The Best Debut Yet...
- 8.6" carbon-wrapped aluminum tonearm
- Adjustable arm height (VTA)
- Nickel-plated aluminum bearing block
- Electronic speed changer & stabilizer
- Adjustable TPE-damped isolation feet
- Satin finish & brushed aluminum trimmings
- Sumiko Rainier MM phono cartridge
- Note: PRO record puck available separately
Keeping Things PRO-fessional
Pro-Ject Audio has more to add to the Debut conversation - in fact, let's call it a 'statement.' The relatively recent release of Debut Carbon EVO was beyond successful, but Heinz Lichtenegger's wheels were still turning. The performance enhancements for EVO were indeed profound, but there was more to strike while the proverbial iron was hot. The ceaseless pursuit for improvement, attention to detail as well as advancements in research, development, and manufacturing amount to a Debut for the ages, known simply and definitively as Debut PRO - a machine that tackles the range of turntables at $1000 or less. It does so in several meaningful ways.
The Tonearm
Borrowed from the higher-end X1 & X2 turntables, Debut PRO implements the tried and true one-piece carbon-fiber-wrapped aluminum armtube. This heightens rigidity and mass allowing it to more effectively control more massive cartridges. The composite armtube is also more effective at damping armtube resonance, allowing the signal to pass through unencumbered. PRO features a sophisticated tonearm bearing block made of nickel-plated aluminum. Here again, we see an exercise in rigidity while maintaining the ultra-smooth lateral motion of the arm. The icing is the tonearm collar, yielding the first Debut model to offer adjustment of vertical tracking angle. Azimuth is also readily adjustable. Listeners can fine-tune the full range of cartridge adjustment parameters to optimize the performance of most any cartridge they may choose.
The Record Platter
TPE-damped for resonance control and die-cast for ultimate precision, the platter is made of aluminum and adds a ridged slot on the bottom side to cleanly enclose the TPE ring. The surface of the platter is gorgeously satin-ized in a way that hasn't yet been seen on a Pro-Ject machine. The ridged slot plus the TPE itself adds rotational mass to the platter's periphery, which reduces wow & fluttering while the platter rotates!
The Fit & Finish of the Debut PRO
The satin black finish uses 8 coats hand-painted over MDF - a classy, high-quality job done in-house at the factory in Europe. The brushed metal trimmings for Debut PRO further reinforce a smooth, elegant aesthetic that's sure to remain timeless. Sustainably made and free of plastic, the high-precision aluminum bearing block, arm-board & collar, counterweight & anti-skate, isolation feet, and toggle switch exude quality both in sight and sound.
Considerations for 78 RPM Records
Debut PRO ships with 2 different drive belts. The flat belt is for 33 & 45 RPM discs and is installed on the top/smaller diameter of the motor pulley. The round one is for 78 RPM records only. It is designed for use with the larger/bottom pulley diameter with the differently shaped slot. Installing the 78 RPM belt incorrectly compromises its integrity and may lead to breakage. Additionally, please note that it's also not advisable to play 78 RPM records with the Rainier stylus. Sumiko has developed a 78 stylus for this very reason - now shipping!
[Pro-Ject's] newest turntable, the Debut Pro, is the highest-end model in the company's best-selling line of Debut turntables. It's stunning to look at, obviously, but it also has some key upgrades - redesigned tonearm, Sumiko Rainier cartridge, heavy aluminum platter - to further eliminate resonance and ensure it sounds spectacular. You're not going to find a better turntable for less than a grand.
The Pro is the most ambitious and sophisticated Debut model we've heard. It is a superb sounding package that's built well and is easy to set-up. If you are looking for a record player at this level, ignore this one at your peril. Highly recommended.
Features
- Pre-adjusted Sumiko Rainier cartridge
- 8.6" one-piece carbon/aluminium tonearm
- Precision aluminum platter with TPE damping
- Fully adjustable VTA
- Nickel-plated aluminum bearing block
- Motor suspension with better damping
- Height-adjustable metal feet
- Electronic speed switch
- Precision belt drive with electronic speed control
- 8x coats hand-painted MDF chassis
- Premium semi-symmetrical phono cable
- Gold-plated RCA connectors
- Dustcover included
- Handmade in Europe
Debut PRO Specifications
| Speed | 33, 45/(78) (electronic speed change) |
|---|---|
| Drive principle | belt-drive w/ electronic speed control |
| Platter | 300mm, die-cast aluminum platter with TPE damping and felt mat |
| Platter bearing | high-precision stainless steel axle in bronze bushing |
| Wow & flutter | 33: +/-0.16%
45: +/-0.14% |
| Speed drift | 33: +/-0.40%
45: +/-0.50% |
| Signal to noise | 68dB |
| Tonearm | 8.6" one-piece carbon/aluminum tonearm |
| Effective arm length/mass | 218.5mm / 10g |
| Overhang | 18.5mm |
| Included accessories | 15V DC / 0.8A power supply, dustcover, 78rpm round belt, 7'' singles adapter |
| Power consumption | 4W / 0W standby |
| DIM. (sans cover) | 415x113x320mm, 16.63×4.5×12.63″ |
| Mass/weight (sans cover) | 6kg/13.23lbs (net) |
Sumiko Rainier Specifications
| Frequency range | 12-25,000Hz |
|---|---|
| Channel separation | 25dB/1kHz |
| Output voltage | 5mV |
| Recommended load impedance | 47kohms (MM input) |
| Compliance/stylus type | 10µm/mN - elliptical |
| Recommended tracking force | 20mN |
| Weight | 6.5g |
