Pro-Ject Automat A1, Fully automatic turntable system with pre-adjusted OM 10 cartridge and built-in switchable Moving Magnet (MM) phono stage, Black

If you want a fully automatic turntable, this seems a great option from pro-ject.Ortofon cartridge is quite good. Not the warmest of sound but I think this is a perfectly good midrange option.Pre amp is switchable.

On first using the player I was impressed by the sound quality, especially as it was being compared to a very old Technics from the 80's from a mid range hi-fi system. But it did last 30-40 years!!However, after some time the problems appeared. The platter became unstable, dragging on something inside and the speed of the playing altered creating a very unpleasant experience.I contacted to the retailer who offered to look at it and they returned it to Pro-Ject for repairs. Pro-Ject supplied a "new" item.Delighted by this excellent service I set up the new turntable and put a record on..... EXACTLY the same fault. The platter unstable and dragging on something inside once per revolution, weird play speed and the dragging making it worse every spin.This time I asked the retailer for a refund or a different item. They offered me a TEAC to replace it. Now when I received that I understood just how badly built this pro-ject is for the money.Having read through the reviews that have appeared since my purchase I see this is a common issue and not a one off. This unit seems to have a design fault somewhere relating to the stability of the platter.

After extensive research into this and other turntables in the same price range, I decided to order the A1 for my partners Christmas present. It was only then I came across a YouTuve video citing the A1 as amazons most returned item currently. Decided not to dwell on it and hope for the best. Unpacked and set up on Christmas day; and the automatic function operated once and then failed; and hasn't worked since. Exceptionally disappointed. Avoid.

Very disappointed. The turntable platter wasn't flat it ran with a wharp in it and there was a constant buzzing noise when using the built in phono stage. Returned for a refund. Was gutted I had really high hopes for this.