Pro-Ject Xtension 10 Evolution (Olive, no-cartridge package) review

This assessment covers the Olive Pro-Ject item sold in the U.S.-facing Acoustic Sounds listing as “Xtension 10 Turntable.” Its EAN, 9120035829436, matches a separate U.S.-facing Xtension 10 Evolution Olive Wood Gloss item that explicitly says “No Cartridge.” Pro-Ject’s model guide also distinguishes its no-cartridge and Cadenza Red configurations. On that cross-source identity bridge, this review treats the observed item as the no-cartridge package; it does not infer contents from the photograph. This is a document-led analysis, not a listening test, measurement, ownership report or claim about a particular unit.

A large, manually configured platform

The Xtension 10 Evolution is a belt-drive turntable with a mass-loaded, magnetically decoupled chassis, a damped aluminium-alloy sandwich platter and magnetic support feet. It uses a 10-inch 10cc Evolution carbon-fibre tonearm, and the model is built around electronic 33/45 speed selection. Those construction details describe the design; they are not independent evidence of sound quality. The Olive listing is a finish-specific retail identity, not a distinct arm or phono-stage configuration.

The exact no-cartridge package leaves meaningful setup work to the buyer. Pro-Ject’s manual describes installing and aligning a cartridge, balancing the arm, setting downforce and anti-skating, adjusting azimuth and vertical tracking angle, and leveling the deck. It notes that an experienced dealer can help if cartridge adjustment is unfamiliar. An adjustable arm is only useful when the selected pickup, counterweight and setup are compatible; treat the manual as a setup procedure, not a claim that the seller has pre-adjusted this item.

Provide the cartridge and the phono stage

The matching-GTIN U.S. listing identifies a no-cartridge version and says there is no built-in phono preamp. The turntable’s five-pole DIN output carries a phono-level signal, and the current maker sheet names a 5P-to-RCA cable. That cable transports the signal; it does not add the equalization and gain required by a phono cartridge. Confirm the exact cable and contents of the seller’s carton before ordering.

After choosing and installing a compatible cartridge, a receiver or integrated amplifier with a PHONO input can provide the stage, but the input must support the pickup’s generator type, gain and loading. If you use powered speakers with a LINE input, route the turntable through a separate MM- or MC-compatible phono stage first. Passive speakers need that stage followed by an amplifier that can drive them. The exact package can support each route only after the cartridge and downstream equipment are matched; it is not a complete plug-in system by itself.

Electronic speed control is not automatic operation

Pro-Ject’s manual describes user-operated motor start/standby and manual tonearm lift. Pressing the speed control switches 33 and 45 RPM electronically, but that does not move the arm. The manual’s 78-RPM procedure is different: the user removes the pulley cover and moves the belt to the alternate pulley step before selecting the motor setting. Check the record format, appropriate stylus and setup before relying on 78-RPM playback; it is not the same effortless button change as 33/45.

Fully automatic start-and-return is not documented. The inspected model-specific documents also do not establish an automatic platter stop at the end of a side. Keep record-end behavior unknown rather than assuming either that it stops or that it definitely continues indefinitely. Buyers who require verified hands-off arm handling or a documented auto-stop should not treat electronic speed control as a substitute.

Separate the body-size screen from working space

The manufacturer manual lists 480 × 235 × 400 mm with the cover closed, roughly 18.9 inches wide, 9.25 inches high and 15.75 inches deep. In this finder’s half-inch steps, a strict 18.5-inch width cap or 15.5-inch depth cap is too small; the first listed-body limits that admit it are 19 inches wide and 16 inches deep. Those numbers describe the closed body only. The manual’s open-cover envelope is 480 × 495 × 535 mm, so a shelf that barely fits the closed deck may still block the lid, arm movement or access. Reserve extra room for cable bend, record handling and service access, and use a level, sturdy support surface.

Resolve the mass discrepancy before planning a lift

Weight claims do not agree. Acoustic Sounds lists 20 kg for this Olive item; the separate U.S. listing with the matching EAN says 48.5 lb; Pro-Ject’s 2024 guide, 2025 information sheet and current manual list 26 kg net. The 2018 manufacturer sheet itself adds an older split, with 18 kg in its specification table and 22 kg in its descriptive text. Platter figures differ too: the Acoustic Sounds table says 5.7 kg, the current maker page says 10.3 kg, the 2025 sheet says 10 kg and the older sheet says 10.5 kg. These are conflicting published values, not measurements of the same physical unit. For support and delivery planning, use the current 26 kg maker figure as a conservative screen, then ask the seller to confirm the exact unit and carton before arranging the move.

Bottom line: the Olive Xtension 10 Evolution is a very large, heavy, manual deck for a system builder willing to choose and install a cartridge, match the phono chain, and make room for a 78-RPM belt change if needed. It is a poor match for a buyer who wants a supplied cartridge, a built-in phono stage, compact placement or verified automatic arm/record-end behavior. Confirm the cartridge-free package, cable and accessories, exact mass, shelf capacity and lid-open clearance for the particular seller unit.

Documents checked

Model construction, speed controls and current dimensions are described on Pro-Ject’s Xtension 10 Evolution model page. The setup and signal path are in the Xtension 10 Evolution instructions for use; the model’s package branches and current listed body envelope appear in the 2024 Pro-Ject product guide and 2025 product-information sheet. The exact Olive retail identity and same-GTIN no-cartridge bridge were assessed separately; no price, availability, customer feedback or sound-testing claim is adopted.