{{Short description |Austrian audio equipment manufacturer}} {{About|the audio electronics brand|the airplane|Pro-Design Pro-Ject|other uses|project (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox company | name = Pro-Ject Audio Systems | logo = PJ-Audio-Systems-Logo-black.jpg | logo_size = 200px | type = Privately held company | foundation = {{start date and age|1991}} | location = Mistelbach, Lower Austria, Austria | key_people = Heinz Lichtenegger (founder and director) | industry = Electronics | products = Hi-fi equipment, Turntables | num_employees = approx. 300 | revenue = unknown | homepage = {{URL|project-audio.com}} }} thumb|right|Debut EVO Soundsystem in the HQ showroom
'''Pro-Ject Audio Systems''' is a manufacturer of audiophile equipment, founded in 1991 by Heinz Lichtenegger and located in Mistelbach, Austria.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.project-audio.com/inhalt/en/pdf/complete.pdf |title=Go Analogue! in the third {{notatypo|millenium}} |date= |access-date=23 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303171756/http://www.project-audio.com/inhalt/en/pdf/complete.pdf |archive-date=3 March 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://project-audio.com/main.php?info=headquarter&cat=default&lang=en |title=Pro-ject Audio Systems |access-date=23 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180628153448/http://www.project-audio.com/main.php?info=headquarter&cat=default&lang=en |archive-date=28 June 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Pro-Ject Audio Systems designs the products in Austria and produces them in plants located in Germany, Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Its product range includes a family of turntables, which are often quoted as reference entry-level models.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.audiotools.com/lp_g.html | title = Currently active record player manufacturers. G to Q | access-date = 2024-11-26 | website = Audiotools.com }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vinylengine.com/library/pro-ject.shtml |title=Pro-ject Owners Manuals, Service Manuals, Schematics, Free Download | publisher=Vinyl Engine |date= |access-date=23 September 2010}}</ref> The '''Pro-Ject Debut''' turntable, introduced in 1999, played a pivotal role in revitalizing interest in vinyl records (Phonograph record) by offering high-quality analog playback at an affordable price point, making quality turntables accessible to a broader audience.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.audioaffair.co.uk/blog/history-of-the-pro-ject-debut-a-budget-classic/ | title = History of the Pro-Ject Debut a Budget Classic | author = Bob | date = 2017-04-27 | access-date = 2024-12-01 | website = audio affair}}</ref>
Since 2015 Pro-Ject has released limited edition '''Artist Collection'''<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.project-audio.com/en/turntables/| title = Pro-Ject TURNTABLES / Artist Collection | access-date = 2024-11-26 | website = project-audio.com| date = 7 June 2021 }}</ref> turntables in cooperation with the Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Metallica, Hans Theessink, Parov Stelar, and the Vienna Philharmonic.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.project-audio.com/en/turntables/| title = Plattenspieler der Extraklasse: The Classic Reference | date = 2024-10-30 | access-date = 2024-11-26 | website = connect.de}}</ref>
They also manufactures a range of micro '''Hi-Fi components''' such as Amps, CD Transports, Phono Stages, Streaming Devices, Loudspeakers and more.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.box-designs.com/main.php?info=source&cat=source&lang=en |title=Box Design by Pro-Ject Audio Systems |website=Box-designs.com |date=23 August 2016 |access-date=10 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625161840/http://www.box-designs.com/main.php?info=source&cat=source&lang=en |archive-date=25 June 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Reina |first=Robert J. |url=http://stereophile.com/turntables/pro-ject_debut_iii_record_player/ |title=Pro-Ject Debut III record player |work=Stereophile |date = February 2010|access-date=23 September 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Gold |first=Phil |url=http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0804/projectspeedbox.htm |title=Entry Level Vinyl Spinner... Pro-Ject 1 Xpression And Speed Box |publisher=Enjoythemusic.com |date=April 2004 |access-date=23 September 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Price |first=David |url=http://www.hi-fiworld.co.uk/hfw/featureshtml/turntableroundup.html |title=VINYL TO GO! |work=Hi-fi World |date=January 1998 |access-date=23 September 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100920131502/http://hi-fiworld.co.uk/hfw/featureshtml/turntableroundup.html |archive-date=20 September 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Pro-Ject Audio Systems is a division of Audio Tuning,<ref>https://www.audiotuning.com</ref> that also owns Musical Fidelity,<ref>https://www.musicalfidelity.com</ref> REKKORD AUDIO<ref>https://www.rekkord-audio.com</ref> and TONE Factory.<ref>https://www.tone-factory.com</ref>
== History == Pro-Ject founder Heinz Lichtenegger began producing and selling turntables under this brand name in 1991. The '''Pro-Ject 1''', launched in 1991, marked the company's entry into the turntable market. Developed by founder Heinz Lichtenegger, this deck was essentially a modified version of the Tesla NC-500, a turntable produced in the Czech Republic. By enhancing the design with improved materials and engineering, Pro-Ject created an affordable yet high-quality turntable that laid the foundation for its future success.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.whathifi.com/features/12-of-the-best-pro-ject-turntables-of-all-time | title = 12 of the best Pro-Ject turntables of all time | author = Joe Cox | date = 2023-09-23 | access-date = 2024-12-01 | website = WHAT HI*FI?}}</ref>
===Timeline=== Significant events in the history of Pro-Ject Audio Systems<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.stereoindex.com/audio/pro-ject-audio-systems/ | title = Pro-Ject Audio Systems | author = Marcus Carlsen| date = 2024-02-08 | access-date = 2024-12-09 | website = Stereoindex}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url = https://hifihalloffame.com/businesses/pro-ject-audio-systems/ | title = Hi-Fi Hall of Fame - Business Inductee - Pro-Ject Audio Systems| author = | date = 2023 | access-date = 2024-12-09 | website = Hi-Fi Hall Of Fame}}</ref>
===1991 – Foundation=== Heinz Lichtenegger founded Pro-Ject Audio Systems and launched the first turntable, the '''Pro-Ject 1'''. The consortium of the most experienced hi-fi editors within the Expert Imaging and Sound Association EISA has chosen the Pro-Ject 1 for an '''award in the category ‘Best Buy Turntable’'''.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.audiotra.de/news/eisa-awards-fuer-pro-ject | title = EISA-Awards for Pro-Ject | author = Atr| date = 2019-08-19 | access-date = 2024-12-09 | language = german | website = Atr – Lust auf Hifi | publisher = ATR – Audio Trade}}</ref>
===1993 – Partnership=== After the collapse of the Iron Curtain, Pro-Ject partnered with a former Tesla factory in the Czech Republic, which continues to produce turntables for Pro-Ject.
===1994 – Pro-Ject 6=== Introduction of the first '''high-end turntable''', the Pro-Ject 6.
===1999 – Debut Series=== Launch of the Debut turntable, aiming to make hi-fi products more accessible; it has sold nearly one million units to date.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.whathifi.com/reviews/pro-ject-debut-pro | title = Pro-Ject Debut Pro review | author = What Hi-Fi? | date = 2023-10-16 | access-date = 2024-12-09 | website = What Hi-Fi}}</ref>
===2000 – New Factories=== To support electronics production, Pro-Ject established new partnerships in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
===2007 – Digital Entry=== Introduction of the first '''digital products''': Pre Box, Amp Box, and DAC Box.
===Since 2015 – Artist Collection=== Collaboration with artists such as Parov Stelar, The Beatles, Metallica and The Rolling Stones to create '''special edition turntables'''.
===2017 – Headquarters=== Opening of new headquarters '''in Lower Austria''', including offices, logistics center, administration, and R&D facilities.
===2021 – 30th Anniversary=== Celebration marked by the release of the '''Debut PRO''' turntable.
===2023 – EVO Tonearms=== Release of 24 different high-precision '''tonearms''', handmade in Europe.
