Pro-Ject Metallica Limited Edition Turntable review

The Pro-Ject Metallica Limited Edition is a standalone belt-drive turntable, not a self-contained speaker system. This is a document-led assessment of the exact U.S.-facing Pick it S2 C package; it does not claim hands-on use, listening tests, ownership or measurements.

Distinctive finish, real turntable mechanics

The mirror-finished metal top plate traces Metallica's logo across a substantial MDF plinth. Beneath that visual treatment, the documented assembly is a glass platter over an aluminum sub-platter, driven by a precision belt system. Adjustable feet help level the deck, but the attractive surface and heavy platter do not remove the usual need for a firm, level support. Treat the manufacturer's construction claims as component descriptions, not proof of a sound result in a particular room.

The supplied Pick it S2 C is a moving-magnet cartridge fitted to an 8.6-inch S-shaped aluminum tonearm with detachable SME-style headshell. That combination matters more than the branding for system fit: it gives a specified cartridge type for receiver and phono-stage matching, while the detachable headshell makes a later cartridge change less tied to the arm's integrated headshell. The manual still requires setup attention, including balancing the arm and setting tracking force and anti-skating.

78 rpm is a real extra step, not just a switch position

Pro-Ject lists electronic selection for 33 and 45 rpm, plus 78 rpm when the supplied round belt is fitted. The manual explains the physical change: remove the flat belt, fit the round belt on the larger motor-pulley step and sub-platter, then select the 78 position. This means 78 playback is supported, but moving between shellac and ordinary LP speeds is not a one-touch choice. Keep the alternate belt with the deck and follow the model-specific instructions rather than assuming that the flat belt handles all three speeds.

That feature is a useful discriminator from the AC/DC and Harley-Davidson Artist Collection decks assessed here: their product sheets enumerate 33/45 only, while the Metallica model documents the round-belt 78 route. It is not evidence that the Metallica is otherwise more capable or sounds better.

Plan the phono connection before the shelf

The exact manual is unusually direct about signal routing. Its RCA sockets provide phono-level output, ordinary CD/Tuner/Tape/Video line inputs are unsuitable, and the receiver's PHONO input must match the installed cartridge. For the supplied Pick it S2 C MM package, a compatible MM PHONO input is the straightforward path. If the amplifier has only a line input—or if the destination is powered speakers—add an MM phono stage first. With passive speakers, that stage feeds the amplifier's LINE/AUX input; do not add a second stage after the receiver's PHONO input.

The RCA cable and ground lead are part of the documented connection. The presence of RCA sockets does not mean the turntable has a phono preamp. The product manual instead describes a separate stage for systems without a suitable phono input. If you plan to replace the cartridge, re-check the required loading and make sure the PHONO input or external stage fits the replacement too.

Manual cueing; record-end behavior is not established

The arm lift is a user control. The speed selector changes platter speed, not arm placement, and the reviewed product sources do not document an automatic record-end stop or arm return. The fact record therefore treats auto-stop as unknown rather than silently assigning either a yes or no. Keep this deck off a shortlist when verified stop behavior is a hard requirement; manual cueing is not a substitute for that feature.

Body fit and package checks

The manufacturer lists the body at 430 × 120 × 430 mm (W × H × D), about 16.93 × 4.72 × 16.93 inches, and 4.5 kg net. At half-inch quiz increments, a body cap first clears 17 inches in both width and depth. That is only a nominal body screen: it does not allow for the raised dust cover, hand access, cables, record handling or neighboring equipment. The compact-looking symmetrical footprint still deserves an actual shelf measurement.

U.S.-facing retailer records identify the Metallica Limited Edition and fitted Pick it S2 C package, but a seller barcode is not a manufacturer model code, and a saved item page does not prove a current offer. Confirm the exact cartridge, round 78 belt, power supply, cable and condition for the specific carton offered. The image above is the official model image, not a package or availability indicator.

Who should keep it on the list

This is a candidate for a fan who genuinely wants the distinctive deck design, is comfortable with manual setup and can supply the correct MM phono route. Its clearest functional distinction in this group is the included 78-rpm belt arrangement. It is not the right choice for a built-in-preamp-only system, fully automatic operation or a guaranteed auto-stop need. Before ordering, verify the exact item identity and accessories, check the available shelf with clearance, and match the PHONO input to the Pick it S2 C.

Documents and exact-item record checked

Pro-Ject's Metallica model page, product-information sheet and revision 2022.07.15 manual support the design, cartridge, speeds, phono routing and body specifications. The U.S.-facing Audiolab product record corroborates the exact retail model and cartridge package. No price, stock state, customer review, listening outcome or hands-on test is used here.