Could Heinz Lichtenegger’s announcement at the 2024 Munich High End Show be true? Could the Pro-Ject Debut Evo 2 be the final evolution of the much-loved Debut turntable series? If so, the Pro-Ject Debut Turntable could be as important as the Genesis model.
The second-generation Debut Evo borrows much of its workings from the award-winning Pro edition. It also brings a plethora of new components and subtle redesigns. In our Pro-Ject Debut Evo 2 review, we’ll look at how the turntable sets a new standard and the upgrades it offers.
In a hurry? Here’s our verdict
The Debut Evo 2 reaches the pinnacle of excellence, achieving an unbeatable level of quality and value. Here’s what we think are its pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Clean, sleek design | With the improvements Pro-Ject Audio have made, we know this turntable deserves a better cartridge than the Pick-It MM Evo |
| Its sound quality is exceptional, exceeding the pricepoint | |
| Lets you switch between 33 RPM and 44 RPM - a very useful feature! |
Project Debut Evo 2 review
Design and build quality
Pro-Ject Audio pride themselves on using a simple, high-quality design, and the Debut Evo 2 follows this philosophy. By using a solid, functional MDF-constructed base – something Pro-Ject Audio have consistently carried across all Debut turntables – the brand have ensured the longevity of this series, making it an affordable force to be reckoned with.
Sharing only the base plate and the legendary 8.6” carbon fibre tonearm found on many Debut turntables, everything else is either newly designed or carried over from the Debut Pro model. A new spindle motor pulley system has been included, along with a one-piece aluminium CNC-machined bearing block, a Pick IT MM Evo cartridge, and an oversized counterweight featuring TPE damping technology.
Also included is Pro-Ject’s latest anti-magnetic, TPE-damped aluminium platter. And to keep the construction environmentally friendly, the Debut Evo 2 uses 25% less plastic in the output stage than its predecessor.
Components
One thing that makes the Pro-Ject Debut Evo 2 turntable so special is the 8.6” one-piece carbon fibre tonearm’s pivoting bearing. The all-new aluminium CNC-machined multi-pivoting bearing replaces the original oval design of old Debut Carbon turntables.
This gives the tonearm the freedom to traverse the grooves of your records unhindered. It also isolates the tonearm from any rare feedback that could travel through the tripod TPE feet and affect the tonearm itself.
There’s also a new oversized counterweight. The counterweight is machined from steel for added ballast, while the TPE damping ring insert ensures no resonance feedback reaches the cartridge.
At the opposite end of the headshell sits the all-new Pro-Ject Pick-IT MM Evo cartridge – the latest evolution of the Pick-It cartridge.
The Debut Evo 2 also includes Pro-Ject Audio’s special heavyweight aluminium platter, featuring their TPE-damped and anti-magnetic ring design. This design ensures that any unwanted resonances are suppressed to a level typically experienced on Pro-Ject’s high-end turntables.
Performance and sound quality
The Debut Evo 2 has transformed Pro-Ject Audio from a humble turntable brand to a world-class option.
If you’ve had the chance to listen to any of the Debut turntables, you’ll know that this affordable turntable is a giant slayer in its category. With the series being multi-award-winning since its inception, it’s safe to say that the Debut Evo 2’s performance and sound quality truly stand out.
With nearly 30 years of conceptual design behind this Pro-Ject turntable, music has never sounded better than that of its competition. The Evo 2 has significantly narrowed the performance gap with the Pro model.
The rhythmic flair, dynamic drive, finesse, and precision that are typically reserved for more prestigious Pro-Ject Audio turntables are present in the Debut Evo 2.
Whether you’re playing a 12″ EP at 45 RPM or an exquisitely pressed vinyl album at 33 RPM, the Pro-Ject Debut Evo 2 delivers an engaging presence with vocals, without ever sounding harsh or overbearing. The stereo separation is distinct, unlike digital reproductions, panning wide to fill the room, while the deep bass tones bring your speakers to life, allowing you to feel as well as hear the music.
The mid-range sonics are never masked or lost. They bring life to the entire frequency range, adding depth and height to the music with a sense of space and clarity.
Who is the Pro-Ject Debut Evo 2 suited to?
Simply put, the Pro-Ject Debut Evo 2 is ideal for anyone who enjoys music and wants that extra touch of quality added to their setup.
This is what has given the Pro-Ject Debut series its longevity for nearly 30 years, and now there is truly little to complain about. In the past, adjusting the speed manually by removing the platter was cumbersome, especially when listening to 12″ EPs. However, with the introduction of the speed switch control, that clunky interaction is a thing of the past.
In terms of quality, many people might not be aware of the attention to detail in the Debut Evo’s multiple finish options – from real wood veneer to stain and high gloss, each featuring eight layers of lacquer. This high level of quality extends to every component.
So, if you appreciate engineering at its best but don’t want to pay a premium for electronics that deliver outstanding performance, you’ll find it hard to surpass what Pro-Ject Audio has perfected over the years with the Pro-Ject Debut Evo 2 turntable.
FAQs
Does the Debut Evo 2 have a built-in preamp?
You need an MM phono stage/pre-amplifier like the Pro-Ject Phono Box S2 to hear the Pro-Ject Debut Evo 2 at normal listening levels. Before buying, check if your integrated stereo amplifier or AV receiver already has one built-in.
Are Pro-Ject turntables reliable?
With 30 years of experience behind Pro-Ject Debut turntables, they’re some of the most reliable hi-fi components around. Of course, any type of electronics could have issues, but it’s a rarity for Pro-Ject turntables.
Where are Pro-Ject Audio turntables made?
Pro-Ject Audio turntables are manufactured in Europe, namely in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany. The company was founded in 1991 in Mistelbach, Austria, and the business designs its products in Austria.
Final thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a new turntable, we hope you’ve found our Pro-Ject Debut Evo 2 review useful! And remember, the setup, care, and maintenance of your turntable are just as important as choosing the right turntable itself! Tools like the AVCOM Complete Turntable Maintenance Kit and Spin Clean Record Washer will ensure that the Debut Evo 2 always performs at its best.
Want to learn more? Check out our other hi-fi guides:
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