Pro-Ject Debut Reference 10 Turntable

The Pro-Ject Debut Reference 10 stands as the pinnacle of the Debut range. Interestingly, it is quite surprising that this turntable still carries the "Debut" name, as it shares almost nothing in common with the Debut Evo 2.

Pro-Ject Debut Reference 10: Plinth and Feet

The large-sized plinth is machined from rigid MDF and is hand-coated with eight layers of a black satin finish.

The plinth rests on 3 new, robust aluminum feet dampened with elastomer. These effectively limit vibrations from the support to the turntable. Using only three feet also improves stability on any surface. These three feet also allow for leveling adjustments. The aluminum components of the Debut Reference 10 feature a flawless finish, achieved through a precise diamond-cutting process.

Pro-Ject Debut Reference 10: Motor and Drive

The Pro-Ject Debut Reference 10 is equipped with a new DC motor featuring a new suspension system that limits vibrations and noise in the audible spectrum.

It uses damping techniques borrowed from the manufacturer's higher-end models, including TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) combined with a high-mass steel sandwich construction. This motor features a new bearing with a stainless steel axle and is powered by an external DC power supply. A circuit reconditions the AC current to a clean and stable 50 Hz frequency. Additionally, it features an electronic 33/45 RPM speed change, accessible via a switch on the left side of the chassis.

Speed is electronically controlled with maximum precision, resulting in the most reliable and stable speed possible for 33, 45, and 78 RPM.

Pro-Ject Debut Reference 10: Platter and Sub-platter

The Pro-Ject Debut Reference 10 is fitted with a 30 cm diameter acrylic platter. It is perfectly machined and offers absolute reliability in terms of performance and sonic neutrality. It is, of course, recommended to use it without a platter mat. It is paired with a diamond-cut aluminum sub-platter built to very tight tolerances. It is also designed to be used with the Record Puck PRO clamp, which is included as standard.

Pro-Ject Debut Reference 10: Tonearm

The tonearm is the "masterpiece" of this turntable. This new arm is offered in a length that is rare in this price range. This 10-inch tonearm is equipped with a new gyroscopic pivot, CNC-milled from a single block of aluminum, similar to the EVO arms. This increases bearing rigidity, ensuring free and fluid movement for precise groove tracking.

The new 10 Reference tonearm features a 254 mm one-piece carbon/aluminum sandwich tube. The carbon layer provides high rigidity, while the internal aluminum tube handles damping. This provides an effective mass of 16.6g, making the arm compatible with most MC cartridges. The new counterweight features a threaded adjustment, just like on the CC Evo Premium arms.

This Pro-Ject Reference 10 arm allows for both azimuth and VTA adjustments.

Pro-Ject Debut Reference 10: Phono Cable and Accessories

The Pro-Ject Debut Reference 10 comes with a 123 cm Connect It E phono cable in RCA/RCA format. The connection on the turntable uses gold-plated female RCA jacks. It is a semi-symmetrical, low-capacitance model with superior shielding compared to competitors in this range.

Compared to other analog or digital sources, the output signal from a turntable cartridge is particularly sensitive. Note that the tonearm output cables are not captive, making it easy to upgrade to higher-performance models, such as the manufacturer’s "Connect It" series, or even a balanced version if your phono preamp allows.

A translucent dust cover is also included.

Pro-Ject Debut Reference 10: Phono Cartridge

Intensive research, development, and listening tests led to the creation of the new Pro-Ject Pick it PRO B cartridge, made possible through close cooperation with Ortofon in Denmark.

This cartridge is built using a unique combination of technologies, including Ortofon’s famous split-pole pins. This allows for a flat frequency response, nearly comparable to MC cartridges. This new Pick it PRO Balanced cartridge is a revised version of the Pick it PRO, enabling symmetrical (balanced) signal transmission.

Pro-Ject Debut Reference 10: Review and Listening

Clearly, and without any doubt, the performance of the Debut Reference 10 has very little in common with a Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO.

It feels more like a competitor to the Pro-Ject X2, which is not surprising as it shares several mechanical components with it.

The sound is silent and dynamic while remaining very composed and nuanced.

It may seem more reserved and less exuberant than some of its British competitors; however, it appears more neutral with a realistic timbre. Transparency is excellent, as is the definition—especially with a low-level MC cartridge, which seems much better suited to this turntable and arm than the original cartridge.

Indeed, with a low-level MC (Ortofon MC X20), you get more nuance, articulation, and finesse. The soundstage is also very coherent, realistic, and precise.

The Pro-Ject Debut Reference 10 is very quiet; its drive system generates little noise, making the listening experience detailed and precise.

This turntable combines superb design with true musicality and surprising performance, certainly due to its arm which manages the cartridge perfectly from a mechanical standpoint.

Even if the price seems high, the Reference 10 aims for competitors in the higher price brackets.

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