Pro-Ject Debut FAQThere are several different models in the Pro-Ject Debut range of turntables and we often get asked what is the difference between the various Debut models and which is best to go for. As a result we have put together this FAQ, which we hope will help explain the differences and also help you to decide which Pro-Ject Debut is the best model for you
   
What is the basic model in the Pro-Ject Debut Range? 
That would be the standard Pro-Ject Debut Mk3 in Matt Black. This is the base model of the Debut Range. It comes in Matt Black as standard but other stylish colours are available including Silver, Gloss Black, White, Red, Green and Blue. The coloured versions are £30 more and other than finish are identical.
Does The Pro-Ject Debut come with a stylus (needle)?
The Pro-Ject Debut comes complete with an Ortofon OM5e cartridge and stylus. This is a good quality budget stylus. Installing alternative styli from further up the Ortofon OM range – including the OM10, OM20, OM30 and OM40, can upgrade the standard OM5e. The only exception is the Pro-Ject Debut SE which comes with the Ortofon 510 II cartridge, an improvement on the OM5e and itself upgradeable using the 520 II, 530 II and 540 II styli.
Replacement styli are readily available.
Does The Pro-Ject Debut come with a lid?
Yes despite being pictured without, all Pro-Ject Debut models come with a transparent, acrylic lid/dust cover. The lid is hinged at the back and is detachable should you choose not to use it.
Does The Pro-Ject Debut come with everything else I need?
It depends on whether your amplifier or stereo system has a dedicated turntable or phono input or not - technically it needs what is known as a phono preamp built in. See the phono preamp faq to help decide if yours does if you are unsure, but simply put you are looking for an input labelled Phono
If your amp or stereo does have a phono input does then you have everything you need. If it doesn’t you need a phono preamp and an interconnect to connect that to your system. We do a number of turntable bundles which include a separate preamp and interconnect and some savings or you might think about the Pro-Ject Debut Phono SB (the Debut model with a built in phono preamp).
You do need an amplifier or stereo system though. The Debut doesn’t have an amp or speakers built in.
Can the Pro-Ject Debut play different speeds?
Yes it can play 33 and 45 but requires this switch to be done manually by means of lifting the platter off and moving the belt in the pulley. Push button speed change is available as an optional extra by purchasing a Pro-Ject Speedbox.
It can also play 78s with the addition of a new pulley and a 78 stylus, but would then not be capable of playing 45s.
If you want to play all three speeds, you will need both the speedbox and a 78 pulley in addition to a 78 stylus. All three are available as a single package called the 78 Pack.
Alternatively the Pro-Ject Debut Phono SB, has push button speed control built in and can play all three speeds out of the box (although you still need to buy a 78 stylus). If you have no need for the built in phono preamp, then the standard debut with a speedbox and 78 pulley works out cheaper.
Does the Pro-Ject Debut stop when the record stops?
The standard Debut is a manual deck, the needle is lifted on and off the record using a damped lever arm, but the record doesn’t stop and the arm doesn’t automatically lift at the end of the side. However the Pro-Ject Debut Mk3 E is semi automatic and has this facility.
Can I use the Pro-Ject Debut to digitise my records? Yes you can. The Pro-Ject Debut Phono USB has a built in phono preamp and a digitiser to give you an output you can plug into your stereo and so use it as a normal turntable, and in addition a USB output to attach it to a computer for digital recordings. We also do a Complete Digitising Bundle which uses a standard Debut plus a more sophisticated phonostage and digitiser are in a separate little unit which has a lot more facilities than the one built into the Phono USB. It allows you to plug other sources into it for digitising, such as tape and radio, it has manually adjustable levels so that you can set the signal level before recording - useful for getting recordings at a similar level (this is fixed on the Phono USB) and it has a headphone monitoring facility, so you can monitor on headphones.
Once you have recorded your records to your computer, you can copy them to an iPod or MP3 player, copy them to CD or listen to them via a computer audio setup.
Are there any differences in sound quality from one Pro-Ject Debut model to the next?
No they differ in terms of the features on offer but all pretty much offer the same quality experience in terms of sound quality with one notable exception. The Pro-Ject Debut SE has a larger heavier platter for improved speed stability and damping, a better cartridge for improved tracking, improved feet for better isolation and detachable, upgradeable arm leads, for even better sound reproduction.
In summary what are the Pro-Ject Debut models available?
I want a better deck than the Debut. Where do I go from here?
The Pro-Ject Debut is an excellent deck for those wanting a good standard of replay with minimal fuss. For music lovers who ant the very best sound quality, it is at the beginning of that journey rather than the end.
The next step up the path that we would recommend is the Pro-Ject Xpression Mk2. Obviously one can go further up the Pro-Ject range and also start thinking about other brands, but the Xpression offers many advantages over the Debut models. A Heavy, cast and balanced, non magnetic platter, a better stylus and a fully adjustable (including height adjustable) arm with better bearings and carbon fibre construction mean that it is quite an improvement in sound quality but also has far wider possibilities when it comes to cartridge upgrades.
If you are unsure and need to ask, please don't hesitate to contact us or call 0115 877 0781. We are here to help.
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