Pro-Ject Debut Reference 10 (Pick It PRO B) at Vinyl Sound Toronto Canada

The Debut Reference 10 is a premium belt-drive turntable from Pro-Ject Audio Systems (Vienna, Austria), available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada. Sitting at the pinnacle of the legendary Pro-Ject Debut series, this manual turntable combines a 10-inch hybrid carbon-aluminium tonearm, a factory-fitted Pick it PRO Balanced moving-magnet cartridge, and a True Balanced mini-XLR output for the cleanest possible signal path. Built by hand in Europe since 1991, the Debut Reference 10 brings together a resonance-resistant 300mm acrylic platter, diamond-cut aluminium components, and a precision DC/AC electronic speed control system to deliver fully refined vinyl replay in a satin black finish.

Hybrid Carbon-Aluminium Tonearm and True Balanced Signal Architecture

At the heart of the Debut Reference 10 is a 10-inch one-piece tonearm built from a sandwich of carbon fibre and aluminium. The outer carbon layer provides maximum rigidity and keeps the arm light, while the inner aluminium tube actively dissipates resonances before they can reach the cartridge. This construction results in higher tracking accuracy, reduced inner-groove distortion, and improved overall clarity compared to shorter or single-material arms. The arm sits in a zero-tolerance bearing block machined from solid aluminium with a TPE-damped counterweight, high-purity internal wiring, and an adaptive anti-skating mechanism. Both azimuth and vertical tracking angle (VTA) are fully adjustable by loosening two grub screws, allowing precise alignment for any cartridge or platter mat combination.

The Debut Reference 10 ships pre-fitted with the Pick it PRO Balanced moving-magnet cartridge, a redesigned version of the Pick it PRO with a dedicated True Balanced signal circuit. A mini-XLR balanced output sits alongside the standard RCA phono output, enabling a fully differential signal path when paired with a balanced-compatible phono preamplifier such as the Pro-Ject Phono Box S3 B, DS3 B, or Tube Box DS3 B. True Balanced connection rejects noise and interference along the cable run, making it especially effective in complex systems or with longer cable lengths.

Precision Mechanics and Electronic Speed Control

The Debut Reference 10 uses a belt-drive system with the motor fully decoupled and suspended in the base to prevent vibration from reaching the platter or tonearm. A dedicated DC/AC power generator creates a completely clean sine wave for the motor, delivering enhanced speed stability and consistency across playback sessions. Speed switching between 33 and 45 RPM is handled by a single button on the top of the chassis, with 78 RPM support available by fitting the included round belt. The 300mm acrylic platter runs on a diamond-cut aluminium sub-platter with a high-precision stainless steel axle in a bronze bushing, machined to tolerances that plastic sub-platters cannot match. Three height-adjustable damped aluminium feet provide a rigid and well-isolated base, reducing the risk of acoustic feedback and allowing the turntable to be levelled precisely on any surface.

Key Features

• 10-Inch Carbon-Aluminium Tonearm: A one-piece hybrid arm with a rigid carbon-fibre outer layer and resonance-damping aluminium inner tube, mounted in a solid aluminium zero-tolerance bearing block for high tracking accuracy and low distortion.
• Pick it PRO Balanced Cartridge: A revised moving-magnet cartridge designed for True Balanced signal transmission, pre-installed and factory-aligned for out-of-the-box use while allowing future upgrades.
• True Balanced Mini-XLR Output: Enables a fully differential signal path to a compatible balanced phono preamplifier, rejecting interference and noise for the cleanest analogue signal possible.
• RCA Phono Output: An additional standard RCA output for use with any conventional phono preamplifier or amplifier with a built-in phono stage.
• DC/AC Clean Power Generator: Creates a fresh sine wave for the motor, guaranteeing very clean power delivery and enhanced speed stability at both 33 and 45 RPM.
• 300mm Acrylic Platter: A resonance-resistant acrylic platter provides a sonically neutral platform for vinyl records, minimising unwanted coloration.
• Diamond-Cut Aluminium Sub-Platter: Machined to high tolerances for improved bearing precision and consistent platter rotation.
• Adjustable VTA and Azimuth: Continuous tonearm height adjustment via two grub screws accommodates different cartridge heights and platter mat thicknesses.
• Height-Adjustable Damped Metal Feet: Three aluminium feet with TPE damping allow precise levelling and massively reduce the risk of acoustic feedback.
• Electronic Speed Change: One-touch switching between 33 and 45 RPM with 78 RPM supported via the included round belt.
• Handmade in Europe: Manufactured by Pro-Ject Audio Systems in Europe since 1991, with expert craftsmanship and a focus on long product lifetime.
• Connect it Phono E RCA Cable Included: A high-quality phono-optimised cable with copper conductor is included for loss-free signal transmission from the RCA output.