===2024 – Current Status=== Pro-Ject operates in '''over 80 countries''' with more than 5,000 dealers, employing over 500 people across four factories, and has received numerous international awards, including EISA and Red Dot '''Design Awards'''.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.project-audio.com/en/company/ | title = Company history – From the Beginning | website = Pro-Ject| date = 15 June 2021 }}</ref>
==Pro-Ject Turntables in Film-Sets== Pro-Ject turntables have made notable '''appearances in various films''', often serving as key elements in set designs. These placements underscore a cultural significance and aesthetic appeal of turntables in contemporary movies.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.whathifi.com/features/21-our-favourite-turntable-cameos-in-films-and-tv-shows | title = 21 of our favourite turntable cameos in films and TV shows | author = Kashfia Kabir | date = 2018-10-25 | access-date = 2024-12-04 | website = WHAT HI*FI}}</ref> For instance, the ''Pro-Ject Debut Carbon'' Line was featured in the film A Bigger Splash (2015 film)<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.instagram.com/reel/C3haynxO6Lo/ | title = Pro-Ject on Movie-Set: A bigger splash | author = Reel by projectaudiosystems | date = 2024-02-19 | access-date = 2024-12-04 | website = Instagram}}</ref> for the authentic portrayal of a character with a passion for vinyl records. It also appeared in the Music video of the Song “Giorgio by Moroder” by Daft Punk.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhl-Cs1-sG4 | title = Daft Punk - Giorgio by Moroder (Official Audio) | author = Daft Punk| date = 2014-02-24 | access-date = 2024-12-04 | website = YouTube }}</ref> Several Pro-Ject turntable models appeared in Do Not Disturb (2014 film),<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.instagram.com/reel/C3Umh-dsO9v/ | title = Pro-Ject on Movie-Set: Do not disturb | author = Reel by projectaudiosystems | date = 2024-02-14 | access-date = 2024-12-04 | website =Instagram }}</ref> Westworld (TV series), Season 4,<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1SVeUbLqtk| title = Pro-Ject on Movie-Set: Westworld (TV Series), Season 4 | author = Reel by projectaudiosystems| date = 2024-03-13 | access-date = 2024-12-04 | website =Instagram }}</ref> Suits (American TV series) or The Mechanic (2011 film).<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.instagram.com/reel/C1HT6Nws6CN/| title = Pro-Ject on Movie-Sets: The Mechanic (2011) | author = Reel by projectaudiosystems | date = 2023-12-21 | access-date = 2024-12-04 | website = Instagram}}</ref>
==Gallery==
{{Gallery|title=Pro-Ject audio products}} <gallery mode="packed" widths="200px" heights="150px" perrow="4"> File:Pro-Ject 1 (1991).jpg|Pro-Ject 1 record player (1991) – the company's entry into the turntable market File:Pro-Ject Artist-Line TheBeatles-YellowSubmarine.jpg|The Beatles Yellow Submarine turntable - part of the Artist Collection File:Debut-Carbon-Evo-golden-yellow-front.364.jpg|Debut Carbon EVO (2020) in Satin Yellow File:Pro-Ject Juke Box S2 Stereo Set b.jpg|Pro-Ject Juke Box S2 Stereo Set File:Pro-Ject RPM 3.jpg|Pro-Ject RPM 3 File:Pro-Ject X 8 evolution.jpg|Pro-Ject X 8 evolution File:PJ-BD-PreBoxS2Digital+AmpBoxS2+EIII.jpg|The Pre Box S2 Digital and Amp Box S2 with an Essential III Turntable File:6PerspeX-NY-JakobDirnberger2018.jpg|6PerspeX turntable photographed in New York (2018) File:Phonopreamp-Pro-Ject.jpg|Phono Box RS2 (Phono Preamplifier) </gallery>
==See also== * List of phonograph manufacturers
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== *{{Official website|http://www.project-audio.com/}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2017}}{{EngvarB|date=January 2017}} {{Authority control}}
Category:Electronics companies established in 1991 Category:Headphone amplifier manufacturers Category:Austrian brands Category:Phonograph manufacturers Category:Audio equipment manufacturers of Austria Category:Economy of Lower Austria Category:Austrian companies established in 1991