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Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Manual belt-drive turntable with pre-mounted cartridge (Gloss White)

Item # 252DBTCFGW

Focused squarely on performance, Pro-Ject's original Debut turntables proved that you didn't have to spend...

Focused squarely on performance, Pro-Ject's original Debut turntables proved that you didn't have to spend...

5 questions - 31 answers

Item # 252DBTCFGW

Shop all Pro-Ject Turntables

About the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon

Dave Bar

A best seller just got even better

Focused squarely on performance, Pro-Ject's original Debut turntables proved that you didn't have to spend a fortune to savor the warm, natural sound of vinyl. These easy-to-use, great-sounding, and modestly priced models changed many a music lover's expectations of what an entry-level 'table was capable of.

A best seller just got even better

Focused squarely on performance, Pro-Ject's original Debut turntables proved that you didn't have to spend a fortune to savor the warm, natural sound of vinyl. These easy-to-use, great-sounding, and modestly priced models changed many a music lover's expectations of what an entry-level 'table was capable of.

Now, Pro-Ject has raised the bar again with the Debut Carbon. Boasting improvements in nearly every facet of design, the Debut Carbon breaks new ground, offering features rarely found on turntables in its price range. Each element contributes substantially to the overall improvement in sound — from the tonearm to the updated motor suspension. Here's what's new about the Debut Carbon:

  • an all-new, one-piece carbon fiber tonearm that increases rigidity and reduces unwanted resonances that color sound.

  • a full-size 12" platter with a felt mat to better support your record albums. The resonance-damping alloy platter is also more massive, resulting in smoother, more stable rotation for an all-around sonic improvement.

  • a Sorbothane motor suspension that better isolates the 'table's chassis from vibration, decreasing motor noise and rumble to a bare minimum.

  • gold-plated RCA output jacks mounted on the back of the turntable instead of a hard-wired cable, allowing upgrades to high-quality aftermarket interconnects.

  • a high-performance Ortofon 2M Red phono cartridge pre-mounted to the Carbon's tonearm for precise and accurate sound reproduction.

Crafted for serious sound

The Debut Carbon's sturdy MDF chassis rests on shock absorbing rubber feet that provide a solid, low-resonance foundation. Its heavy 12" steel platter spins on a precision axle and bearing for excellent speed stability and smooth, silent rotation. The Sorbothane motor mount and belt drive system are designed to isolate the motor's vibration from the chassis to prevent noise from being transferred to the cartridge. An external AC power supply helps reduce the chance of hum, and can even be upgraded with Pro-Ject's Speed Box S for enhanced performance. Finally, the table's new one-piece carbon fiber tonearm includes a silicone-damped lift for gently raising and lowering the arm — protecting both the stylus and your records.

Get the best sound, without the hassle

Pro-Ject knows that turntable setup can be a challenge for the novice. That's why the Debut Carbon comes out of the box virtually ready to play. Its pre-matched, factory-mounted phono cartridge and tonearm take the guesswork out of installation, and give you optimized sound quality with minimal effort. A few simple steps to dial in key settings like tracking force and anti-skating, are all it takes to get this player primed and ready to deliver spacious, detailed music. If you've never experienced the relaxed sound that vinyl is famous for, what are you waiting for?

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Product highlights:

  • heavy 12" steel platter with felt mat provides excellent speed stability and protects records from scratches
  • precision stainless-steel bearing system for smooth, quiet platter rotation
  • one-piece carbon fiber tonearm for superior rigidity and low resonance
  • includes pre-mounted Ortofon 2M Red moving magnet cartridge
  • medium density fiberboard (MDF) base with four shock absorbing rubber feet
  • AC motor decoupled from base for reduced vibration transmission and better sound
  • Sorbothane motor suspension
  • manual operation with silicone-damped tonearm lift
  • 33-1/3 and 45 rpm speeds
  • speed variation: ±0.8%
  • wow and flutter: ±0.10%
  • signal-to-noise ratio: 68dB
  • frequency range (with included cartridge): 20-22,000 Hz
  • channel separation (with included cartridge): >22dB
  • gold-plated RCA audio jacks
  • external power supply reduces likelihood of electro-mechanical interference
  • compatible with Pro-Ject Speed Box II electronic speed regulator for enhanced sound and speed-changing convenience
  • weight: 12.4 lbs.
  • 16-3/8"W x 4-3/4"H (with dust cover down) x 13-1/8"D
  • warranty: 2 years (1 year warranty for the supplied cartridge)
  • requires a phono preamp or phono input on receiver or preamplifier
  • MFR # DBT CF White

