Pro-Ject Debut PRO S (Pick It S2 C Black) Turntable

The Pro-Ject Debut PRO S is a precision belt-drive turntable available at Vinyl Sound, an authorized Pro-Ject dealer in Toronto, Canada. It extends the Debut PRO B platform with two meaningful upgrades: a 10-inch s-shaped aluminum tonearm with SME-type detachable headshell connection, and a balanced mini XLR output for true balanced phono operation. The Pick it S2 C integrated cartridge-and-headshell assembly is pre-mounted and factory-aligned, and the turntable supports 33, 45, and 78rpm via electronic speed control. A DC/AC generator regenerates a clean sine wave for the motor, and every external component is CNC-machined aluminum with an 8-coat satin black hand-painted MDF chassis. Browse the full Pro-Ject turntable lineup at Vinyl Sound.

10-Inch S-Shaped Tonearm and SME Headshell Connection

The Debut PRO S uses a 10-inch s-shaped aluminum tonearm with a CNC-milled nickel-plated aluminum bearing block — the longer effective length (254mm) reduces inner-groove geometric tracking error versus 8.6-inch arms. The s-shaped geometry accommodates heavier cartridges that a straight arm at the same effective mass may struggle with. The SME-type headshell connection allows cartridge and headshell to be swapped without tools or re-alignment: remove the integrated Pick it S2 C assembly, install an alternative, and adjust tracking force. VTA is adjustable via two grub screws at the rear of the armboard; azimuth via a single grub screw at the gimbal bearing.

Balanced Mini XLR Output and 300mm Aluminum Platter

Beyond the standard RCA/ground output, the Debut PRO S adds a mini XLR balanced output that enables common-mode noise cancellation when paired with a balanced phono stage — the same signal advantage used in professional recording. Compatible balanced phono stages include the Pro-Ject Phono Box S3 B, DS3 B, Tube Box DS3 B, and RS2. Cable options include mini XLR to mini XLR, mini XLR to XLR, or RCA to mini XLR. The table ships with a premium semi-symmetrical RCA cable for immediate unbalanced use. The 300mm die-cast aluminum platter with TPE damping ring provides 1.7kg of rotational mass and eliminates steel-platter ringing; the diamond-cut aluminum sub-platter adds additional mass and visual refinement.

Key Features

• 8-coat hand-painted satin black MDF chassis — no hollow spaces, no plastic parts
• 300mm die-cast aluminum platter with TPE damping ring and felt mat
• Diamond-cut aluminum sub-platter for additional rotational mass
• High-precision stainless steel axle in bronze bushing platter bearing
• Height-adjustable TPE-damped metal feet
• Motor suspension with TPE damping
• DC/AC generator for clean, stable motor power
• Electronic speed change: 33 / 45 / 78 rpm
• 10-inch s-shaped aluminum tonearm — SME-type detachable headshell
• CNC-milled nickel-plated aluminum bearing block
• VTA and azimuth fully adjustable
• Pick it S2 C cartridge/headshell — pre-mounted, factory-aligned
• Balanced mini XLR output + RCA/ground output
• Premium semi-symmetrical phono cable with gold-plated RCA connectors
• 78rpm round belt and 7-inch singles adapter included
• Dustcover included — handmade in Europe

Technical Specifications

Pick it S2 C Cartridge Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Pro-Ject Debut PRO S and Debut PRO B?

The Debut PRO S adds two upgrades over the Debut PRO B: a 10-inch s-shaped tonearm (vs 8.6-inch on the PRO B) and a balanced mini XLR output in addition to the standard RCA connection. The PRO S also ships with the Pick it S2 C integrated cartridge-and-headshell rather than the Pick it PRO Balanced. Both are available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada.

What makes the SME-type headshell connection on the Debut PRO S useful?

The SME-type headshell allows the entire cartridge-and-headshell assembly to be removed and replaced without tools or re-alignment. This makes experimenting with alternative cartridges faster and easier than on tonearms with standard half-inch mount connections requiring individual cartridge installation and alignment. The Pick it S2 C ships pre-mounted and factory-aligned for immediate use.

What should I look for when choosing a mid-range Pro-Ject turntable?

At the Debut PRO S level, the key differentiators versus lower-tier models are tonearm length and construction (10" vs 8.6"), platter material and mass (1.7kg aluminum with TPE damping), balanced output availability, and whether the cartridge is factory-aligned for plug-and-play use. The Debut PRO S delivers all of these in a single package. Contact Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada for help comparing the PRO S against adjacent models.

Which accessories would enhance listening on the Pro-Ject Debut PRO S?

The PRO S ships with the Pick it S2 C, semi-symmetrical RCA cable, dustcover, 78rpm belt, and 7-inch adapter. The most impactful upgrades are: (1) a balanced mini XLR cable and compatible phono stage for balanced operation; (2) a higher-performance replacement cartridge via the SME headshell connection; and (3) a record cleaning kit to protect the elliptical stylus. Contact Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada for a system-matched recommendation.

What phono stage should I pair with the Pro-Ject Debut PRO S?

The Pick it S2 C requires a standard MM phono stage (47kΩ, 200–600pF). To use balanced operation, pair the mini XLR output with the Phono Box S3 B, DS3 B, Tube Box DS3 B, or RS2. Browse phono preamplifiers at Vinyl Sound, or contact Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada for a recommendation matched to your cartridge and budget.

Can I use a moving coil cartridge with the Pro-Ject Debut PRO S?

Yes. The SME-type headshell accepts any compatible headshell with a standard half-inch mount cartridge. The 10-inch tonearm's 8g effective mass suits medium-to-high compliance cartridges — the Pick it S2 C's 7µm/mN compliance sits at the lower end, and MC cartridges with similar or higher compliance will work well. Browse cartridges at Vinyl Sound for compatible options.

Where to buy the Pro-Ject Debut PRO S in Toronto, Canada?

The Pro-Ject Debut PRO S is available at Vinyl Sound, an authorized Pro-Ject dealer in Toronto, Canada. Contact Vinyl Sound to confirm current stock before ordering.