Pro-ject Debut Carbon ships with Ortofon 2M Red or Ortofon OM10?

[New Sensations]

I've recently read some enthusiastic coverage on the (2012-issued) Debut Carbon TT from Pro-ject.  Both Michael Fremer and TAS have lavished glowing praise upon it:

 

http://www.analogplanet.com/content/pro-ject-produces-carbon-copy-debut-iii-thats  <--- Fremer

http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/pro-ject-debut-carbon-turntable-with-ortofon-2m-red-moving-magnet-cartridge/  <--- TAS

 

They each state the Debut Carbon ships with an Ortofon 2M Red cart.  

 

However, I can't find this '2M Red' version for sale in Australia.  The local distributor's website says the Debut Carbon ships with an Ortofon OM10:

 

http://www.internationaldynamics.com.au/products/turntables/turntables-31/prodebutcarbon-project

 

Anyone?

 

 

 

 

[Grainy]

Reading your question rang a little bell, so I went looking....

 

kczar01 recently bought a Project TT that came with an upgraded cart, an Ortofon 2M Red, details here: http://www.stereo.net.au/forums/index.php?/topic/53500-the-new-set-uptt-up-and-running/

 

Wasn't a Carbon though....

[New Sensations]

Thanks man.

 

This eBay UK seller has the '2M Red' version for sale:

 

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Pro-Ject-Debut-Carbon-Turntable-Gloss-Red-New-Model-/390613421001?pt=UK_AudioTVElectronics_HomeAudioHiFi_Turntables&hash=item5af25fcbc9&_uhb=1

 

His is ad flagged with 'new model'.  I didn't realise there was an 'old model'?  

[New Sensations]

OK. Pro-ject website has answered my question:

http://www.project-audio.com/main.php?prod=debutcarbon

There are indeed TWO 'versions' available, one with OM 10 and one with 2M red. Interestingly, it's the latter that's getting all the good overseas press and it would be easy for a newcomer (that's me, folks) to easily fall foul of this difference in pre-installed cart when buying down under:

Debut Carbon / OM 10

Retail price: € 299,00

Debut Carbon / 2M red

Retail price: € 349,00

Edited June 24, 2013 by John H. Darko

[wolster]

No doubt Pro-Ject make very good TTs, JD.

I had a Pro-Ject Debut III with a 2M red. It made good music.

[Jebediah]

Mine sounds great, such a treat for someone getting into vinyl for the first time. I'll be pumped to hear what it sounds like when I upgrade eventually. Thinking of the 2M blue and 2 channel power amp, that should be sufficient

[New Sensations]

What table to you have jebediah?

[Jebediah]

What table to you have jebediah?

Hi John, I've got the Project Debut Carbon, bought it about 10 weeks ago, and some of the new vinyl I've purchased sounds amazing, and I'm running an entry level cart (OM5e?), so I'm pretty stoked to say the least.

 

Mind you, some of the second hand vinyl thats in not great condition is pretty ordinary, which I guess is pretty obvious, but I'm guessing the cheaper cart will show up the shortcomings of the poorer quality vinyl more than a better cart will...?

Edited June 24, 2013 by Jebediah

[A J]

I've got it's red headed brother from another mother - the Xpression III classic in cherrywood - plus the speedbox II - same tone arm I think and I've had 2M red - blue & finally black on it. They all sounded good - the black is overkill for me now in the current system. Great tables IMHO for those who want some instant gratification at reasonable cost.

[Newman]

I suppose one could buy the cheaper version and put the $70 saved towards a next-level cart or personal favourite.

[New Sensations]

I suppose one could buy the cheaper version and put the $70 saved towards a next-level cart or personal favourite.

Yeah, indeed.

[Jebediah]

I think if I had my time over I might have saved up a little more and got the 2m blue fitted with the new tt. It was an unknown quantity for me, as I was wanting to spend minimal coin for max buck, but wasnt even sure if I would stick with it. Now I know hahaha.

[rx79ez08]

I was looking for a Carbon with the 2M Red about November last year, but all the stock in Melbourne seem to be with OM10.  Plus there were a shortage of Debut Carbon at that stage and the only colour left were some odd ones....

Edited June 24, 2013 by rx79ez08

[houdinifangs]

I'd put the money to a better cart...actually, no. I'd get the 5.1 fitted with the 2M blue + 4 records from Christophersaudiophilestore. http://item.mobileweb.ebay.com.au/viewitem?itemId=181092630703

[New Sensations]

Thanks chaps.  

 

Before we get into 'which turntable?' it was only my intention to simply unravel possible confusion surrounding the Debut Carbon in Australia.  I'd hate to see someone spring for one based upon favourable US reviews without knowing first that (in Australia) they don't (yet) get the Ortofon 2M Red cart.   

 

Some Oz sellers are using stock pics that show the 2M Red whilst the accompanying text reads: "Magnetic cartridge options from Ortofon OM 10 or 2M red".  

Other (better!) retailers have the "Includes fitted Ortofon OM10 cartridge" clearly indicated on their website.

Edited June 25, 2013 by John H. Darko

[kczar01]

Reading your question rang a little bell, so I went looking....

 

kczar01 recently bought a Project TT that came with an upgraded cart, an Ortofon 2M Red, details here: http://www.stereo.net.au/forums/index.php?/topic/53500-the-new-set-uptt-up-and-running/

 

Wasn't a Carbon though....

 

 

yes I did, I am of the opinion that Pro-ject did this to be nice and as a promotion......  I got the Pro-ject Genie 1.3 though. 

[kczar01]

BTW, not sure where you are from, I got mine from Apollo HIFI in Marrickville, Call John and ask him to ask the supplier what it comes with. This might help

[New Sensations]

Thanks, yeah, I know John at Apollo. Top fella.

[osborne]

I'm looking to get a Project Debut Carbon. Is the 2M Red cartridge much better than the OM 10? I am thinking of importing it from the states as they come standard with the 2M Red , otherwise I will just pick up a turntable locally if the 2M isn't superior to the OM 10.

 

Thanks

[deniall]

I'm looking to get a Project Debut Carbon. Is the 2M Red cartridge much better than the OM 10? I am thinking of importing it from the states as they come standard with the 2M Red , otherwise I will just pick up a turntable locally if the 2M isn't superior to the OM 10.

Thanks

Be careful importing from the states as we use different voltages and you could fry your table. Better to import from UK. The 2M red and OM10 use the same stylus and to my ears there's not a lot of difference. I'd grab a standard Carbon and find a cheap 2M blue on eBay.