What's in the box:

  • Turntable (tone-arm and cartridge installed)
  • Hub (installed)
  • Platter
  • AC power adapter (with attached 6.5' DC cord)
  • Drive belt
  • Dust cover
  • Counter weight
  • Anti-shake weight
  • Felt pad
  • 45 RPM adapter
  • 4' Stereo RCA cable (w/ attached ground lead)
  • Hex-key
  • Two-Point Cartridge Alignment Protractor
  • Instructions for Use

Customer reviews for Pro-Ject Debut Carbon

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71 reviews

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More details on the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon

Stacey B.

Features & specs

Features
Color Not given
Operation Manual
Speeds 33-1/3, 45
Speed Control ---
Drive Type Belt
Pitch Control No
Phono Preamp No
USB Output No
Bluetooth Built-In No
45 RPM Adapter No
Audio Cable Detachable
Power Cable ---
Materials and Construction
Plinth ---
Platter ---
Tone Arm Shape Straight
Tone Arm Material ---
Tone Arm Lift Finger, lever
Cartridge Info
Included Cartridge Y
Cartridge Type MM
Removable Headshell No
Tracking Weight ---
Frequency Response 20-22,000
Output Voltage ---
Load Impedance ---
Load Capacitance ---
Audio Specs
Signal to Noise Ratio 68
Wow and Flutter 0.1
Dimensions and Warranty
Width (Inches) 16.375
Height (Inches) 4.75
Depth (Inches) 13.125
Weight 12.4 lbs.
Turntable Parts Warranty 2 Years
Turntable Labor Warranty 2 Years
Cartridge Parts Warranty 1 Year
Cartridge Labor Warranty 1 Year

Product Research

Features
Specifications

Features

Resonance-Reducing Construction: The attractive resonance-reducing MDF plinth supports a heavier 300mm diameter metal platter for smoother rotation and lower wow and flutter. Additionally, a felt record mat is employed for superior record support and coupling. The platter and plinth assembly sits upon four-point "O"-ring feet designed for energy absorption and the plinth-mounted motor is isolated by a new Sorbothane suspension keeping unwanted noise and vibration to a bare minimum. The motor is even decoupled from the plinth to reduce vibration transmission.

Note: The turntable should be positioned on a low-resonance surface such as wood or multiple layer ply-board to avoid structural vibrations disturbing replay.

High-Fidelity Sound: The 8.6" single-piece tube carbon fiber tone-arm that increases stiffness while decreasing unwanted resonances resulting in a higher fidelity presentation of your vinyl recordings. Fitted to the carbon fiber arm is a true high-end cartridge, the 2M Red moving magnet (MM) phono cartridge by Ortofon. This arm/cartridge combination is capable of exceptional tracking and recovery of the musical nuance found within the records grooves.

Belt Driven: The Pro-Ject Debut Carbon features a quiet running AC motor with a two-step pulley which drives the hub and platter via a flat-ground belt. The Debut Carbon supports 33-1/3 and 45 rpm speeds.

RCA Output Jacks: Plinth mounted RCA output jacks allow for the use of higher quality interconnects for even better sonic performance. Connect the turntable to the Phono input of your home receiver.

Note: If your receiver does not have a suitable Phono MM input, a separate phono pre-amplifier (sold separately) is required to connect the turntable to your amplifier.

Dust Cover: The Pro-Ject Debut Carbon comes supplied with a dust cover to prevent dust build-up on the turntable.

AC Power Adapter: The turntable operates off of standard household current using the supplied external AC power adapter.

  • Input: 120V~60Hz, 13.0W
  • Output: 15V, 550mA

7 High Gloss Finishes: The Debut Carbon is offered in seven high-gloss fashion colors - Black, Blue, Green, Red, Silver, White, & Yellow.

