Description
Some turntables require refinements, upgrades, and consideration of cartridge selection. The X8 Evo SuperPack is not one of them. It is a ready-made statement of taste and priorities: heavy MDF, a top-level carbon tonearm, and an Ortofon Quintet Blue MC cartridge in one box. I unpacked it, set it up, put in a record, and I don't want to change anything anymore.
The X8 base is a massive high-density MDF cabinet, the shape of which was developed not only for aesthetics, but primarily for acoustic inertia. Three height-adjustable legs, machined from CNC aluminum and damped with TPE inserts, effectively decouple the player from any surface. The total weight of the system is 15 kg, and this weight is not for prestige here: it directly determines the stability of playback.
The 5.1 kg aluminum platter is machined from a solid billet and balanced with jeweler's precision. A ring-shaped TPE damper dampens residual resonances. The platter rotates on an inverted ceramic ball bearing with a PTFE liner, and a neodymium magnet in the base reduces the load on the fulcrum, ensuring extremely low friction and almost zero wear for decades. The flywheel effect of this disc provides a speed stability of ±0.11% at 33 rpm - a figure typical of devices in a much higher price segment.
The Pro-Ject 9CC Evolution is one of the most recognizable tonearms in the world of analog audio. The monolithic tapered carbon fiber tube eliminates standing waves that inevitably occur in composite metal structures. A heavy C-shaped bearing block with four stainless steel pins on ABEC 7 bearings provides a cardal (backlash-free) connection in two planes. VTA and azimuth are adjustable for optimal head mounting - precision adjustment is available even after changing the cartridge.
The housing is available in three finishes: glossy black, glossy white and walnut veneer. A transparent acrylic cover is included. Electronic speed control (33/45 rpm) is switched with a single button. A felt mat is included - and here the X8 is clearly different from the older Xtension 9/10: the open surface of the disc allows you to freely experiment with mats, which is not possible on models with a vinyl coating.
