Pro-ject Debut Pro Balanced (Pick It Pro B) Turntable

The Pro-Ject Debut PRO Balanced (Debut PRO B) is a belt-drive turntable available at Vinyl Sound, an authorized Pro-Ject dealer in Toronto, Canada. It brings the Pick it PRO Balanced — the first balanced-capable moving magnet cartridge — together with a balanced mini XLR output and an 8.6-inch one-piece carbon/aluminum armtube on the Debut PRO platform. An internal DC/AC generator powers the AC motor via a regenerated sine wave for stable electronic 33/45rpm speed change, with 78rpm available via the included round belt. The 1.7kg die-cast aluminum platter with TPE damping ring provides high rotational mass and eliminates metal-platter resonance. An 8-coat satin black hand-painted MDF chassis with nickel-plated aluminum components gives the PRO B a minimalist, tool-free aesthetic. Browse the full Pro-Ject turntable lineup at Vinyl Sound.

8.6-Inch Carbon/Aluminum Tonearm and Pick it PRO Balanced Cartridge

The one-piece armtube is precision-machined from aluminum and reinforced with carbon fiber — a construction that combines carbon's rigidity with aluminum's specific resonance characteristics to minimize unwanted vibration reaching the cartridge. The nickel-plated aluminum bearing block adds mass that draws resonance away from the armtube and provides a more stable pivot anchor than lighter bearing assemblies. Both VTA and azimuth are adjustable: tonearm height via two grub screws at the rear collar, azimuth via a single grub screw at the gimbal. The Pick it PRO Balanced MM cartridge is pre-adjusted at the factory; its re-routed grounding produces a symmetrical signal that enables common-mode noise cancellation when the mini XLR output is connected to a compatible balanced phono stage.

Balanced Mini XLR Output and DC/AC Generator

The Debut PRO B provides a balanced mini XLR output alongside the standard RCA/ground connection. The mini XLR connects to phono stages with mini XLR or XLR balanced inputs via the appropriate cable — compatible Pro-Ject phono stages include the Phono Box S3 B, DS3 B, and Tube Box DS3 B. The table ships with a Connect it Phono E RCA cable for immediate unbalanced use; balanced cables are sold separately. The internal DC/AC generator takes the DC output of the outboard power supply and regenerates a clean AC sine wave specifically for the motor, decoupling platter speed from mains voltage fluctuation and interference.

Key Features

• 8-coat hand-painted satin black MDF chassis — no hollow spaces, no plastic parts
• Nickel-plated aluminum bearing block and external components
• 1.7 kg, 300mm die-cast aluminum platter with TPE damping ring
• High-precision stainless steel axle in bronze bushing platter bearing
• Height-adjustable TPE-damped metal feet
• Motor suspension with improved TPE damping
• Internal DC/AC generator — clean sine wave motor drive
• Electronic speed change: 33 / 45 rpm; 78 rpm (round belt, included)
• 8.6-inch one-piece carbon/aluminum armtube
• VTA and azimuth fully adjustable
• Pick it PRO Balanced MM cartridge — pre-adjusted, symmetrical signal
• Balanced mini XLR output + RCA/ground output
• Connect it Phono E RCA cable, dustcover, 78rpm belt, 7" adapter, felt mat included
• Handmade in Europe

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Debut PRO B and Debut PRO S?

The Debut PRO S adds a 10-inch s-shaped tonearm (vs 8.6-inch on the PRO B), an SME-type detachable headshell for tool-free cartridge swapping, and ships with the Pick it S2 C rather than the Pick it PRO Balanced. Both have a balanced mini XLR output and the same 300mm aluminum platter. The PRO S is heavier at 8kg vs 6kg for the PRO B. Both are available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada.

What is the Pick it PRO Balanced and how does it differ from a standard MM cartridge?

The Pick it PRO Balanced is a modified version of Pro-Ject's Pick it PRO MM cartridge where the internal grounding is re-routed to generate a symmetrical signal on both channels. Standard MM cartridges tie the right channel ground to the generator shield; the PRO Balanced separates them, allowing the signal to be transmitted as a balanced differential pair. When used with a balanced phono stage, common-mode noise picked up on the cable run is cancelled at the input, resulting in a lower noise floor and improved channel separation.

What phono stage should I pair with the Debut PRO B?

For balanced operation, the Debut PRO B's mini XLR output requires a phono stage with mini XLR or XLR balanced inputs — the Pro-Ject Phono Box S3 B, DS3 B, and Tube Box DS3 B are compatible. For unbalanced use, any standard MM phono stage works with the included RCA cable. Browse phono preamplifiers at Vinyl Sound, or contact Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada for a recommendation.

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

The Debut PRO B ships with the Pick it PRO Balanced, Connect it Phono E RCA cable, dustcover, 78rpm belt, 7-inch adapter, and felt mat. The most impactful upgrades are: (1) a balanced mini XLR cable and compatible phono stage; (2) the optional Power Box S3 Phono supplying both turntable and phono stage from a single filtered supply; and (3) a record cleaning kit for stylus protection. Contact Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada for a system-matched recommendation.

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

At the Debut PRO B level, the priority features are tonearm construction (carbon/aluminum vs plain aluminum), platter material and mass (1.7kg die-cast aluminum with TPE damping), balanced output availability, and DC/AC motor regulation. The PRO B delivers all of these for significantly less than the X-series, making it the strongest value proposition in the Debut family for serious listeners. Contact Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada to compare it against the PRO S and EVO 2.

Does the Debut PRO B support 78rpm playback?

Yes. A round belt for 78rpm is included in the box. To play 78rpm shellac records, a 78rpm-specific stylus is also required — the Pick it PRO Balanced stylus is designed for LP playback only and will damage shellac grooves. Contact Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada for 78rpm stylus options.

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

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