🎵 Pro-Ject Automat A1.2: Fully Automatic Turntable, Pure Analog Sound

Vincas Vaidaugas
2025-09-04T12:32:18+03:00

The Pro-Ject Automat A1.2 pairs a CNC-machined aluminium platter, ultra-light 8.3″ tonearm with carbon-reinforced headshell, factory-aligned Pick it MM E cartridge, and switchable phono preamp—delivering effortless, true Hi-Fi vinyl playback for €499.

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TL;DR: The Pro-Ject Automat A1.2 is a fully automatic, plug-and-play turntable with a CNC-machined die-cast aluminium platter, 8.3″ ultra-light aluminium tonearm, redesigned headshell, factory-aligned Pick it MM E cartridge, and a switchable built-in phono preamp. It keeps the mechanics disengaged during play for purist sound—and it’s available now at Soundium for €499.

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.