Audio Video News

Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Turntable

(October 2012)

Product of the Year Runner-up

The cover star of our October issue, Pro-Ject’s $399 Debut Carbon impressed Brent Butterworth not just with its affordable price, but its great performance, which came strikingly close to that of a $2K model he had recently reviewed. Much of the credit goes to the Pro-Ject’s tonearm, which is made of carbon fiber, a material found in high-performance products of all types, high-end audio products included.

With its Ortofon 2M Red cartridge preinstalled, setting up the Debut Carbon couldn’t be easier; it also provides RCA output jacks so you can easily swap out cables if needed. The sound? Brent characterized it as “vibrant,” “coherent,” and “mega-gorgeous.” About the only criticism he had was of the bass, which seemed to lack a bit of oomph on rock tracks as compared with his regular table.

With the vinyl renaissance still going strong, products like the Debut Carbon provide an excellent entry point for those seeking a first turntable, or to replace the one they’ve had boxed up in storage since the mid-1980s. Another irresistable plus: it comes in your choice of eight colors.

project-audio.com