Pro-Ject Launches New Debut Pro Turntable

Sumiko and Pro-Ject USA just introduced the handsome new Debut PRO turntable. Cosmetics are based around a satin black and brushed-nickel color scheme. Beyond the clearly great looks, there's a new 8.6" arm featuring a one-piece carbon fiber wrapped aluminum arm tube said to produce excellent rigidity and to reduce resonances.

A new heavy-duty nickel-plated machined aluminum bearing block adds mass at the pivot and ensures free movement for precision tracking. The platter is die case aluminum with integrated TPE damping resulting, Pro-Ject says, in a perfect combination of mass and low internal resonance.

New to the Debut series, both arm height and azimuth are adjustable, which allows for a wider range of high quality cartridges to be perfectly set up, including the excellent Sumiko Rainer, which is part of the package and is precision-aligned by experts at the factory.

Other features include height-adjustable feet with integrated resonance damping, electronic speed selection, a detachable acrylic dustcover and a premium semi-symmetrical photo cable (Connect It E).

As with all Pro-Ject Audio Systems turntables the special edition Debut PRO is hand crafted in Europe and will be available in the United States in limited quantities at select Pro-Ject dealers beginning August, 2021, with a suggested $899 retail price.

COMMENTS
garyalex's picture

That's a great looking table. Simple and elegant.

Jazz listener's picture

a great entry-level option into analog for the neophyte audiophile. For many, this is all they will need.

posterboy's picture

"...the platter is die case aluminum...".

"...a premium semi-symmetrical photo cable...".

Keen Observer's picture

I hadn't read far enough yet to catch that 2nd error, as I paused to check Pro-Ject's site to see if the first error was merely copy/pasted or introduced by Michael. I didn't find the exact phrasing used by Michael. Rather, part of the description of the platter at Pro-Ject's site puts it this way: "With TPE damping for resonance control and die-cast for hi-fi precision, the platter is made of aluminum..." and therefore the conclusion to draw seems clear.

malco49's picture

basically 1000 dollars is a bit steep to be considered an entry. level table , i still think the EVO would be the entry level model if not the one below that.

Jazz listener's picture

The article clearly says $899.

malco49's picture

i read quite well thank you . and also am capable of things like abstract thought. $899 ummm lets see, include tax which here in maryland is 7% takes it up to $962. close enough to $1000 for you?

Jazz listener's picture

includes tax when comparing audio equipment. You pay tax on all audio so what’s the point. Also, you can usually negotiate a 10-15% discount if you have a good relationship with your local shop which in this instance would bring the table down to between $765 and $799. Mic drop…

malco49's picture

i content the turntable in question is not an entry level machine. parse it how you may.

vinyl listener's picture

nt

Keen Observer's picture

Pro-Ject's site says $999. Michael gives $899 as the "retail price" (price you can expect to pay at a retailer), which I confirmed from one online dealer.

Is it entry-level? Pro-Ject's site has its own category tags applied to this model: "Aspiring Audiophile, Casual Crate Digger, Debut Turntables, Luxury Listeners, Turntables." The term "entry-level" in various contexts usually refers to the lowest level. For a turntable, I would interpret that to mean lowest level of acceptable performance to be considered hi-fi. Naturally you'd expect price to be commensurate with performance and features. Performance-wise, I'd put it in the entry-level category, although it has some interesting features that boost its price. Still, I wouldn't buy a three-legged turntable, and I don't think I like its drive system (see the image with platter removed, where the belt drives a separate, plastic "sub-platter").

rbtstock's picture

Malco49, I think its all relative to your level of income,what you value in life, for me I think this would defenitely fit the entry level scale, Im even thinking I might get one just to put in my home office and put my shelter 501-111, i just had re-tipped, that would probably sound sweet

DrJB's picture

I still own a Project Classic that I enjoy using from time to time. It shares some of the features of the Debut Pro--aluminum/carbon fibre tonearm, TPE damped parts, etc. I always thought that the only weak link was the slightly insubstantial tonearm bearing assembly, so I'm glad to see them address that important component. Maybe Sumiko will make the new parts available for older decks in the future. Otherwise, build quality is impressive (Czech Republic?) and my experience with Sumiko USA customer service has been outstanding. ESD took out the main circuit board on my Classic and they were willing to send me the part directly (and quickly!) so that I could replace it myself. The price of the Pro seems a bit high, but perhaps production costs are on the rise. Still, I'd expect a more isolated motor design for that price, but their tonearms and Speed Box systems are beyond most entry level turntables. Thanks for the information.

PeterPani's picture

A speed selector that includes 78rpm is nice. But a bit senseless without the possibility to exchange cartridges quickly.

ztatic's picture

Then what you'd need is an outrigger kit the widens the table so you can add a second ProJect tonearm. Or you could just have two shells. Don't these things have a quick-disconnect cartridge shell?

scottsol's picture

No they don’t. That is a characteristic of many Japanese arms, but not European designs.

scottsol's picture

No need to exchange cartridges. Simply switch to the RS78 stylus for 78 playback. True, the results will not be as good as using a mono cartridge, but it should be quite serviceable.

Buzz Goddard's picture

Sumiko offers the RS78 stylus, which swaps out with the stylus on the included Rainier. Quick and easy.

OldschoolE's picture

Personally, when I am going to make a sizable purchase (especially anything over $100) I calculate the tax as it can add a bit when one must save up for certain things. It is best to factor in all costs. Frankly, I don't see the point of those here arguing about that as it is personal preference at the end of the day. Also, I do round up to make head math easier. If something is say $11.99, it is $12, if it is $69.98 it is $70. Just makes things easier like I stated, what is the point of making a big deal out of whether someone rounds up or not?

As for this table: With all the adjustments available, the materials used, etc. and a tag of let's call it $900 I would not consider it "Entry-level". I would however, consider it well priced in these times we are in. Covid has destroyed everything and prices have gone up dramatically due to supply shortages as well as a result. Audio gear has gone up an average of $100! If you think that is bad, take a look at automobiles (now is not a good time to buy a car, new or used).
Also consider a similar table like the Clear Audio Concept starting at around $1600! Also "considered Entry-level", it is just as good a table , maybe subtly less so, at double the cost! So this table is a very good value.

WaltonGoggins's picture

X1. The extra $100 for the X1 seems totally worth it, unless I'm missing something.

Bluejimbop's picture

I'm a current Pro-Ject owner saving up for a Clearaudio Concept TT, arm & cart package that's gonna come in at $2,800. It BETTER sound better than this thing.

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