A better cartridge is one of the most effective upgrades for a turntable. Pro-Ject offers two versions of its own MM cartridge: the Pro-Ject Pick it PRO and the Pick it PRO Balanced. Both were developed with Ortofon and are made in Europe. They share the same core specifications, but the Balanced version is designed for a True Balanced connection.
Neither cartridge is new: the Pick it PRO dates from 2021 and the Balanced version from 2023. But with more balanced phono stages on the market, the choice between them is more relevant than ever.
Pro-Ject Pick it PRO: an elliptical MM cartridge
The Pro-Ject Pick it PRO is a moving-magnet cartridge with an elliptical stylus (8/18 µm). It delivers 4 mV at 1 kHz, enough for any MM phono stage. Pro-Ject describes its sound as lively and robust, with a high dynamic range.
For the Pro-Ject Pick it PRO, the recommended tracking force is 2.0 g, within a range of 1.8 to 2.2 g. The cartridge weighs 7.2 g, which suits most tonearms.
Pick it PRO Balanced: built for True Balanced
The Pick it PRO Balanced is a revised version of the Pick it PRO that allows True Balanced signal transmission. Pro-Ject says a balanced connection helps remove picked-up noise and interference.
It pairs with Pro-Ject’s True Balanced cables and phono stages such as the Phono Box S3 B and Phono Box DS3 B. The other specifications are the same as those of the standard Pick it PRO.
Which one should you choose?
If your phono stage only has RCA inputs, the standard Pro-Ject Pick it PRO is the logical choice. If you have, or plan to buy, a balanced phono stage, the Pick it PRO Balanced gets more out of that connection. Comparing MM cartridges? Read our article on the Clearaudio N2 too.
Pricing and availability
Both cartridges are available through Pro-Ject dealers. Pro-Ject does not list prices on its product pages. More information is on the Pro-Ject website: Pick it PRO Balanced.
Key specifications
- Type: MM (moving magnet)
- Stylus: elliptical, 8/18 µm
- Output: 4 mV (1 kHz)
- Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz ±2 dB
- Channel separation: 22 dB (1 kHz)
- Tracking force: 1.8 – 2.2 g, recommended 2.0 g
- Weight: 7.2 g
- Load: 47 kΩ, 150 – 300 pF
- Balanced version: True Balanced compatible
- Made by: Pro-Ject with Ortofon, made in Europe
Is a balanced phono connection worth it in your system, or does the standard Pro-Ject Pick it PRO do the job?
