Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo - Back By Popular Demand
Budget-friendly vinyl playback returns to the UK with the re-release of Pro-Ject's Debut Carbon Evo record player.
We were suitably impressed by the Applause Award-winning Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo turntable, and so were a little confused when it disappeared from UK shelves. However, the budget deck has returned and is even better value than before.
When the Debut Carbon Evo was launched in 2020, it had a recommended ticket price of £499, but this has been reduced to £449, which is remarkable given the shenanigans of the past five years.
We are informed that strong retailer and customer feedback indicated an insatiable appetite for a turntable of this nature at this price point, leading to its eventual reintroduction in a new satin black colour.
When we spent time with the original, we noted it "majors on all the most important aspects of vinyl – passion, emotion and fun, while stating it "sounds closer to a mid-level turntable than a super-budget one".
While the satin black finish is new, the European-built Debut Carbon Evo turntable retains its 8.6-inch one-piece carbon fibre tonearm that Pro-Ject claims delivers improved rigidity and enhanced tracking performance, loaded with a pre-fitted Ortofon 2M Red cartridge with elliptical diamond stylus, which is £85 if bought separately. Then you'd still have to fit and align it yourself.
A TPE-damped, heavy steel platter construction aims to reduce unwanted vibration during playback. The precision belt drive is connected to electronic speed control, allowing for seamless switching between 33, 45, and 78 RPM speeds. Meanwhile, the heavy MDF chassis is designed to provide further resonance control and stability.
Connectivity is provided via a supplied semi-symmetrical phono cable featuring metal connectors and gold-plated RCA outputs. Height-adjustable metal feet and a dust cover complete the keenly-priced package.
We were certain that the Debut Carbon Evo would win many fans thanks to its "self-assured sound with no nasties, allied to an easy-going yet engaging personality," and it appears we were right on the money.
The satin black Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo turntable is available in the UK, priced at £449. While we await to hear if it returns elsewhere, the Debut Evo 2 remains available, costing £599 | A$1,299 | US$699 | €699.
For more information visit Pro-Ject
Gallery
Jay Garrett
StereoNET’s resident rock star, bass player, and gadget junkie. Jay heads up StereoNET as Editor for the United Kingdom and Europe regions. His passion for gadgets and Hi-Fi is second only to being a touring musician.
Posted in: Hi-Fi
JOIN IN THE DISCUSSION
Want to share your opinion or get advice from other enthusiasts? Then head into the Message
Forums where thousands of other enthusiasts are communicating on a daily basis.
CLICK HERE FOR FREE MEMBERSHIP
Trending
applause awards
Each time StereoNET reviews a product, it is considered for an Applause Award. Winning one marks it out as a design of great quality and distinction – a special product in its class, on the grounds of either performance, value for money, or usually both.
Applause Awards are personally issued by StereoNET’s global Editor-in-Chief, David Price – who has over three decades of experience reviewing hi-fi products at the highest level – after consulting with our senior editorial team. They are not automatically given with all reviews, nor can manufacturers purchase them.
The StereoNET editorial team includes some of the world’s most experienced and respected hi-fi journalists with a vast wealth of knowledge. Some have edited popular English language hi-fi magazines, and others have been senior contributors to famous audio journals stretching back to the late 1970s. And we also employ professional IT and home theatre specialists who work at the cutting edge of today’s technology.
We believe that no other online hi-fi and home cinema resource offers such expert knowledge, so when StereoNET gives an Applause Award, it is a trustworthy hallmark of quality. Receiving such an award is the prerequisite to becoming eligible for our annual Product of the Year awards, awarded only to the finest designs in their respective categories. Buyers of hi-fi, home cinema, and headphones can be sure that a StereoNET Applause Award winner is worthy of your most serious attention.