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

The Pro-Ject Debut PRO S is a precision belt-drive turntable handmade in Europe and available at Vinyl Sound Toronto, Canada. Building on the acclaimed Debut PRO B, the Debut PRO S adds a balanced mini XLR output — opening the door to true balanced phono operation when paired with a moving coil cartridge and a balanced phono preamplifier. Arriving ready to play single-ended (RCA) out of the box with the included Pick it S2 C cartridge and headshell, the Debut PRO S is equally at home as a high-performing plug-and-play turntable and as the foundation of an audiophile-grade balanced analogue system.

Every element of the Debut PRO S is designed with a single purpose: conscious, distraction-free listening. There are no unnecessary switches, LEDs, or labeling. Only premium CNC-machined aluminum components, a precision s-shaped 10″ tonearm, electronic speed control, and eight coats of hand-painted satin black finish — a turntable that looks as good as it sounds.

Balanced output — True Balanced operation

Setting Pro-Ject apart from the competition, the Debut PRO S is configured for balanced operation via its mini XLR output. True Balanced operation requires: a moving coil cartridge (or Pick it PRO Balanced), a balanced phono preamplifier with balanced inputs, and a balanced cable from turntable to phono preamp. Compatible cable options include mini XLR to mini XLR, mini XLR to XLR, or RCA to mini XLR — depending on your phono stage. This is no subtle upgrade: switching to balanced can redefine reference sound quality in your analogue system.

10″ s-shaped aluminum tonearm

Pro-Ject's latest s-shaped aluminum tonearm is precision-machined with a CNC-milled nickel-plated aluminum bearing block for a new degree of resolution. The 10″ effective length enables excellent groove tracking with minimal tracking error. The s-shaped design accommodates heavier cartridges that a straight tonearm may not. Azimuth and VTA are both fully adjustable — tonearm height via two grub screws at the rear of the armboard, azimuth via a single grub screw near the gimbal — offering complete setup control for any cartridge and record mat combination. The SME-type headshell connection makes cartridge swapping fast and straightforward.

Key features

• Balanced mini XLR output for true balanced phono operation
• Pick it S2 C cartridge/headshell integrated — ready to play out of the box
• 10″ s-shaped aluminum tonearm with SME-type headshell connection
• CNC-milled nickel-plated aluminum bearing block
• Precision DC/AC generator with electronic speed control — 33, 45, and 78rpm
• 300mm die-cast aluminum platter with TPE damping ring and felt mat
• Diamond-cut aluminum sub-platter for additional rotational mass and stability
• High-precision stainless steel axle in bronze bushing platter bearing
• Fully adjustable VTA and azimuth
• Motor suspension with TPE damping
• Height-adjustable TPE-damped metal feet
• 8× coats hand-painted satin black MDF chassis — no hollow spaces, no plastic parts
• Premium semi-symmetrical phono cable with gold-plated RCA connectors
• Dustcover included
• 78rpm round belt and 7″ singles adapter included
• Handmade in Europe

Specifications

Turntable

Pick it S2 C cartridge

Frequently asked questions

What is the Pro-Ject Debut PRO S?

The Pro-Ject Debut PRO S is a belt-drive turntable handmade in Europe, featuring a balanced mini XLR output, a 10″ s-shaped aluminum tonearm with adjustable VTA and azimuth, and a 300mm die-cast aluminum platter with TPE damping and electronic speed control. It arrives with the Pick it S2 C cartridge and headshell pre-mounted, ready to play out of the box, and supports 33, 45, and 78rpm playback.

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

The Debut PRO S is identical to the Debut PRO B but adds a balanced mini XLR output in addition to the standard RCA output. This allows the Debut PRO S to be used in a true balanced phono chain when paired with a moving coil cartridge (or Pick it PRO Balanced) and a balanced phono preamplifier — a significant sonic upgrade that the Debut PRO B does not support.

Does the Pro-Ject Debut PRO S require a phono preamplifier?

Yes. The Debut PRO S does not have a built-in phono preamplifier. It requires an external MM phono stage for use with the included Pick it S2 C cartridge (47kΩ load, 200–600pF capacitance). For true balanced operation, a phono preamplifier with balanced XLR inputs is required alongside a moving coil cartridge.

What is true balanced operation and why does it matter?

True balanced operation carries the phono signal from the turntable to the phono preamplifier via a balanced connection — using both positive and negative signal conductors symmetrically. This configuration cancels out common-mode noise and interference introduced along the cable run, resulting in a significantly lower noise floor, improved channel separation, and a more defined, resolved sound. Four things are required: a moving coil cartridge, a turntable with balanced outputs (like the Debut PRO S), a phono preamplifier with balanced inputs, and a balanced cable.

Can I use different cartridges on the Pro-Ject Debut PRO S?

Yes. The Debut PRO S uses an SME-type headshell connection, making cartridge swapping straightforward and tool-free. The 10″ s-shaped tonearm has an effective mass of 8g and fully adjustable VTA and azimuth, accommodating a wide range of moving magnet and moving coil cartridges. The s-shaped design also accommodates heavier cartridges that may not work well with lower-mass straight tonearms.

Does the Pro-Ject Debut PRO S support 78rpm playback?

Yes. A 78rpm round belt is included in the box. Switching to 78rpm requires swapping the belt and fitting an appropriate 78rpm stylus, as the included Pick it S2 C is optimized for 33 and 45rpm LP playback only.

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

The Pro-Ject Debut PRO S turntable is available at Vinyl Sound, Toronto's dedicated hi-fi and vinyl specialist. Visit us in-store for a demonstration or shop online with Canadian pricing and expert advice on cartridge and phono stage matching.