Pro-Ject Debut Reference 10

Listening: Balanced

The test was carried out in a system consisting of an Arcam A15+ amplifier, KEF LS50 speakers and Pro-Ject DS3 B phono preamplifier, the latter chosen because it allowed to take advantage of the balanced connection proposed by Pro-Ject. It is certainly not compulsory to employ this type of interfacing (a classic 47-kohm MM input would be adequate), but it is worth taking advantage of this feature, which other turntables do not have, and exploiting the synergy that the Austrian manufacturer has honed among its products. The Debut Reference 10 is a complete and balanced sounding turntable, with a sufficiently extended response, especially in the low range, that puts it in a prominent position in its price range. The timbre is correct, a characteristic that makes one appreciate acoustic instruments and the human voice. In evidence for example is the contrabass, in the jazz genre as well as in classical. The piano a bit in all its expressions is also appreciable. The high range appears soft, free of excess and harshness. This set-up makes it pleasant and low-fatigue, even if it can partly penalize transparency and detail, which, while largely sufficient, pay something compared to more expensive analog set-ups. A typical situation, found with mid-level MM cartridges whose behavior is good in all situations but leave more sophisticated MC models a fair margin of superiority. Dynamics are appreciable and demonstrate how Pro-Ject’s experience in building belt-drive, rigid-chassis turntables brings tangible results. Fast transitions appear and solidity is appreciated in the drum rendition. Also good is the spatial rendering in which the Reference 10 manages to build a proportionate soundstage, sufficiently large in size and with distinguishable sound parts. Overall one gets the feeling of listening to a very good turntable, with a “serious” arm, something that could belong to a higher category but that one takes home at a price that is still sustainable. Its down-to-earthness is for reference.

Tuning and up-grades

As with any Pro-Ject turntable, the functionality is nearly flawless. We can note, however, how the antiskating struggles to hold the string in place, particularly when the arm is at rest. This can be solved by loosening the antiskating support arm with a screwdriver and then rotating it slightly so as to favor a more orthogonal pull direction.

Upgrading the cartridge is something that sooner or later one feels the need for. In this case in addition to considering MC phono cartridges one can think of something more straightforward. The Pick It Pro Balanced is evidently derived from the Ortofon 2M, a series in which styles are compatible among all models. It is therefore possible to take advantage of the body, which allows precisely the balanced connection, while applying a higher level stylus. The operation is almost as easy as changing the shell in EIA-attached arms. We did this by employing the stylus of a 2M Black, doctored with a fine Shibata-cut diamond. The result was a definite leap forward in performance, quantifiable in noticeable increase in transparency and greater resolution. There was a noticeable increase in smoothness in rapid passages and generally greater naturalness. Even the balance of the low range changed with the lower register drying out and improved articulation. The original stylus in this respect retains perhaps more solid presence but actually pays for less accurate detail. This is an up-grade to consider and recommend (on a par with the 2M Bronze stylus if the budget would not allow for the Black) and would make this turntable perform even better to the point of challenging systems of much higher caliber.

Conclusions: the reference of concreteness

Through the Reference 10, Pro-Ject confirms the evolution that has already taken place with the Pro and Pro S models and surpasses the original category of the Debut line. It constitutes a kind of high-mid-level, looking up, adopting fine solutions and offering superior performance with a price that has grown but is still commensurate. Its practicality can actually be a reference. The result is a turntable that is easy to use and sounds very convincing, enough to suggest that it may approach the higher-end Pro-Ject and possibly be more affordable.

Technical characteristics:

Speed: 33⅓, 45, 78 rpm (electronic gearbox)
Drive principle: belt drive with electronic speed control
Plate: acrylic, Ø 300 mm
Pivot: high-precision stainless steel axle with bronze bushing
Wow & flutter: ±0.16% (33⅓ rpm); ±0.14% (45 rpm)
Spin stability: ±0.4% (33⅓ rpm); ±0.5% (45 rpm)
Signal-to-noise ratio: 68 dB
Arm: carbon/aluminum monoblock, length 10″
Effective length / effective mass of the arm: 254 mm / 16.6 g
Overhang: 16 mm
Accessories included: 15 V DC / 0.8 A power supply; dust cover; 78 rpm strap; 7″ disc adapter
Power consumption: 4 W (operating); 0 W (standby)
Dimensions (W × H × D): 462 × 145 × 345 mm
Weight: 6 kg