DEBUT CARBON EVO (2M-Red)

The Debut History

In the mid-1990s, just a few years after Pro-Ject Audio Systems was founded and during the height of CD popularity, the resurgence of analogue music enthusiasts was already evident. In 1998, Heinz Lichtenegger, along with his UK distributor and close friend Laurence Armstrong, envisioned creating a turntable that would make analogue sound accessible to more people. Their dream was to design a model that delivered near high-end sound quality at a price point affordable to a younger generation.

With the help of Jiri Kroutil, Pro-Ject’s first product manager, their vision quickly became a reality, and the Debut was born. Over two decades later, the Debut remains one of the most successful products in hi-fi history, with nearly one million units sold. It not only made listening to vinyl more affordable for music lovers but also brought analogue back into style with its minimalist design and premium finishes.

Pro-Ject has continuously improved the Debut series over the years, adapting to new technologies and fashion trends. In the early 2010s, the Debut Carbon revitalized the series, and by 2020, the next evolution was ready.

The Evolution

The Debut Carbon has been considered nearly perfect for its price point and the materials used. Yet, Pro-Ject saw an opportunity to elevate the design further. Extensive research and development have led to the Debut Carbon EVO, which maintains the brand's primary objective: to offer an affordable, high-performance turntable with exceptional sound quality, luxurious aesthetics, and modern design.

The Debut Carbon EVO focuses on the essential elements that contribute to superior audio performance. It boasts:

• A technically precise design
• Expert craftsmanship
• Handmade construction in the EU

Built to last a lifetime, the turntable avoids unnecessary features that could compromise sound quality or durability. Pro-Ject recommends using a separate phono stage for optimal performance. For those seeking additional features like Bluetooth connectivity or USB interfaces, Pro-Ject offers a wide range of components to fit various budgets and performance needs.

The Debut Carbon EVO represents the pinnacle of Pro-Ject’s dedication to innovation and quality, ensuring vinyl enthusiasts can enjoy analogue music for generations to come.

Internally Damped for Superior Performance

Our previous metal platter was already among the heaviest available in its class, but metal platters naturally come with a drawback: resonance. To address this, we’ve integrated TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) technology, which completely dampens resonance while simultaneously increasing the platter’s weight to 1.7 kg.

By applying TPE to the inside rim of the platter, we’ve also introduced a flywheel effect, leveraging the platter’s moving energy for enhanced rotational stability. The result is a turntable that operates with even greater precision, reduced wow and flutter, and a remarkably quiet performance.

Always in Perfect Balance

The original Debut Carbon was a remarkable turntable, but it had one key area for improvement: its stance. Previously, the Debut series came with four dampened plastic feet. With the Debut Carbon EVO, we’ve upgraded to three height-adjustable, heavy-duty metal feet, ensuring optimal stability and precise leveling on any surface.

Using three feet instead of four enhances stability, particularly on uneven surfaces. A perfectly level turntable is critical for achieving true high-end sound, and the new design ensures your listening experience remains flawless, no matter where you place it.

The Redesigned Motor Suspension

The Debut Carbon EVO introduces a completely redesigned motor suspension system. Motors in turntables naturally produce vibrations, which can be transmitted to the cartridge, stylus, and eventually your speakers, resulting in unwanted mechanical noise. To combat this, it is essential to suspend and decouple the motor from the plinth effectively.

While the original motor suspension performed well in most situations, we’ve taken it a step further with the EVO. Drawing on decades of experience and technologies from our high-end turntables, we’ve incorporated advanced TPE damping and high-mass sandwich constructions into the new design.

The result is a suspension system that consistently minimizes vibrations better than ever before, ensuring an even quieter and more refined audio performance. The Debut Carbon EVO delivers high-end damping solutions at an accessible price, elevating your vinyl listening experience.

Controlled Playback Speeds

In response to customer feedback, the Debut Carbon EVO now features a built-in electronic speed control. With the rising popularity of 9-inch and high-quality 45 RPM records, known for their superior sound quality, effortless speed adjustment is more important than ever. The EVO allows you to switch playback speeds at the push of a button, ensuring precise and stable speed control for the most accurate playback experience.

For fans of shellac records, the EVO supports 78 RPM playback with the included round belt. Simply swap the stylus for an Ortofon 2M 78 (not included), install the round belt, and you’re ready to explore your collection. To maintain the clean, minimalist aesthetic that defines the Debut series, the speed control switch is discreetly placed on the bottom of the plinth, leaving the surface free of visible buttons or switches for a truly luxurious look.

From the Record to Your Amplifier

The Debut Carbon EVO is equipped with the proven 8.6’’ one-piece carbon tonearm, paired with the premium Ortofon 2M Red cartridge. This combination delivers exceptional sound quality and an expansive soundstage. The one-piece design of the tonearm and headshell eliminates unwanted resonances, ensuring a solid physical connection to the cartridge for optimal performance.

To guarantee seamless signal transmission to your amplifier, all Pro-Ject turntables come with a high-quality phono RCA cable. The included Connect it E cable is semi-balanced, features low capacitance, and provides superior shielding. Compared to many low-cost RCA cables, which fail to meet the strict requirements for clean phono signal transmission, the Connect it E ensures that your turntable’s sensitive signal reaches your amplifier with pristine clarity, delivering a truly immersive audio experience.

Time for Evolution

We’ve taken our most popular turntable design and refined every detail to create something truly exceptional. The Debut Carbon EVO builds upon its iconic foundation with thoughtful upgrades that enhance both performance and aesthetics.

The heavy, solid MDF plinth is now available in 8 meticulously hand-painted finishes, offering a premium look and feel that surpasses expectations. These finishes are carefully selected to reflect current trends and customer preferences. Timeless options like high-gloss black, white, and red, along with our renowned real-wood walnut veneer, remain available. However, the EVO introduces five unique satin finishes that are trendsetting, elegant, and beautifully realized.

Each enhancement—whether it’s the redesigned platter, motor suspension, electronic speed control, or height-adjustable feet—might seem small on its own, but together they create a turntable that sounds, looks, and feels significantly more impressive than ever before.

With the Debut Carbon EVO, we’ve raised the bar once again for an affordable, high-performance turntable that exudes luxury. It’s a turntable designed to deliver an exceptional vinyl listening experience while making a bold visual statement in any setting.

• NEW Heavier steel platter with TPE damping
• NEW Motor suspension with better damping
• NEW Height-adjustable metal feet
• NEW Electronic speed switch
• NEW Satin colors with a gorgeous finish
• 8.6” one-piece carbon tonearm
• Pre-adjusted Ortofon 2M Red cartridge
• Precision belt drive with electronic speed control
• 8x hand-painted or real walnut veneer MDF chassis
• Semi-symmetrical phono cable with metal connectors
• Gold plated RCA connectors
• Dust cover included
• Handmade in Europe