Has it really been 3 years since Pro-Ject unveiled the award-winning Debut Pro turntable? Apparently so.
EIC Ian White reviewed the Debut PRO back in 2021 and still considers it to be the one to buy below $1,000. However, it is now 2024 and Pro-Ject feels that it is time for a successor, which takes the form of the new Debut PRO B.
Are the new changes merely cosmetic or a series of improvements that can potentially make this already excellent table — the one to consider below $1,300 and the most logical option next to the Rega Planar 3?
Two main additions bring listeners closer to the True Balanced experience: a balanced mini XLR output and the Pick it PRO Balanced moving magnet phono cartridge, which is the first of its kind.
This means that from the turntable, users can connect using a mini XLR cable (sold separately) to connect PRO B directly to the mini XLR input of Phono Box S3 B ($499), Phono Box DS3 B ($799), or Tube Box DS3 B ($1,099). In addition, users can also use a mini XLR to standard XLR cable adapter to connect the PRO B to the Reference Series Phono Box RS2.
To sum it up, the PRO B provides more connection flexibility with other key Pro-Ject, or other branded compatible hi-fi components.
Features carried over from the Debut PRO
- Same physical design
- 8.6” carbon-on-aluminum arm tube
- Massive tonearm bearing block
- Precision-machined diecast TPE-damped aluminum platter
- Anti-resonant sub-platter
- Sophisticated DC/AC power generator
- TPE-damped height-adjustable metal feet.
- Finished with nickel-plated trimmings and an eight-coat satin black paint job.
What’s New in the Debut PRO B
According to Pro-Ject, here are new additions and refinements to the Debut PRO B:
- Pre-Adjusted Pick it PRO Balanced MM Cartridge.
- Improved Platter features a notch for the record label and together with the Record Puck PRO (available separately), the puck’s weight presses a record tightly against the platter. The die-cast aluminum platter is reworked and precision balanced in an extra step to obtain an even spinning operation.
- The new refined Hybrid Tonearm features a one-piece carbon-aluminum sandwich. The carbon layer gives the tonearm a high degree of rigidity, while the inner aluminum tube takes over the damping of the tonearm.
- New precision CNC milled and nickel-coated tonearm bearing parts.
- The tonearm base allows the adjustment of both the azimuth and the vertical tracking angle (VTA)
- mini-XLR Balanced Phono Output Connection
Tech Note: Although Pro-Ject has assigned the Pro B as the direct replacement for the Debut Pro, there is another turntable in Pro-Ject’s Debut turntable lineup, the Pro S which is included in the comparison below.
Comparison
| Pro-Ject Debut PRO B (2024) | Pro-Ject Debut PRO (2021) | Pro-Ject Debut PRO S (2022) | |
| Price (USD) | $1,099 | $999 | $1,199 |
| Drive Principle | Belt Drive (electronic speed regulation) | Belt Drive with electronic speed control | Belt Drive with electronic speed control |
| Nominal Speeds | 33/45 rpm 78 r.p.m. optional) | 33/45 rpm. (78 r.p.m. optional) | 33/45 rpm. (78 r.p.m. optional) |
| Platter | 300mm die-cast aluminum platter with TPE damping ring | 300mm; die-cast aluminum, TPE damping, stabilizing rim | 300mm, die-cast aluminum platter with TPE damping and felt mat |
| Platter Bearing | High-precision stainless steel axle in bronze bushing | High-precision stainless steel axle in bronze bushing | high-precision stainless steel axle in bronze bushing |
| Speed Drift | +/-0.40% (33rpm) +/-0.50% (45rpm) | +/-0.40% (33rpm)+/-0.50% (45rpm) | +/-0.40% (33rpm)+/-0.50% (45rpm) |
| Wow and Flutter | +/-0.16% (33rpm), +/-0.14% (45rpm) | +/-0.16% (33rpm), +/-0.14% (45rpm) | +/-0.16% (33rpm)+/-0.14% (45 rpm) |
| SNR (Signal to Noise Ratio) | 68dB | 68dB | 68dB |
