Pro-Ject is improving its turntables!

This fall, Pro-Ject is improving its turntables. The Austrian manufacturer unveils a new generation of record players. The Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo gives way to the Debut Carbon Evo II, the Pro-Ject Debut Pro B succeeds the Debut Pro, and the T1 range, available in three models, also benefits from a number of upgrades.

As the final quarter of 2024 approaches, Pro-Ject is making a number of improvements to several of its turntables. Three ranges are concerned by a cartridge change and optimizations in design and choice of components. Here’s an exhaustive review of these new features.

Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO II

The Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO II turntable replaces the Debut Carbon Evo model. From this first generation, the new iteration retains the carbon tonearm, gold-plated RCA connectors and suspended motor. The first new feature is the cartridge. The renowned Ortofon 2M Red is replaced by the Pro-Ject Pick It MM EVO cartridge. This moving-magnet model features an elliptical diamond. Produced in collaboration with Ortofon, the Pick It MM EVO uses the split pole pin concept developed by the Danish firm. This unique design allows it to mimic the characteristics of a moving-coil cartridge.

The platter of the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO II also appears on the list of changes made by the manufacturer. While it still weighs in at 1.7kg, steel is now replaced by aluminum. This choice was motivated by the complementary acoustic properties of aluminum and the MDF chassis. Between the platter and the belt, TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) is used to absorb undesirable vibrations and provide optimum stability for the record.

On the tonearm, Pro-Ject unveils a new low-friction bearing system. Made of aluminum, it is designed to limit resonance from the cartridge. This new design ensures smooth arm movement. In addition, a counterweight with damping TPE reinforcements makes its appearance on the turntable to absorb tonearm vibrations. To conclude the chapter of new features seen on the new Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO II, the brand has revealed a brand-new burgundy finish, in addition to the nine other shades already offered on the first generation.

Pro-Ject Debut Pro B

Heir to the Pro-Ject Debut Pro, the Pro-Ject Debut Pro B turntable is largely based on the formula that is popular with music lovers. Here, the main novelty lies in the connectors. In addition to its RCA stereo output, the Pro-Ject Debut Pro B incorporates a mini-XLR output. The Austrian manufacturer sees this new model as the ideal complement to its True Balanced range. In fact, the “B” in the turntable’s name stands for “Balanced”, in reference to the balanced connection.

This five-pin balanced output optimizes the signal transmitted by the cartridge. This sophisticated connection brings transparency to the listening experience, and a better layering of sound planes to take full advantage of the performance of the cartridge, which benefits from True Balanced calibration. The other change on the Pro-Ject Debut Pro B is the phono cartridge. Gone is the Pro-Ject Pick It Pro, replaced by the Pick It Pro B. This moving-magnet model optimizes True Balanced signal transmission by eliminating unwanted noise and interference.

Pro-Ject T1 EVO, Pro-Ject T1 EVO Phono and Pro-Ject T1 EVO BT

The T1 range, which includes three models, also benefits from a number of evolutions. To begin with, the Pro-Ject T1 EVO, Pro-Ject T1 EVO Phono and Pro-Ject-T1 EVO BT turntables all adopt the Ortofon OM 10 cartridge to replace the OM 5e. This moving-magnet cartridge features an elliptical stylus. It benefits from improved lateral compliance to extract a maximum of information from the groove.

In addition to this new cartridge, Pro-Ject adds an electronic speed selector to all three models. This is a feature designed to simplify use of the Pro-Ject T1 EVO, Pro-Ject T1 EVO Phono and Pro-Ject-T1 EVO BT turntables. On the first generation models, speed changes between 33 and 45 rpm were made manually.

On the Pro-Ject T1 EVO Phono model, the phono preamp is now switchable. On the first version designed by the Austrian manufacturer, the turntable was equipped with a line output and a phono output. This dual connection system is now replaced by a single RCA stereo output, which can be adapted to the needs of music lovers by the phono preamplification stage switch.

Finally, the Bluetooth model, named Pro-Ject-T1 EVO BT, incorporates a more powerful Bluetooth transmitter. The latter supports the aptX and aptX HD protocols to optimize signal transmission quality to a connected speaker or Bluetooth speaker. Indeed, the aptX HD codec limits compression to transmit HD audio files up to 24-bit/48kHz.

With this renewal of its ranges, Pro-Ject is pushing the boundaries of its turntables. Each model retains the slim, streamlined design of previous generations, while benefiting from significant improvements. All Pro-Ject T1 EVO, Pro-Ject T1 Evo Phono, Pro-Ject T1 EVO BT, Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO II and Pro-Ject Debut Pro B turntables are available to pre-order on Son-Vidéo.com!