Specifications

Filter Cartridge: Ortofon 2M Red pre-mounted (output voltage: 5.5mV)

Amplifier Connection: MM-input (recommended load resistance: 47 kohms)

Nominal Speeds: 33-1/3, 45 rpm

Platter: 11.811" (300mm) diameter steel w/ felt mat

Tone-arm Length: 8.6" (218.5mm)

Tone-arm Mass: 0.212oz (6g)

Overhang: 0.728" (18.5mm)

Tracking Force: 10-30 mN

Speed Variance: +/-0.55%

Wow & Flutter: +/-0.10%

Outboard Power Supply: 15V / 550mA

Dimensions:

  • Dust Cover Closed: 16.375" (w) x 4.75" (h) x 13.125" (d)
  • Dust Cover Open: 16.375" (w) x 14.5" (h) x 15.75" (d)

Weight: 12.4 lbs (5.6kg)

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Customer Q&A

5 questions already asked

Q
Any videos out there to help when replacing the stylus and/or cartridge. I want to upgrade to a Ortofon blue?
charles  Sep 15, 2014
3 answers
A
We don't have any videos currently available on changing the stylus. However, our Tech Support team will be happy to walk you changing it out. You can find their number on your invoice.
kristina  Sep 24, 2014 (Staff)
A
I'm surprised Crutchfield doesn't answer this question. I thought their customer support would help. I haven't seen any videos on replacing stylus/cartridge.
mark s  Sep 18, 2014
A
We have not received any answers from other customers on your question. I would recommend reaching out to an Advisor by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat. They should be able to help answer your question.
kristina  Sep 17, 2014 (Staff)
Q
What is the optimum tracking force using the included cartridge?
walter  May 18, 2014
1 answer
A
I forwarded your question to an Advisor and they responded with the following: The recommended tracking force is 15mN. If you would like to discuss further you can contact an Advisor directly by phone (1-800-324-9695) or online chat.
kristina  May 20, 2014 (Staff)
Q
do I need a pre amp?
tim  Mar 21, 2014
12 answers
A
Hi Tim, Many older receivers and integrated amps feature a phono stage. My NAD integrated amp is about 8 yrs old and didn't come with a phono stage. Along with the Pro-ject Carbon I purchased NADs PP4 Digital USB Pre-Amp for $199.00. The PP4 unit is small, well-built, and well-reviewed and easy to set up.
mike  Apr 10, 2014
A
Yes you need a preamp with this turntable and most modern receivers. Project does offer the same turntable with a preamp and USB input.
keith  Mar 22, 2014
A
Yes you will need a pre amp for this.
charles  Mar 21, 2014
A
If your receiver has a phono connection you don't otherwise you will need one.
john  Mar 21, 2014
A
Yes you do.
david  Mar 21, 2014
A
If your amp or receiver has a phono stage no, if not you need a pre amp. this table is very basic no bells very simple to operate,strickly manual.
robert  Mar 21, 2014
A
Yes. You will need to connect to a phono preamp. However, if you get the Pro-ject Debut Carbon Gloss Red with the USB option, a phono preamp is builtin to the unit and which means you will get line level outputs as well as a USB output. This option is usually an extra $100.
ross  Mar 21, 2014
A
Yes, you do, unless your receiver has a dedicated phono input, which many modern models do not.
tom  Mar 21, 2014
A
If your receiver does not have a phono input you will need a pre-amp.
james  Mar 21, 2014
A
Yes, unless your receiver has a phono input
michael  Mar 21, 2014
A
Whether you need a pre amp isn't about the turntable, it's about the amp that you're connecting the table to. Unless you have high end equipment the amp/receiver is all contained in the thing. Plug it in and play.
john  Mar 21, 2014
A
Yes you will need a pre amp.
therin  Mar 21, 2014
Q
I have two questions regarding the glossy color scheme. Do these turntables collect dust to any particularly notable degree? Ideally, I would like to purchase the least "loud" (as in color volume) option. I believe this to be the light grey/silver which appears to be not glossy like the rest. For anyone who has purchased the silver debut, is this assumption true?
h davidson  Aug 29, 2014
12 answers
A
