Pro-Ject Debut Reference 12 Turntable

Following the success of the Debut Reference 10, the Austrian manufacturer introduces a new turntable built around a magnificent 12-inch tonearm, completely unprecedented in this price range!

PRO-JECT DEBUT REFERENCE 12: PLINTH AND FEET

The plinth is of substantial size: 550 x 130 x 440 mm. This is justified by the fact that it accommodates an arm of an uncommon 12-inch length (30.5 cm!). It is machined from rigid MDF covered with 8 coats of satin black paint.

The plinth rests on 3 elastomer-damped aluminium feet. They effectively limit vibrations from the supporting surface reaching the turntable. They also allow precise height adjustment, making it possible to level the turntable perfectly.

The Reference 12 is supplied without a dust cover.

PRO-JECT DEBUT REFERENCE 12: MOTOR AND DRIVE

The Pro-Ject Debut Reference 12 takes over the mechanical section of the Reference 10. It is fitted with a new DC motor with a new suspension, which limits vibrations and noise in the audible spectrum. It benefits from a damping technique borrowed from the manufacturer's higher-end models. It receives TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) damping combined with a high-mass steel sandwich. The motor has a new bearing with a stainless steel spindle. It is powered by an external DC power supply. A circuit regenerates an alternating current with a clean and stable 50 Hz frequency. It also features electronic 33/45 rpm speed switching, accessible by flipping the selector on the left of the chassis.

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

PRO-JECT DEBUT REFERENCE 12: PLATTER AND SUB-PLATTER

The Pro-Ject Debut Reference 12 is fitted with a 30 cm diameter acrylic platter. It is perfectly machined to "Zero Tolerance" standards and offers absolute reliability in terms of performance and sonic neutrality. It is of course recommended to use it without a platter mat. It sits on a diamond-cut aluminium sub-platter made to very tight tolerances. It is also designed to be used with the Record Puck E record clamp, supplied as standard with the turntable.

PRO-JECT DEBUT REFERENCE 12: TONEARM

The tonearm is the "key" part of this turntable. This new arm comes in a length (304.8 mm) that is uncommon in this price range! This 12-inch arm is fitted with a new gimbal bearing. It is CNC-milled from a single block of aluminium, as on the EVO tonearms. This increases bearing rigidity, ensuring free and smooth arm movement and therefore precise groove tracking.

The new 12 Reference tonearm features a one-piece carbon/aluminium sandwich tube. The carbon layer gives the arm a high degree of rigidity, while the inner aluminium tube handles the damping of the tonearm. This results in an effective mass of 20.4 g and makes the arm compatible with most MC cartridges, especially low-compliance ones. The new counterweight features a screw thread, as on the CC Evo Premium tonearms. This Pro-Ject Reference 12 arm allows azimuth as well as VTA adjustment.

PRO-JECT DEBUT REFERENCE 12: PHONO CABLE AND ACCESSORIES

The Pro-Ject Debut Reference 12 is supplied with a 123 cm RCA/RCA Connect It E phono cable. The connection on the turntable is made via gold-plated female RCA sockets. It is a low-capacitance semi-balanced model with shielding superior to its competitors in this range.

Compared with other analogue or digital sources, the output signal of a turntable cartridge is particularly sensitive. Note that the tonearm output cables are not captive, so it is easy to upgrade the standard ones to higher-performance models, such as the manufacturer's "Connect It" cables.

This output is complemented by a balanced mini XLR output, which can be used with a specific (optional) cable if you have a phono preamplifier with balanced inputs and if you fit the turntable with a low output MC cartridge.

PRO-JECT DEBUT REFERENCE 12: REVIEW AND LISTENING TEST

As soon as it is unboxed, it quickly becomes clear that we are dealing with an "out of the ordinary" turntable in this price range!

Indeed, the use of a 12-inch arm calls for a plinth of a not exactly standard size, which will require a piece of furniture at least 55 cm by 45 cm! This is certainly a barrier to buying this Pro-Ject Reference 12 turntable. But if you have the space to house this machine, do not hesitate for a second... The arm designed by Pro-Ject alone justifies this turntable! The reproduction is precise, detailed and very nuanced. Dynamics are evenly spread across the whole frequency range. With a low output MC cartridge, this turntable truly comes into its own. It excels in its ability to track the groove without any distortion and with remarkable neutrality. The timbre is remarkable for its very analogue character and its realism.

As you will have gathered, this turntable is a "UFO" and as such it has no competitor!

Our favourite!

FAQ: Everything you need to know before buying the Pro-Ject Debut Reference 12 turntable

How much space does this turntable need?

Its 12-inch arm requires a 550 x 130 x 440 mm plinth: plan for a support of at least 55 cm by 45 cm. Its three height-adjustable aluminium feet then allow it to be levelled perfectly. See our tips on how to place your Hi-Fi devices.

Which cartridge should I choose to get the most from its 12-inch arm?

The turntable is supplied without a cartridge. With an effective mass of 20.4 g, its arm accepts most MC cartridges, particularly low-compliance ones, and according to our review it truly comes into its own with a low output MC cartridge. To refine your choice, read our article on phono cartridges.

Which adjustments does the tonearm allow?

The Reference 12 arm allows azimuth as well as VTA adjustment. Its gimbal bearing, CNC-milled from a single block of aluminium, ensures free and smooth movement, and its counterweight features a screw thread. The accessories you need for these operations are gathered in our setup kits section.

What is in the box, and does the turntable arrive set up?

The Debut Reference 12 comes with its 123 cm RCA/RCA Connect It E phono cable and the Record Puck E record clamp, but without a dust cover. Its acrylic platter is designed to be used without a mat. Like all our turntables, it is assembled, aligned and tested in our workshop before shipping.