Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo

Evolution of the legendary turntable with 8.6" carbon fibre arm, Ortofon 2M-red cartridge and electronic speed control

"... nowadays we can't imagine a better analogue experience for 500 Euros..." REFERENZKLASSE 96 % - AUDIO TEST rating 6/11 2020

Since the mid-1990s, just a few years after the founding of Pro-Ject Audio Systems and just at the height of the popularity of the CD format, we have seen a growing number of audiophiles nostalgically maintaining the tradition of analogue listening. In 1998, Heinz Lichtenegger and his UK distributor and long-time friend, Laurence Armstrong, sat together and dreamed of a rebirth of the turntable that would make analogue sound accessible to a greater number of fans. They wanted to offer new models that could offer sound quality approaching the parameters of thebut at a price that the new younger up-and-coming generation could also afford. Thus, the DEBUT turntable was born.

Today, more than 20 years after it entered the market, the Debut, with almost a million units sold, is truly one of the best-selling products in Hi-Fi history. Now, in 2020, the time has once again come for a new evolution of the legendary model.

EVOLUCE

The Debut Carbon EVO focuses on the key aspects that make a turntable sound great. Technically flawless design - impeccable workmanship - handmade in the EU. This turntable is simply built to last a lifetime!

PLATTER WITH INTERNAL DAMPING MADE OF TPE

Our new TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) damping technology helps to dampen resonances very effectively, and also increases the weight of the platter to 1.7 kg. Because the TPE damping is installed on the inside of the rim of the platter, the motion energy creates a flywheel effect. The result is a much quieter and more stable operation with significantly lower speed fluctuations.

PERFECTLY BALANCED AT ALL TIMES

The Debut Carbon EVO uses 3 height-adjustable heavy metal bases to ensure the turntable is evenly positioned on any surface. By using only 3 bases we have increased stability on uneven surfaces, as it is essential to have a perfectly balanced turntable for a truly superior sound.

IMPROVED MOTOR SUSPENSION SYSTEM

The Debut Carbon EVO features a newly designed motor suspension system. This is because the turntable motor always vibrates during operation, which is a natural characteristic. Because the cartridge and stylus are very sensitive parts that transmit vibrations to the speakers, unwanted motor vibrations can manifest as audible mechanical noise. Therefore, it is very important to consistently separate the motor from the chassis. The advanced sandwich technology of multiple layers of TPE damping, combined with high weight, is our new solution for effective motor suspension in the Debut Carbon EVO.

SPEED CONTROL

Based on customer feedback, we have integrated electronic speed control into the Debut Carbon EVO, as the 9" and high quality records at 45 rpm are becoming increasingly popular and common due to their superior sound quality. In addition to being able to easily change the playback speed at the touch of a button, the platter rotation speed isspeed is electronically controlled with the utmost precision, resulting in the most accurate and stable playback. Thanks to the included 78 rpm round strap, you can listen to your shellac record collection at any time. Simply replace the tip of the transfer case with an Ortofon 2M 78 (not included), install the round strap and you are ready to enjoy an extraordinary musical experience. The speed control switch has been moved to the bottom of the chassis to maintain the clean look that is appreciated on the Debut. You won't find any button, switch or print on any visible part of the chassis so as not to compromise the luxurious design and aesthetic.

FRAME

The Debut Carbon EVO is fitted with a proven 8.6'' one-piece carbon fiber arm. Combined with Ortofon's premium 2M-Red transducer, this lightweight yet very rigid arm delivers unprecedented sound quality with a convincing three-dimensional soundstage.

CONNECTIONS

The Debut Carbon EVO turntable is equipped with a high-quality phono cable, Connect it E. This is a low-capacity cable with excellent shielding and semi-symmetrical geometry. Compared to other digital and analogue music sources, the signal coming from the turntable's transmission is very sensitive. Cheap RCA cables are often unable to provide the ideal requirements for clear signal transmission from the turntable to the amplifier.

PACKAGING

The Debut Carbon EVO comes with an adjustable acrylic dust cover. Also included is an adapter for 7'' singles, a Connect it E RCA phono cable, in addition to the standarddrive strap, as well as a round strap for playing records at 78 rpm.

FEATURES

The Debut Carbon EVO is timeless by offering traditional black, white and red high-gloss lacquer finishes or a beautiful natural walnut veneer. Brand new, original and trend-setting designs are also realized in a satin finish in 5 different color options. A new platter, motor suspension, speed control and height-adjustable feet are small details. When seen not individually but as a whole, they add up and the result is the new Debut EVO. We believe we have set a new benchmark and our new Debut EVO not only sounds better than before, but also looks more impressive and luxurious than any Debut we have produced in the past.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF THE TURNTABLE

• Speed:33 and 45 rpm (electronic) or 78 rpm (manual)

• Drive:Belt drive - with electronic speed control

• Transmission:ORTOFON 2M-RED (20 - 22,000 Hz, elliptical tip)

• Disc:Steel with internal TPE damping (+ felt pad) - 300 mm diameter, weight 1.7 kg

• Main bearing:High precision stainless steel axle in bronze housing

• Speed variation: ± 0.17 % (rpm 33) / ± 0.15 % (rpm 45)

• Speed deviation:± 0.5% (rpm 33) / ± 0.6% (rpm 45)

• Signal to noise ratio:- 68 dB

• Arm:8.6" (effective length 218.5 mm), weight 6 g, carbon fiber

• Overhang:18.5 mm

• Pressure:10 - 30 mN

• Dimensions:415 (W) × 113 (H) × 320 (D) mm - with dust cover

• Weight:6 kg

• Output:RCA

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF ORTHOPHONE 2M-RED

• Frequency range:20 - 22 kHz

• Overhearing:22 dB / 1 kHz

• Recommended impedance setting:47 kΩ (Phono MM)

• Recommended Pressure:17.5 mN

• Weight:7,2 g

• Tip: Elliptical, 20 µm/mN

REFERENCES

Reviews of THE ABSOLUTE SOUND (EN)

Review of HIGH-END-NEWS (EN)

Review of WIRED.COM (EN)

"...For $500, this is a fantastic turntable that will last vinyl lovers a lifetime..." WIRED.COM

AVforums review (En)

Video review YOUTUBE - 18 minutes (EN)

Review of STEREOPHILE (EN)