Pro-Ject E1 Replacement Needle
Belt drive · Manual · 33 and 45 rpm
Covers the E1, E1 Phono, E1 BT and E1.2.
Which version do you have?
If you have the E1, E1 Phono and E1 BT
The needle you need
ATN3600LC
The E1, E1 Phono and E1 BT take the Audio-Technica ATN3600LC needle. It replaced the ATN3600L.
- Named by Pro-Ject as the replacement
- Conical tip
If you have the E1.2
Replacement needle
No listed needle
Pro-Ject does not list a replacement needle for the Pick it MM E cartridge on the E1.2.
Upgrades that fit the E1
Audio-Technica makes the ATN3600LE, with an elliptical tip, which fits the same AT3600L cartridge. It pushes into the same body as the standard ATN3600LC, so you change only the needle. The standard ATN3600LC has a conical tip.
ATN3600LE
Elliptical tip · About 300 hours of play
New cartridge instead?
The E1, E1 Phono and E1 BT take cartridges with a standard half-inch mount. We have not found a cartridge weight range for its tonearm, so check the weight of a new cartridge with Pro-Ject before you buy.
Do you need a phono preamp?
A phono preamp boosts the very quiet signal from the cartridge.
The E1 and E1.2 has none built in, so it needs an amplifier or speakers with a phono input, or a separate phono preamp.
The E1 Phono and E1 BT has one built in that you can switch off, so it plugs straight into powered speakers, or into an amplifier’s phono input with it switched off.
Speakers that work with the E1
Each of these has its own phono input, so the E1 plugs in without a separate phono preamp.
If your record player has a PHONO/LINE switch, any powered speaker with a line input works.
The Nines
Takes Bluetooth too, so it can play the E1's Bluetooth signal with no cable.
C20 W
Also has an optical input, for a TV.
MR1 Mk3
Has a subwoofer output, if you want more bass later.
Spare parts for the E1
Acryl it
Fits the E1, E1 Phono and E1 BT
PRO Platter
Fits the E1, E1 Phono and E1 BT
Key facts: Pro-Ject E1
Same on every version that lists it
- DriveBelt drive
- OperationManual
- Speeds33 and 45 rpm
- Cartridge mountHalf-inch
- USBNo
- Dust coverYes
- Power supply15V DC / 0.8A power supply
What differs between versions
| Fact | E1 | E1 Phono | E1 BT | E1.2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cartridge | AT3600L | AT3600L | AT3600L | Pick it MM E |
| Built-in phono preamp | No | Yes, can be switched off | Yes, can be switched off | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No | Yes, sends to speakers | No |
| Platter | Abs polymer | Abs polymer, 300 mm | – | Die-cast aluminium |
| Size (W × D × H) | 415 × 320 × 112 mm | 420 × 330 × 112 mm | 420 × 330 × 112 mm | 415 × 320 × 112 mm |
| Weight | 3.5 kg | 3.5 kg | 3.5 kg | 3.6 kg |
Pro-Ject does not list the power supply for the E1, or say whether it has USB.
Pro-Ject does not list the platter or power supply for the E1 BT, or say whether it has USB.
Pro-Ject does not say whether the E1.2 has USB.
Versions of the E1
| Version | Status | Needle | Codes and colours |
|---|---|---|---|
| E1 | Discontinued | ATN3600LC | – |
| E1 Phono | Discontinued | ATN3600LC | – |
| E1 BT | Discontinued | ATN3600LC | – |
| E1.2 | Current | – | E1.2 Phono, E1.2 BT, E1.2 BT Colour |
Other record players that take the ATN3600LC
How to change the needle on the E1
With the arm on its rest, hold the AT3600L cartridge still, pull the old needle forward and down by its front lip, then push the ATN3600LC in from the front until it sits flush.
We take these details from Pro-Ject's own website and check them carefully, but makers change parts and part numbers, and we may miss an update. Before you buy, check the part on Pro-Ject's official website. If you spot an error, please tell us.
Questions about the E1
Is there an upgrade needle for the E1?
Yes. Audio-Technica makes the ATN3600LE, with an elliptical tip, which fits the same AT3600L cartridge. The standard ATN3600LC has a conical tip.
Can I fit a different cartridge to the E1?
Yes. The E1 has a standard half-inch mount, so you can swap the AT3600L cartridge for another of the same mount.
Can the E1 play 78 rpm records?
No. The E1 plays at 33 and 45 rpm only.
Do all versions of the E1 take the same needle?
No. The E1, E1 Phono and E1 BT take the ATN3600LC. The E1.2 has no listed needle.
Which cartridge is on the E1?
The AT3600L, a moving magnet cartridge with a standard half-inch mount. Its replacement needle is the ATN3600LC.