Analog Gear News

Pro-Ject Launches New Debut Pro Turntable

Michael Fremer  |  Jul 17, 2021

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
Submitted by garyalex on Sun, 2021-07-18 07:35

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

Jazz listener's picture
Submitted by Jazz listener on Sun, 2021-07-18 08:50

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

posterboy's picture
Submitted by posterboy on Sun, 2021-07-18 16:48

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

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

malco49's picture
Submitted by malco49 on Sun, 2021-07-18 19:31

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
Submitted by Jazz listener on Sun, 2021-07-18 21:02

The article clearly says $899.

malco49's picture
Submitted by malco49 on Mon, 2021-07-19 06:29

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
Submitted by Jazz listener on Tue, 2021-07-20 10:13

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
Submitted by malco49 on Wed, 2021-07-21 14:58

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

vinyl listener's picture
Submitted by vinyl listener on Wed, 2021-07-21 23:26

nt

DrJB's picture
Submitted by DrJB on Sun, 2021-07-18 23:12

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
Submitted by PeterPani on Tue, 2021-07-20 03:46

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

OldschoolE's picture
Submitted by OldschoolE on Fri, 2021-07-23 11:46

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.

nawixi's picture
Submitted by nawixi on Sat, 2021-07-24 07:07

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