The limited-edition Metallica turntable from Pro-Ject Audio looks like nothing else that can spin an ... [+] LP.

There’s nothing quite like a slab of heavy metal to get the blood pumping. Austrian turntable manufacturer Pro-Ject Audio Systems thinks so too and it’s teamed up with the US metal gods to create a Metallica Limited Edition Turntable.

Designed at the behest of the earth’s mightiest metal band, the new deck delivers spectacular visuals and Pro-Ject’s usual impeccable sound quality. Pro-Ject has equipped the Metallica machine with bona fide audiophile tech. From the diamond-tipped stylus to the (heavy) metal feet, Pro-Ject claims that this is a no-compromise collaboration.

The light is the first thing you notice about the Metallica turntable. Pro-Ject treats the deck’s surface with a mirror-finished metal contour, producing eye-catching reflections and a shape-shifting luster that works well with the turntables glass platter. The high mass of glass boosts the deck’s overall solidity, leading to tight and accurate playback speeds. The glass finish also keeps the Pro-Ject Metallic graphics in full view when it’s not hugging vinyl.

The turntable is supplied pre-adjusted and fitted with Pro-Ject’s Pick it S2 C cartridge. The ... [+] S-shaped tonearm has a detachable SME headshell, enabling a quick change for those who like to switch cartridges.

This new deck is designed to be easy to use but it also offers the option to fine-tune certain settings. The turntable is supplied pre-adjusted and fitted with Pro-Ject’s Pick it S2 C cartridge. The S-shaped tonearm has a detachable SME headshell, enabling a quick change for those who like to switch cartridges. Tracking force and anti-skating are both adjustable, so the user can make precise adjustments to tweak for a perfect performance.

The high-mass glass platter looks stylish and delivers extra heft to the turntable. The use of aluminum throughout the design improves tolerances during production and looks great. The sub-platter adds even more mass to the entire platter and drive system and this results in a reduction of noise and unwanted resonances.

A key payback from the super accurate pulley and sub-platter is a marked improvement in short-term speed stability (also known as ‘wow and flutter). Stability in every area is a crucial feature of a great-sounding vinyl system so Pro-Ject has equipped the Metallica turntable with height-adjustable and heavy-duty metal feet to ensure it stays level no matter the surface it’s placed on. The turntable speed is electronically controlled via a toggle switch that moves between 33 to 45RPM. There’s also a belt provided for playing 78RPM records.

Pricing & Availability: The Pro-Ject Audio Systems Metallica Limited Edition Turntable
costs $1,599 / £1,149 / €1,299.00 £1,149 and is available from August 2022.

More info: UK www.henleyaudio.co.uk US: www.projectusa.com

The Metallica limited-edition turntable includes a string glass platter and an aluminium sub-platter ... [+] and drive pulley.