Pro-Ject Audio Systems has introduced a new turntable model, the Pro-Ject Debut PRO B, heralded as their most audiophile-grade Debut turntable to date. This latest addition to Pro-Ject's lineup arrives three years after the launch of the Debut PRO, which celebrated the company's 30th anniversary. The Debut PRO B aims to build on the success of its predecessor by incorporating advanced features and improvements to elevate its performance and compatibility.
The Pro-Ject Debut PRO B retains the traditional rectangular footprint typical of Pro-Ject's Debut series, but it is enhanced with several high-end features. The main chassis is crafted from MDF, known for its anti-resonant properties, and is finished in a luxurious satin black paint, with a satin white version expected soon. The design minimizes vibrations, a critical factor for high-fidelity audio playback.
A significant upgrade in the Pro-Ject Debut PRO B is its tonearm, which employs Pro-Ject’s Carbon-Aluminium one-piece technology. This 8.6-inch tube combines the lightweight and sturdy characteristics of carbon fiber with aluminum's damping properties and electrical shielding, which should result in reduced external interferences.
The tonearm is adjustable for azimuth and vertical tracking angle (VTA), allowing precise fine-tuning by experienced audiophiles. It features a CNC-milled aluminum bearing block, special bearings, high-purity copper internal wiring, and a shielded junction box with gold-plated RCA and MiniXLR connectors.
The Debut PRO B comes pre-installed with the new Pick-IT PRO Balanced moving magnet cartridge, developed in collaboration with Ortofon, a renowned manufacturer of premium pick-up cartridges. This cartridge is designed to deliver a lively and robust sound with a wide dynamic range, reminiscent of traditional SPU cartridge designs.
Notably, the Pick-IT PRO Balanced is the first moving magnet cartridge from Pro-Ject capable of supporting a True Balanced audio signal when paired with compatible phono stages. The True Balanced Connection concept aims to reduce noise and interference, providing a cleaner audio signal.
The in-house designed and manufactured AC drive motor of the Debut PRO B is engineered for minimal noise. To further reduce potential interference, the motor is decoupled from the main chassis using a mounting plate with TPE-damped fixing points.
This setup isolates the motor while maintaining its alignment with the sub-platter drive system for stable speed control. The turntable supports 33 and 45 RPM records through a top-mounted rocker switch and can also play 78 RPM records with a manual belt adjustment.
The Pro-Ject Debut PRO B features a sub-platter system beneath a heavy aluminum platter, which includes a ring of TPE damping and an additional stabilizing ring of aluminum. This design effectively damps all resonances and minimizes wow and flutter, ensuring a clean sonic performance. The high mass of the platter contributes to the turntable’s stability and precision.
According to Pro-Ject, the Debut PRO B offers audiophile-grade performance at an accessible price point. The turntable is ready to use out of the box, supplied with the Pick-IT PRO Balanced cartridge pre-installed and aligned. It also includes a dust cover and a Connect it E RCA phono cable.
Technical Specifications:
The Pro-Ject Debut PRO B is currently available for pre-order at Crutchfield for $1,099.00, positioning itself as a competitive option for audiophiles seeking a high-performance turntable with advanced features.
