Pro-Ject's Iconic Debut Series Just Got a Serious Upgrade, But Is It Worth the Premium?
For years, Pro-Ject's Debut series has been the backbone of their offerings, essentially putting accessible, European-crafted vinyl playback within reach for many enthusiasts. Now, the Debut Reference 10 emerges as the most ambitious and feature-rich iteration yet, boldly stepping into the premium audio arena. But here's where it gets interesting: can this new design justify its elevated status?
A Revolutionary New Tonearm: The Heart of the Matter
The most significant advancement is the introduction of a brand-new 10-inch, one-piece tonearm. This isn't just any tonearm; it's a hybrid marvel, ingeniously combining a rigid carbon fiber exterior with an internal aluminum tube designed to expertly dampen vibrations. This sophisticated construction results in an effective arm length of 254mm, an effective mass of 16.6g, and an overhang of 16mm. For those who love to fine-tune, the VTA (Vertical Tracking Angle) is fully adjustable via two grub screws, and a clever adaptive anti-skating mechanism dynamically adjusts the force across the record's surface. And this is the part most people miss: the arm comes pre-equipped with Pro-Ject's Pick it PRO Balanced cartridge, a European-made MM (Moving Magnet) design that boasts true balanced signal transmission through a mini-XLR output on the rear panel. This focus on balanced audio is a significant step up!
From Plastic to Precision: An All-Metal and Acrylic Construction
Pro-Ject has made a deliberate choice to move away from plastic, opting for diamond-cut aluminum throughout. The sub-platter is now a CNC-milled aluminum component, adding crucial mass to the drive system for enhanced stability. The main platter itself is a substantial 30cm acrylic disc with a sophisticated satinized finish. Why acrylic? It possesses an impedance remarkably similar to vinyl itself, meaning your records sit directly on its surface, eliminating the need for a felt mat. Hurrah for simplicity and improved sound!
Chassis, Feet, and a Refined Motor System
The chassis is a beautifully hand-painted MDF, resting on three height-adjustable, TPE-damped aluminum feet. Opting for three feet instead of four is a smart design choice, making leveling the turntable much easier, especially on less-than-perfect surfaces. Furthermore, a re-engineered motor suspension system is in place to better isolate the belt-driven DC motor from the plinth, minimizing any potential motor noise from reaching your ears. Speed selection is handled electronically, offering both 33rpm and 45rpm via a convenient toggle switch. And for the vinyl purists and collectors of vintage shellac records, a 78rpm belt is included in the box.
Connectivity and the Little Extras
Connecting your new turntable is straightforward. You have the option of using the mini-XLR balanced outputs for a purer signal path, or the single-ended gold-plated RCA connectors with the included Connect it Phono E cable. Pro-Ject also generously bundles a Record Puck E, a dust cover, a 7″ single adapter, and a 15V DC power supply.
But here's where you can take things even further: an optional Power Box S3 Phono upgrade is available. This can provide filtered DC power to both the turntable and a Pro-Ject phono stage simultaneously, a tempting prospect for those looking to delve deeper into the world of high-fidelity audio.
The Bottom Line: Price and Availability
This meticulously crafted, handmade-in-Europe Pro-Ject Debut Reference 10 is available now for €1199.
What do you think? Is the premium price justified by these significant upgrades, or does the original Debut series still hold its own? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below – we'd love to hear your opinions!
