Pro-Ject RPM 10 Carbon & Ortofon Cadenza Bronze

Pro-Ject Audio Systems traces its roots to 1991 in Austria's Weinviertel region, north of Vienna, where founder Heinz Lichtenegger launched the brand amid the CD revolution. Kicked out of music school as a youth, Lichtenegger channeled his passion for analog sound into affordable, high-quality turntables at a time when vinyl seemed obsolete. His debut Pro-Ject 1, hand-assembled in the Czech Republic, earned rave reviews as a top high-end device, igniting a success story that relocated headquarters to Vienna before returning to Mistelbach in Lower Austria.

The brand excels in turntables, establishing itself as the world's largest and leading producer in that category, while expanding into a full spectrum of hi-fi components since 2000. Offerings include amplifiers, DACs, headphone amps, speakers, cables, and phono stages, all emphasizing essential sound reproduction with durable materials and minimalist design. Manufacturing remains European—primarily in Czechia, Slovakia, and Germany—prioritizing sustainability through local sourcing, short transport, and products built for longevity.

Pro-Ject holds a commanding niche as the go-to for mid-tier audiophiles seeking boutique European craftsmanship without extravagant pricing. Distributed in over 80 countries, it appeals to vinyl revivalists and discerning buyers who value analog purity, innovation, and value-driven performance over flashy excess, cementing its reputation as a pioneer in accessible high-fidelity.