Pro-Ject Debut PRO B
Belt-driven turntable fitted with the balanced Pick it PRO Balanced MM cartridge and a mini-XLR output, designed for enthusiasts wanting a balanced connection without necessarily requiring a high-end phono stage.
Description
The Debut PRO B is a belt-driven turntable with electronic speed switching between 33 and 45 rpm (78 rpm optional). It stands out through the inclusion of an MM cartridge called Pick it PRO Balanced, designed to make use of a balanced audio connection directly from a moving-magnet cartridge, an approach previously reserved for high-end MC cartridges.
The 300 mm die-cast aluminium platter benefits from TPE damping and a felt mat, paired with a bearing made up of a high-precision stainless steel spindle rotating in a bronze bushing. The tonearm is a carbon-aluminium one-piece design measuring 8.6 inches, with an effective length of 218.5 mm and an effective mass of 10.0 g, and an overhang of 18.5 mm. These mechanical elements have a direct bearing on tracking accuracy and the stability of the reproduced sound. In terms of measurements, wow and flutter stand at +/-0.16% at 33 rpm and +/-0.14% at 45 rpm, with speed drift of +/-0.40% and +/-0.50% respectively, and a signal-to-noise ratio of 68 dB.
The Pick it PRO Balanced cartridge delivers an output voltage of 4 mV at 1 kHz, channel separation of 22 dB and a frequency response of 20 to 20,000 Hz. It requires a tracking force of between 1.8 and 2.2 g, with a recommended value of 2 g, a tracking angle of 20°, an internal inductance of 450 mH and a recommended load of 47 kOhms paired with a capacitance of 150 to 300 pF. The turntable offers two outputs: a conventional stereo RCA output and a mini-XLR output dedicated to the balanced connection, which requires a compatible cable and phono stage to be used to full effect.
This model is aimed at vinyl enthusiasts already equipped with, or considering, a phono stage with balanced inputs, keen to reduce background noise and interference over long cable runs, without necessarily investing in an MC cartridge. The compact format, with dimensions of 415 x 113 x 320 mm and a weight of 6 kg, suits conventional home setups as well as more demanding systems already fitted with a balanced phono preamp.
Technical specifications
| Playback speeds | 33, 45/(78) rpm (electronic switching) |
| Drive principle | Belt with electronic speed control |
| Platter | 300 mm, die-cast aluminium, TPE damping, felt mat |
| Platter bearing | Stainless steel spindle in bronze bushing |
| Wow and flutter | 33 rpm: +/-0.16%; 45 rpm: +/-0.14% |
| Speed drift | 33 rpm: +/-0.40%; 45 rpm: +/-0.50% |
| Signal to noise ratio | 68 dB |
| Effective tonearm length | 218.5 mm |
| Effective tonearm mass | 10.0 g |
| Overhang | 18.5 mm |
| Connections | 1x stereo RCA output, 1x mini-XLR output |
| Frequency response | 20 - 20,000 Hz |
| Output voltage at 1 kHz | 4 mV |
| Channel separation | 22 dB |
| Tracking ability at 315 Hz | 70 µm |
| Tracking force | 1.8 - 2.2 g |
| Recommended tracking force | 2 g |
| Tracking angle | 20° |
| Internal inductance | 450 mH |
| Recommended load | 47 kOhms / 150 to 300 pF |
| Cartridge weight | 7.2 g |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 113 x 415 x 320 mm |
| Weight | 6 kg |
What to check before buying used
The elasticity of the drive belt should be checked, as slackening results in unstable speed or a platter that struggles to start. The bronze bushing of the bearing should be checked for play and lubrication to rule out any background noise. On the tonearm, the condition of the internal wiring and the overhang determines the alignment of the Pick it PRO Balanced cartridge, whose stylus and MM generator should be examined under magnification to detect wear or misalignment of the balanced outputs.
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