Pro-Ject's Debut range of turntables has delivered some of the brand's most successful models, including the recent Award-winning Debut Pro and older Debut Carbon Evo – both five-star performers.
The brand has now announced a new model – the Pro-Ject Debut Evo 2 – that takes centre stage of its core Debut line. Replacing the older Carbon Evo model, the new Evo 2 aims to improve upon this long-running deck with new technologies and elements derived from its illustrious Debut Pro sibling, while retaining its wallet-friendly price and engaging sound.
Pro-Ject says the Evo 2 "strikes the perfect balance between affordability, style and unbridled audio excellence". We first spotted the Evo 2 at High End Munich 2024 earlier this year, and now we have the full details and a review sample in our test rooms.
The Debut Evo 2 remains a minimal, fuss-free design, but includes a new cartridge, a new platter, an updated tonearm bearing block and improved chassis to elevate the overall performance.
The 8.6-inch one-piece carbon fibre tonearm returns, but is now mounted in a precision-milled aluminium block with low-friction bearings similar in design to the Debut Pro. The heavy steel platter of the previous model has been swapped for a die-cast aluminium platter (similar to the Debut Pro) with a ring of TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) to reduce wanted resonances. The aluminium platter is also non-magnetic, meaning you can now use a moving coil cartridge with the Evo 2, should you wish to upgrade down the line.
Speaking of the cartridge, the Debut Evo 2 comes fitted with the new Pick It MM Evo moving magnet cartridge, co-designed with Ortofon, and is designed to perform optimally with the tonearm. The three adjustable feet also feature TPE-damping to prevent unwanted vibrations even further.
The belt drive design features electronic speed switching for 33 1/3 and 45 rpm records, while those wanting to play 78 rpm records will have to buy an optional pulley and drive belt separately. The MDF chassis has undergone a new machining process, whereby the RCA/power junction box (which used to hang separately under the plinth) has been repositioned and is now integrated into the chassis. This allows for a sleeker design and easier-to-access connectivity, as well as ensuring there are no pockets of air creating undue turbulence under the plinth.
One of the key features that marked the Debut Carbon Evo out from its competitors had nothing to do with sound – it was the fact that this lifestyle-friendly turntable comes in so many different colour options to suit your listening room and personal tastes. The Debut Evo 2 carries on that tradition with 10 finishes, at no extra cost. This includes six sleek-looking satin paint finishes, including a brand new wine red colour (as seen in the photos above), three high gloss finishes and one real-wood walnut veneer finish.
Pro-Ject Debut Evo 2 is available now for £599 / $699. Stay tuned for our full review next month.
MORE:
Read our original Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo review
Check out our guide to the best turntables you can buy now
I’ve just listened to £250,000 worth of turntables and this is what I learned
