Pro-Ject Debut Reference 12 Turntable

Pro-Ject Debut Reference 12 Turntable

Debut Reference 12 is the flagship of Pro-Ject's Debut series, hand-built in Europe with a 12" one-piece carbon-aluminium hybrid tonearm and a pre-adjusted Pick it PRO Balanced cartridge for True Balanced signal transmission via a Mini-XLR phono output. Diamond-cut aluminium parts, an acoustically inert acrylic platter, and an aluminium sub-platter combine for exceptional acoustic performance, while fully adjustable VTA and azimuth let you fine-tune tracking to your cartridge and setup. As an authorized Pro-Ject dealer in Toronto, Canada, Vinyl Sound can help you match this turntable to your phono stage and system.

Key Features

• 12" one-piece carbon-aluminium hybrid tonearm
• Diamond-cut aluminium parts, CNC-milled for precise fit and finish
• Acoustically inert acrylic platter, satinised surface
• Diamond-cut aluminium sub-platter
• Pre-adjusted Pick it PRO Balanced cartridge, True Balanced compatible MM
• Mini-XLR balanced phono output
• Fully adjustable VTA and azimuth
• Motor suspension with improved damping
• Three height-adjustable, TPE-damped aluminium feet
• Electronic speed switch (33/45, 78 RPM with included belt)
• Precision belt drive with electronic speed control
• Adaptive anti-skating mechanism
• 8x hand-painted MDF chassis
• Premium semi-symmetrical Connect it Phono E RCA cable, gold-plated connectors
• Record Puck E included
• Dust cover included

12" Carbon-Aluminium Tonearm

The Debut Reference 12 uses a one-piece carbon-aluminium sandwich tonearm. The outer carbon fiber layer provides outstanding rigidity for accurate stylus movement, while an internal aluminium tube dampens vibration for smooth, stable operation. This combination delivers precise groove tracking, reduced distortion, and cleaner, more detailed sound reproduction. VTA is continuously adjustable by loosening two grub screws, accommodating different cartridge heights or turntable mats, and the anti-skating mechanism adjusts automatically as skating force changes across the record.

Acrylic Platter and Diamond-Cut Sub-Platter

The 300mm acrylic main platter shares a similar impedance to vinyl records, producing a natural sound signature without needing a felt mat between record and platter, unlike metal platters. The diamond-cut aluminium sub-platter is machined to tighter tolerances than typical plastic sub-platters, adding mass that dampens noise and resonance while improving speed accuracy and short-term speed stability (Wow & Flutter).

True Balanced Signal Path

The included Pick it PRO Balanced cartridge supports True Balanced signal transmission via the Mini-XLR output, removing picked-up noise and interference along the signal path. Pro-Ject's True Balanced cable range connects this turntable to compatible phono stages such as the Phono Box S3 B, Phono Box DS3 B, or Tube Box DS3 B for the full benefit of the balanced connection.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the advantage of a True Balanced connection?
A balanced connection via the Mini-XLR output rejects picked-up noise and interference along the cable run. To use it, you'll need a True Balanced cable and a compatible phono stage, such as Pro-Ject's Phono Box S3 B, Phono Box DS3 B, or Tube Box DS3 B.

Can I adjust the tonearm for different cartridges or mats?
Yes, VTA is continuously adjustable by loosening two grub screws on the tonearm, and azimuth is also fully adjustable, letting you fine-tune alignment for different cartridge heights or turntable mats.

Does this come with a cartridge installed?
Yes, it ships with a pre-adjusted Pick it PRO Balanced cartridge, a True Balanced compatible MM cartridge made in Europe.