| Tonearm | 8.6″ one-piece carbon/aluminum hybrid tonearm | 8.6” one-piece carbon-aluminum hybrid tonearm | 10″ S-shaped aluminum with SME-type headshell connection |
| Effective Tonearm Mass | 10g | 10g | 8g |
| Effective Tonearm Length | 218.5mm (8.6”) | 218.5mm (8.6”) | 254mm (10”) |
| Overhang | 18.5mm (0.728”) | 18.5mm (0.728”) | 16mm (0.63”) |
| Connectivity | RCA w/Ground, mini XLR Balanced | RCA w/Ground | RCA w/Ground |
| Power Consumption | 4W/0W in Stand-By | 4W/0W in Stand-By | 4W/0W in Stand-By |
| Outboard Power Supply | 15V / 0 – 0.8mA DC (set at 0.5mA), universal power supply | 15V / 0 – 0.8 DC, universal power supply | 15V / 0 – 0.8 DC, universal power supply |
| Cartridge | Pick-it-Pro Balanced | Sumiko Rainier | Pick it S2 C |
| Frequency range | 20-20.000 Hz +/-2 dB | 20 – 20 000 Hz +/- 2dB | 20Hz-22kHz |
| Channel Separation | 22dB/1kHz | 22dB/1kHz | 24dB/1kHz |
| Output Voltage | 4mV | 4mV/1kHz | 6mV |
| Recommended Load Impedance | 47k ohms | 47k ohms | 47k ohms |
| Dimensions (WHD) | 415 x 113 x 320 mm 16.34 x 4.45 x 12.6″ | 415 x 113 x 320 mm 16.34 x 4.45 x 12.6″ | 462 x 145 x 345 mm 18.19 x 5.71 x 13.58” |
| Weight | 6kg (13.23 lbs) | 6kg (13.23 lbs) | 8kg (15.43 lbs) |
| Included Accessories | 15V DC / 0.8A power supply Dust cover 78 RPM round belt 7″ single adapter Felt record mat | 15V DC / 0.8A power supply Dust cover 78 RPM round belt 7‘‘ single adapter | 15V DC / 0.8A power supply Dust cover 78 RPM round belt 7‘‘ single adapter |
Tip: Just as with all Pro-Ject Turntables the Debut PRO B is handmade in Europe.
Initial Impression
Does balanced connectivity matter to you?
If you already own the previous Debut PRO and are happy with what it offers, there is no need to toss it and get a PRO B as almost all of the performance characteristics of the PRO and PRO B and Pro S variant are identical.
However, if you desire a turntable with balanced audio connectivity, the PRO B might be a good choice. It carries a slightly higher price tag than the Debut PRO, but a lower price tag than the PRO S or XA-B.
If you don’t plan on upgrading your existing phono pre-amplifier and are limited to single-ended connections, the balanced output changes absolutely nothing and you are better off just upgrading your phono cartridge instead.
The new Pick it PRO Balanced cartridge is a revised version of the Pick it PRO which permits balanced transmission of the signal; which is rare for a MM cartridge.
So who should really consider the new PRO B?
If your phono pre-amplifier and existing line-stage do offer balanced inputs and outputs (you will need an adapter if don’t use a Pro-Ject phono stage with the mini-XLR input), there are a few changes to sound that are worth mentioning.
Our experience with the Pro-Ject balanced turntables so far when used with better quality MC cartridges and balanced set-ups has demonstrated improvements in clarity, detail, overall dynamics, and an enlarged soundstage. The bass range comes across as slightly more impactful and detailed.
Are the differences that huge?
When used with better quality electronics, the balanced option has certainly improved the overall sonic performance — but that also comes with a more significant asking price.
We’ve tried in the Pro-Ject X2 B with $20,000 worth of electronics and we felt that the table could be the final destination for a lot of listeners if they ever decide to take the balanced approach.
The Debut PRO B could be a stepping stone for a lot of listeners, but we think it’s a journey taken with incremental steps.
Price & Availability
The Pro-Ject Debut PRO B Turntable is available for pre-order for $1,099 at Crutchfield, but is not expected to start shipping until October 15, 2024.
For more information: project-audio.com
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