s plinth is made from heavy, non-resonant MDF material that’s typical of what can be found in several of Pro-Ject’s high-end turntables. The heavy glass platter sits atop an aluminum sub-platter that’s belt-driven, making for the quiet, precise operation that audiophiles prefer and that Pro-Ject Audio is known for. It also has a speed selector switch, so you won’t have to fuss with manually moving the belt.

While there’s no telling just how involved the members of Metallica were involved in this collaboration, they’re likely pleased with the choice of the Ortofon/Pro-Ject-designed Pick it S2 C cartridge. Known and loved by DJs and audiophiles alike, the cartridge is based on the popular Ortofon Concorde plug-and-play design, which is easy to install and change. Here, the S2 C comes factory installed and aligned, according to the press release, and its 8.6-inch, aluminum, S-shaped tonearm features adjustable vertical tracking angle (VTA), tracking force, and anti-skate settings, making it a pretty feature-stacked turntable.

Editors' Recommendations

What is Dolby Vision? The dynamic HDR format fully explained
An example of the difference between Dolby Vision and regular HDR.

Of all the new TV technologies to emerge over the last few years, it's arguable that none has had as big an impact on overall picture quality as High Dynamic Range, or HDR. When properly implemented, HDR makes everything pop, while enhancing details and improving color. We think it has been more impactful than the move from Full HD (1080p) to 4K Ultra HD or even 8K resolution.

But not all HDR is created equal; in fact, HDR is a catch-all term that refers to several distinct and competing technologies. The one with the biggest brand recognition is Dolby Vision. Dolby Labs has done such a good job of marketing Dolby Vision as its own platform, many consumers aren't even aware that it's an HDR format.  That shouldn't be a surprise: TVs that have Dolby Vision technology are often labeled as "4K HDR TV with Dolby Vision," making it seem as though the two terms aren't related.

Read more
What is Sonos? The speakers, app, and everything you need to know about wireless music
Sonos Roadm in three colors.

When you think about wireless music, one name comes to mind. Sonos. And unless you’re a diehard analog music fan who shuns anything digital, you’ve likely encountered the Sonos brand. It effectively pioneered and normalized the idea of multi-room, digital wireless audio, and it’s still the gold standard to beat.

Curious about what exactly Sonos does, and how it works in the same world that already includes Apple, Spotify, and even your old Technics turntable? Is Sonos right for you? Let's dig into it.
What is Sonos?

Read more
How to know if you’re actually getting Dolby Atmos sound
pioneer elite dolby atmos enabled speaker system review insitutoplogo

With its object-based sound system, Dolby Atmos is the most immersive version of surround sound you can get at home. Though it took some time to catch on, the format is now supported by Ultra HD Blu-ray discs and streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Disney+. So, if you’ve got Dolby Atmos speakers, a Dolby Atmos-compatible AV receiver or soundbar, and access to Dolby Atmos content, you should be hearing Dolby Atmos sound, right?

Well, as it turns out, no, not necessarily. To understand if your Atmos system is delivering true Atmos sound -- and not just really good surround sound -- you need to understand how Dolby Atmos works with all of your media sources and components. It’s a bit technical, but we’re going to make it as simple as possible.
What exactly is Dolby Atmos?

Read more