Debut EVO 2 – What’s New

The Debut EVO 2 turntable builds on the legacy of the Debut Carbon EVO, bringing a fresh round of upgrades and a more refined design. 

Improved Tonearm Bearing Block & Counterweight

The tonearm pivot assembly might look familiar because it now uses the same beefier bearing block found on the Debut PRO B. That added mass helps pull unwanted resonance away from the armtube and cartridge, while giving the tonearm pivot a much more solid anchor point. The anti-skate scale is mounted right on the bearing block as well, which makes setup noticeably easier. We push resonance control even further with a TPE-damped counterweight. Combined with the carbon-fiber arm tube and ABEC 7 bearing, the result is smooth, low-friction tracking that lets every bit of fine detail come through.

Improved Record Platter

Borrowed from the Debut PRO B and XA B models, this has quickly become one of our preferred platter designs. Weighing 1.7kg (3.75 lbs), it’s CNC-machined from aluminum, then precision-balanced to ensure smooth, even rotation.

To control resonance, a ridge is cut into the underside of the platter and filled with TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), which effectively eliminates any potential ringing from the metal. The added mass and TPE treatment at the perimeter also enhance rotational stability by increasing the flywheel effect.

Using aluminum instead of steel removes any concerns about magnetic interaction with moving-coil cartridges, which use stronger magnets than moving-magnet designs. This update ensures full compatibility with all MC cartridges going forward.

Pick it MM EVO Phono Cartridge

Pro-Ject’s new moving-magnet cartridge delivers a strong 7mV output and has been specifically tuned for the Debut EVO 2. Developed in collaboration with Ortofon, the Pick it MM EVO offers quick response, solid dynamics, and accurate detail retrieval. Its sonic character pairs well with the EVO 2’s neutral, transparent presentation, creating a balanced and cohesive overall sound.

Fit & Finish

The audio junction box is now recessed into the bottom of the MDF plinth, giving the table a cleaner, more streamlined appearance. A new satin “Red Wine” finish joins the lineup, while all existing finishes remain available. Satin options now include Red Wine, Black, Blue, Green, White, Yellow, and real Walnut veneer. Gloss options include Black, White, and Red. All painted finishes use an eight-coat, hand-applied process for consistency and durability.

Audiophile Carbon Fiber Tonearm

Pro-Ject pioneered the use of a carbon-fiber tonearm on a turntable under $1,000 with the original Debut Carbon. The Debut EVO 2 continues that approach with a premium 8.6" carbon-fiber armtube paired with a substantial aluminum bearing block that helps draw resonance away from the cartridge.

An ABEC-7 main bearing ensures precise, stable tracking, while the gimbal system uses dual stainless-steel lateral points and thrust pads for smooth vertical movement. The carbon-fiber armtube is rigid, lightweight, and naturally resistant to resonance, and its one-piece armtube/headshell design minimizes energy transfer while providing an ideal match for the included cartridge.

Sophisticated DC/AC Generator

Pro-Ject turntables use switch-mode power supplies to eliminate dependence on inconsistent wall power. Incoming AC is first converted to DC, which then feeds a dedicated DC/AC generator inside the turntable. This generator produces a fresh, stable sine wave for the motor, fully isolating the table from fluctuations or noise in household AC. The result is consistent power delivery to the motor and improved speed stability.

The “adaptive anti-skating” mechanism increases anti-skate force as the arm moves toward the center of the record, aligning the compensation with the rise in skating force from outer to inner grooves.

Isolation Feet

High-quality isolation feet are essential for a turntable’s performance, keeping external vibration and resonance from reaching the phono cartridge. The Debut EVO 2 uses three height-adjustable feet for simple leveling and stable placement on any surface. Each metal column is CNC-machined with cutouts that house Damp-It isolation pods made from a specific TPE formulation. These pods effectively absorb everything from footfall vibrations to energy coming back from your speakers, ensuring the cartridge operates in the quietest environment possible.

True Balanced

All Pro-Ject turntables are built to support true balanced operation*, giving listeners access to a significant step up in noise reduction and overall sound quality. To run a fully balanced setup, you’ll need:
a) a moving-coil cartridge (or Pro-Ject’s Pick it PRO Balanced),
b) a turntable with balanced-capable outputs,
c) a phono preamp with balanced phono inputs, and
d) a balanced phono cable between them.

Pro-Ject has made this typically expensive approach far more accessible by offering turntables, cartridges, and phono stages designed specifically for balanced playback.

The Debut EVO 2 includes a balanced-capable RCA/ground phono output. When paired with an RCA-to–mini XLR phono cable and a compatible balanced phono stage (Phono Box S3 B, Phono Box DS3 B, Tube Box DS3 B), the table can operate in true balanced mode. For maximum compatibility, it ships with a standard RCA/ground to RCA/ground phono cable, which supports traditional unbalanced connections. Balanced accessories are available separately.

*Balanced performance depends on the cartridge and phono stage used.