From the middle of the 1990s, only a handful of years after Pro-Ject Audio Systems was founded and right at the peak of CD’s popularity, we could already see the growing number of people missing analogue music. In 1998 Heinz Lichtenegger and his UK distributor and longtime friend, Laurence Armstrong, were sitting together dreaming of a record player that would make analogue sound accessible to more people. They wanted a new model that could deliver as close to high-end sound as possible, but at a price that a new younger generation could afford. Thanks to their dear friend and ProJect’s original product manager, Jiri Kroutil, within only a few days they had a sample and the Debut was born.

Today, after more than 20 years, the Debut is one of the best-selling products in the history of hi-fi with close to 1 million units sold. As it made listening to vinyl an affordable option for music lovers, with its minimalist aesthetic and premium finish options it also made analogue fashionable again. Through the years we constantly kept improving our formula, moving with technologies and fashion trends. In the early 2010s, the Debut Carbon gave new life to the ongoing Debut revolution and now in 2020, it is time for the next generation.

The Debut Carbon is already nearly the perfect turntable, especially considering the price badge and the used materials. Now we took our time to think again. We have done a lot of research to make the Debut Carbon even better, but our main objective has not changed over the years. We still want to build an affordable high-performance turntable that not just looks incredibly luxurious and modern, but also features a great sound quality.

The Debut Carbon EVO focuses on the core aspects that make a turntable sound great. Technically correct design - expert craftsmanship - handmade in the EU. This turntable is built to last you a lifetime!

Additional features that might negatively impact the overall audio performance or longevity are left out. At that level of sonic performance, it is always better to opt for a separate phono stage. If you want Bluetooth connectivity or a USB interface - we offer a broad portfolio of components at different performance levels to suit your budget.

Our previous metal platter was already heavier than anybody else‘s on the market, but metal platters inherently have a disadvantage: resonance.

Our TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) technology now helps to damp the resonance completely and also increases the weight to 1,7 kg. Because the TPE is mounted to the inside of the platter‘s rim, the moving energy will also create a flywheel effect. The result is an even quieter and noiseless operation with less wow and flutter.

Key specifications

Speed: 33, 45/(78) (electronic speed change)

Drive principle: belt drive with electronic speed control

Platter: 300mm, 1.7kg heavy steel platter with TPE damping and felt mat

Platter bearing: high precision stainless steel axle in bronze bushing

Wow & flutter: 33: +/-0,17%; 45: +/-0,15%

Speed drift: 33: +/-0,5%; 45: +/-0,6%

Signal to noise: 68dB

Tonearm: 8,6” one-piece carbon tonearm

Effective arm length/mass: 218,5 mm/6,0 g

Overhang: 18,5mm

Included accessories: 15V DC / 0,8A power supply, dust cover, 78 RPM round belt, 7‘‘ single adapter

Power consumption: 4W / 0W standby

Dimensions: 415 x 113 x 320mm (WxHxD)

Weight: 6 kg net