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A plug ’n’ play starter record spinner that’s designed for those looking to digitise their vinyl. Neville Roberts takes it for a spin.

Not every music fan wants to spend their precious time setting up a turntable, and enthusiasts will know all about the effort that’s involved in getting a deck sounding its best. The market is bursting with turntables, but Pro-Ject has also been looking at the entry-level and its new Primary decks are aimed at the user that just wants to plug in and play, offering great quality at an affordable price.

The basic Primary (£189) and the Primary Phono USB – on test here – combine elements from two of the Austrian brand’s existing entry-level designs in the form of its Elemental and Essential II turntables. It borrows the same 8.6in aluminium tonearm from the Elemental, uses sapphire bearings and comes pre-fitted with Ortofon’s OM5E cartridge. This means there is no need to set the tracking force or anti-skate adjustment. The platter is spun with the same perimeter belt-drive type found on the Elemental, and it is driven by a low-vibration synchronous motor that is controlled by a built-in regulator designed to provide good speed stability.

The acoustically neutral MDF plinth is borrowed from the Essential II and is finished in matte black, red or white. The finish is a bit utilitarian, being a laminate with an edging strip, but is perfectly acceptable at the price – savings have to be made somewhere and rather here than on the tonearm, cartridge or electronics. The deck also shares the Essential II’s MDF platter and comes supplied with a felt mat. A detachable dust cover is included, along with a 45rpm spindle adapter, cartridge protractor and Allen key for replacing the cartridge at a later date.