Since the clear cover is closed the vast majority of the time, I don't think the color of the base makes much difference. I do think the the lighter background color probably makes it less noticeable than the gloss black, bright red, etc. would look. It does get dusty quickly in my home, but that will happen with any large flat surface, as I don't run air filters indoors as the windows are open all summer. I bought this color and have been very happy with it, and with crutchfeild overall. Sound quality is great, setup of the arm would have been tricky without YouTube instruction video. Have fun
fred  Sep 26, 2014
A
This turntable comes with a hinged dust cover that covers the entire top. You don't have to worry about that. The silver finish is glossy though.
dominick  Sep 08, 2014
A
Hi houston d, I purchased the Red one. I live in a VERY dusty area and have seen no real dust problem. My two black amps and MacIntosh Pre get very dusty in just a few days. The turn table comes with a smoked gray dust cover, so 90% of the dust is on the cover and easily wiped off with a damp towel. Hope this helped...the TT sounds unbelievable for the price...I have heard $1,000 Tables sound similar. I would also consider a NAD Phono pre-amp from Crutchfield...This will really make the Debut sound wonderful. Jim
james  Sep 01, 2014
A
I have the gloss silver Pro-Ject Carbon. It's great. No dust collection, very nice, simple design and like you didn't want a "loud" color.
gregory  Aug 30, 2014
A
The silver is a great color and does not show dust. The plastic cover will show fingerprints but cleans easily.
eva  Aug 30, 2014
A
I have this turntable in my office at home. It is glossy not flat, but I have had mine for 5 months and have not had to dust it once. I do like this turntable and the premounted cartridge. I would get the speedbox this makes life much simpler if you are going to play 45's. I also helps with the sound quality. I am still thinking about getting the acrylic platter later. (Note the dust cover is a little stiff which I like, so it does not drop accidently.) I would highly give it two thumbs up. It comes with nice rubber feet that dampen the sound very well.
james stephen  Aug 30, 2014
A
It is glossy, but not as glossy as the red one. I guess you can categorize it as semi gloss. It blends in nicely with my white custom made entertainment cabinet.
umut  Aug 30, 2014
A
No more or less than other components. This is glossy, but understated compared to say red or yellow. Perfect for me.
madhup  Aug 30, 2014
A
Great table and does not collect an inordinate amout of dust. Much less than black. It is semi glossy but very subtle and looks great with black receiver.
eric  Aug 30, 2014
A
The turntable ships with a dust cover, and I haven't noticed it gather dust any more than my previous TT. The silver IS glossy, but it's not as reflective as the white, red, or piano black. The silver is definitely not overwhelming. One piece of advice -- if you do buy this turntable from Crutchfield, don't buy a speed box for it unless you can confirm that you're get a 16V debut carbon. The one I got from Crutchfield was 15V, which is technically the European wiring made to work for the American market. The voltage difference causes the hum that you read about on a ton of forums.
juan  Aug 30, 2014
A
I have the Gloss Silver Pro-Ject Debut Carbon and it indeed has a glossy/lacquered surface but isn't very loud as you say. As far as dust, it does tend to collect bits of dust, especially if you are using a brush but it's very easy to clean off. Leaving the clear dust cover down when not in use helps keep the plinth itself relatively dust free.
brian  Aug 30, 2014
A
The finish is not very glossy and I have not noticed a dust issue. That said I have the cover on mine and it is on a book case with a shelf over top of the turntable which probably helps a little with the dust.
sheryl  Aug 30, 2014
Q
With the proper plug of course, can I use this in Europe as well as the USA?
james  May 30, 2014
3 answers
A
Sorry I don't know.
stanley  May 31, 2014
A
I now control the on & off and speed with a "Pro-ject Speed Box S" and it uses a tranformer type plug that is 18V neg)-pos cable which I would think you could find a replacement part that has a euro plug but the same 18V current. it wouldn't hurt to email "PRO-JECT" from their website as I know that would email you back with a answer.
darryl  May 31, 2014
A
I don't see why not -with the proper plug of course.
roberta  May 31, 2014
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