Recommended Component 2023 – Stereophile
Five Stars – What Hi-fi? Magazine
Sets New Standards in Value and Performance
Pro-Ject's most beloved turntable, the Debut Carbon, has been refined in every aspect for the brand new Debut Carbon Evolution. This high-performance turntable features Pro-Ject’s famous one-piece carbon fiber tonearm technology, electronic speed selection, suspension elements from the EISA-award winning Pro-Ject X1 turntable, and a factory-mounted Sumiko Rainier phono cartridge.
"Recommended Component" Honors
Stereophile honored the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evolution by awarding it the magazine's coveted Recommend Component status for 2023.
According to Stereophile, "AH summed up his time with this turntable by saying 'If there's a design parameter more crucial than a hi-fi component's ability to hold our attention and enable us to feel things, I don't know what it is. The Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO does this consistently, emphatically, at an attainable price.'"
From the very beginning, Pro-Ject has believed in the power of analog music. During the mid-1990s, at the height of the CD market dominance, Pro-Ject gained a global reputation for its phenomenal sound quality and premium build at an affordable price. After more than twenty years, the Pro-Ject Debut is one of the best-selling products in the history of hi-fi, with close to one million units sold.
The Debut made listening to vinyl an affordable option for music lovers. Thanks to its minimalist aesthetic and premium finish options, it also helped to make analog fashionable again. The Debut series sets a new standard for value and performance once again with the new Debut Carbon Evolution.
"A Must Listen"
"For those in the market for a deck costing less than half a grand, the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo is a must listen," reports England's What Hi-fi? magazine, which honored the Evo with its top rating of Five Stars. "Where competitors might beef up their sound in an attempt to disguise a lack of real insight, Pro-Ject here welcomes you to explore its vast sonic range, proving its aptitude for making a deck that is both easy to listen to and prepared for deeper, more analytical sessions."
"Honestly, at this price point, there’s not a single thing this turntable should do better than it does," reports Mike Conklin in his review for InsideHook, August 17, 2020.
8.6" One-Piece Carbon Fiber Tonearm
The Debut Carbon Evolution's 8.6" one-piece carbon fiber tonearm with integrated headshell is highly unusual at the price. Carbon fiber increases stiffness, decreases unwanted resonance, and eliminates coloration. This material normally is extensively used in high-end tonearms, and due to its high cost is seldom seen in products at lower price levels. But it's here with the very affordable Debut Carbon Evolution, and you'll love the performance boost.
Inside the tonearm is one-piece continuous run, high purity copper internal tonearm wiring connected to a shielded termination box.
Push-button Electronic Speed Change
Ultimate convenience is achieved thanks to the built-in electronic speed change. This allows you to change speeds with the push of a button instead of having to fuss around with the turntable belt and pulley. And the electronic speed control gives you extremely accurate speed control at both 33-1/3 rpm and 45 rpm, so the Debut Carbon Evolution is great for LPs and 45s.
Heavy, TPE-Damped Platter
Contributing to the stable, accurate-speed playback of your vinyl is a heavy 1.7kg (3.75 lbs.) diecast aluminum platter with TPE Damping for resonance control. The platter uses low-friction precision sapphire tonearm bearings, and the turntable motor uses TPE-damped motor suspension.
Includes Sumiko Rainier MM Cartridge
The Debut Carbon Evolution is ready to start enjoying right out of the carton. Included is a factory-installed Sumiko Rainier Moving Magnet Cartridge, which continues the bestselling Sumiko Pearl’s ability to deliver smooth, natural sound reproduction. The ability to upgrade the stock stylus to the Sumiko Olympia or Moonstone models makes Rainier the perfect entry-level cartridge that will not disappoint for years to come.
Dustcover and Cable Included
Also included is a hinged adjustable dust cover to help you're your Evolution free of airborne dirt and dust. You also get a 1.23M semi-balanced phono interconnect with dedicated grounding wire, which connects to premium gold-plated, chassis-mount RCA jacks. The height-adjustable TPE-damped aluminum leveling feet facilitate set-up and help minimize external vibration.
Choose from Nine Finishes
Pro-Ject didn't hold back on the externals, either. The Debut Carbon Evolution is made to suit any home environment, allowing the passion for music on quality vinyl to take center stage. Choose from a generous range of nine finish options, including varieties of eight-coat, hand-painted high-gloss, beautiful matte pastel colors, or elegant walnut veneer.