Technical Specifications

Connections at a Glance

• True Balanced mini-XLR output for use with Pro-Ject Phono Box S3 B, DS3 B, or Tube Box DS3 B
• Standard RCA phono output with included Connect it Phono E RCA copper cable
• 15V DC / 0.8A power supply included

What's in the Box

• Pro-Ject Debut Reference 10 turntable in Satin Black
• Pick it PRO Balanced cartridge (pre-installed and aligned)
• Connect it Phono E RCA phono cable
• 15V DC / 0.8A power supply
• Dust cover
• 78 RPM round belt
• 7-inch single adapter

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Pro-Ject Debut Reference 10?

The Pro-Ject Debut Reference 10 is a premium belt-drive turntable from Pro-Ject Audio Systems of Vienna, Austria, and is the flagship model of the long-running Debut series. It features a 10-inch hybrid carbon-aluminium tonearm, a 300mm acrylic platter, electronic speed control for 33 and 45 RPM, and a factory-fitted Pick it PRO Balanced moving-magnet cartridge with True Balanced mini-XLR output. Handmade in Europe, it is designed to deliver fully audiophile vinyl replay without the complexity or footprint of much larger turntable designs.

How does the Debut Reference 10 compare to the Rega Planar 3 or Technics SL-1500C?

The Pro-Ject Debut Reference 10 occupies a similar performance tier to the Rega Planar 3 and Technics SL-1500C but offers several differentiating advantages. Unlike the Rega Planar 3, the Debut Reference 10 includes a longer 10-inch tonearm, which reduces inner-groove distortion and tracking error across the record surface. Unlike the Technics SL-1500C's direct-drive motor, the Debut Reference 10 uses a fully decoupled belt-drive with a clean-sine-wave DC/AC power generator for quieter mechanical operation. It also uniquely provides a True Balanced mini-XLR output alongside the standard RCA phono connection, a feature found on very few turntables at this level.

Can the Debut Reference 10 play 78 RPM records?

Yes, the Debut Reference 10 supports 78 RPM playback. The deck comes with a separate round belt that replaces the standard flat belt. Fitting the round belt to the motor pulley engages the higher speed needed for 78 RPM records. A suitable 78 RPM stylus or cartridge is recommended for best results with shellac records.

What is True Balanced connection and why does it matter?

True Balanced connection is a signal transmission method where the audio signal travels on two conductors in opposite polarity, with any noise or interference picked up along the cable cancelled out when the signal is recombined at the preamplifier. The Pick it PRO Balanced cartridge in the Debut Reference 10 is specifically designed to generate a balanced output from the stylus, allowing the signal to be carried through a mini-XLR cable to a compatible balanced phono preamplifier such as the Pro-Ject Phono Box S3 B. The result is a noticeably quieter noise floor and greater dynamic range, especially in systems with longer cable runs or other sources of electrical interference.

Where can I buy the Pro-Ject Debut Reference 10 in Toronto or Canada?

The Pro-Ject Debut Reference 10 is available at Vinyl Sound, an authorised Pro-Ject Audio Systems dealer located in Toronto, Canada. Vinyl Sound serves customers across Canada and offers expert guidance on turntable setup, cartridge alignment, and system matching for the Debut Reference 10.

What phono preamplifier should I pair with the Debut Reference 10?

To take full advantage of the True Balanced mini-XLR output, the Debut Reference 10 should be paired with a balanced-compatible phono preamplifier such as the Pro-Ject Phono Box S3 B, Phono Box DS3 B, or Tube Box DS3 B. These preamplifiers are designed to accept the balanced signal from the Pick it PRO Balanced cartridge and reject common-mode noise throughout the signal chain. For standard RCA connection, any quality phono preamplifier with a moving-magnet input will work with the turntable's second RCA output.

Is the Debut Reference 10 suitable for beginners or is it aimed at experienced audiophiles?

The Pro-Ject Debut Reference 10 is best suited to listeners who are ready to move into serious vinyl replay and want a turntable that can grow with their system. It arrives with the cartridge pre-installed and aligned, making initial setup straightforward, but its adjustable VTA, azimuth, and anti-skating controls offer the level of fine-tuning that more experienced audiophiles expect. It bridges the gap between accessible hi-fi and high-end analogue performance, and the availability of expert support at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada, makes setup assistance easy to access.

Can I upgrade the cartridge on the Debut Reference 10 in the future?

Yes, the Debut Reference 10 is designed to accept cartridge upgrades. The 10-inch carbon-aluminium tonearm has an effective mass of 16.6g, which is well suited to a wide range of moving-magnet and low-compliance moving-coil cartridges. The adjustable VTA and azimuth allow precise alignment when fitting a new cartridge, and the tonearm's high-purity internal wiring and adaptive anti-skating mechanism ensure optimal performance across a broad range of cartridge options.