Pro-Ject DEBUT PRO Turntable

850,00 €

The Pro-Ject DEBUT PRO is a manual belt-drive turntable for a home stereo system. Electronic selection of 33 and 45 rpm makes everyday operation straightforward, while a separate supplied belt is provided for 78 rpm records. The factory-adjusted Sumiko Rainier MM cartridge helps simplify initial setup. Adjustable VTA and azimuth provide greater flexibility for precise cartridge alignment.

Description

The Pro-Ject DEBUT PRO turntable is a manually operated belt-drive turntable designed for a home stereo system. Electronic speed control lets you select 33 or 45 rpm, while the separate belt supplied with the turntable also enables playback of 78 rpm records.

This satin black version comes with a factory-adjusted Sumiko Rainier MM cartridge. It is intended for standard 33 and 45 rpm records. The turntable is handmade in Europe.

Plinth and support structure

The MDF chassis is finished with eight hand-applied coats of paint. Brushed-metal details, height-adjustable metal feet and a damped motor suspension complete the construction.

The feet allow the turntable to be levelled on the chosen surface. A stable, horizontal plinth makes tonearm and cartridge setup easier. Allow enough space above the turntable to raise the supplied dust cover.

Tonearm adjustment

The 8.6-inch tonearm is made from aluminium wrapped in carbon fibre. Its one-piece tube has an effective length of 218.5 mm and an effective mass of 10 g. Cartridge overhang is 18.5 mm.

The vertical tracking angle (VTA) and azimuth are adjustable, allowing the cartridge to be aligned accurately with the record surface. The tonearm also includes a counterweight and an anti-skating mechanism.

A nickel-plated aluminium bearing block supports the tonearm, while a dedicated collar is used to alter its height. When changing the cartridge, consider the tonearm mass, overhang and the setup requirements of the chosen cartridge.

Platter and drive system

The 300 mm cast-aluminium platter has a satin finish and comes with a felt mat. A TPE damping ring is fitted into a groove beneath the platter, concentrating additional mass around its outer edge.

The platter bearing uses a precision-made stainless-steel spindle and bronze bushing. The belt-drive system is electronically controlled. The specified wow and flutter values are ±0.16% at 33 rpm and ±0.14% at 45 rpm.

Speeds and 78 rpm records

A flat belt is used for 33 and 45 rpm operation. It fits around the smaller upper diameter of the motor pulley, with the required speed selected electronically.

For 78 rpm records, use the supplied round belt. It must be fitted around the larger lower pulley diameter, which has a differently shaped groove. Incorrect installation may damage or break the belt.

The Sumiko Rainier stylus is not recommended for 78 rpm records. These records require a separate Sumiko 78 stylus, which is not included.

Connecting to a stereo system

The turntable has gold-plated RCA sockets and includes a semi-symmetrical Connect-It E phono cable. Its signal must be routed to a separate phono preamplifier or an amplifier’s PHONO input.

If the amplifier only has line-level inputs, a separate phono preamplifier is required between the turntable and amplifier. Power is supplied by an isolated 15 V DC power supply with an adapter.

Included accessories

The package includes a Sumiko Rainier MM cartridge, Connect-It E phono cable, dust cover and felt mat. A round 78 rpm belt, 7-inch record adapter and 15 V power supply are also supplied.

Technical specifications

Type Manual belt-drive turntable
Manufacture Handmade in Europe
Chassis Satin black MDF with eight hand-applied coats of paint
Trim details Brushed metal
Drive principle Belt drive with electronic speed control
Speeds 33, 45 and 78 rpm
33 and 45 rpm belt Flat belt fitted to the smaller upper pulley diameter
78 rpm belt Round belt fitted into the differently shaped groove on the larger lower pulley diameter
Platter 300 mm cast aluminium with TPE damping and felt mat
Platter bearing Stainless-steel spindle in a bronze bushing
Wow and flutter ±0.16% at 33 rpm; ±0.14% at 45 rpm
Speed drift ±0.40% at 33 rpm; ±0.50% at 45 rpm
Signal-to-noise ratio 68 dB
Tonearm 8.6-inch one-piece aluminium tonearm wrapped in carbon fibre
Effective tonearm length 218.5 mm
Effective tonearm mass 10 g
Cartridge overhang 18.5 mm
Tonearm adjustments Adjustable VTA, azimuth, tracking force and anti-skating mechanism
Bearing block Nickel-plated aluminium
Cartridge Factory-adjusted Sumiko Rainier MM
Connections Gold-plated RCA sockets
Phono cable Semi-symmetrical Connect-It E
Motor suspension Damped
Feet Height-adjustable metal feet
Power supply 15 V DC, 0.8 A power supply with adapter
Power consumption 4 W
Dimensions without dust cover 32 × 41.5 × 11.3 cm
Weight without dust cover 6 kg
Package contents Dust cover, 78 rpm belt, 7-inch adapter, phono cable and power supply

FAQ

Can the turntable be connected directly to an amplifier?

Yes, provided the amplifier has a PHONO input suitable for the cartridge type. A separate phono preamplifier is required when connecting it to a line-level input.

What should I do before using it for the first time?

Place the turntable on a horizontal surface and level it using the metal feet. Then adjust the counterweight, tracking force and anti-skating mechanism.

How do I switch between 33 and 45 rpm?

The same flat belt is used for both speeds. Select the required mode with the electronic speed switch; the belt does not need to be moved.

What is required to play 78 rpm records?

Fit the supplied round belt around the lower section of the pulley. You will also need a separately purchased stylus designed for 78 rpm records.

Can I install a different cartridge?

The tonearm provides adjustable VTA and azimuth. When choosing another cartridge, consider its mass and tracking-force requirements together with the tonearm’s 10 g effective mass.

How much space should I allow for the turntable?

Without the dust cover, the chassis occupies an area of 32 × 41.5 cm. Leave additional clearance above the turntable so that the dust cover can be raised fully.