PRO-JECT DEBUT REFERENCE 12

Pro-Ject Debut Reference 12 – Hi-Fi Turntable with 12-Inch Tonearm and Pick it PRO Balanced Cartridge

The Pro-Ject Debut Reference 12 takes analogue playback to a higher level, combining Pro-Ject's established engineering approach with advanced technologies usually found in more sophisticated turntables. Its main highlight is the 12-inch tonearm, featuring a hybrid carbon-fibre and aluminium construction designed to provide rigidity, resonance control and accurate tracking.

The turntable features a 300 mm acrylic platter, an aluminium sub-platter and a belt-drive system with electronic speed control. The Pro-Ject Pick it PRO Balanced MM cartridge is supplied pre-mounted, allowing listeners to enjoy their vinyl collection once the turntable has been correctly installed and levelled.

12-Inch Carbon-Aluminium Tonearm

The one-piece 12-inch tonearm is one of the defining features of the Debut Reference 12. Its hybrid construction combines the rigidity of carbon fibre with the damping properties of aluminium, supporting accurate groove tracking and effective vibration control. Compared with conventional shorter tonearms, its increased length also helps reduce geometric tracking error, particularly towards the inner grooves, when correctly aligned.

The adjustable VTA and azimuth settings allow the cartridge's position to be fine-tuned according to its characteristics and the turntable setup. These adjustments are especially valuable for enthusiasts who want to optimise sound reproduction and retain flexibility for future upgrades.

Acrylic Platter and Belt-Drive System

The 300 mm acrylic platter provides a stable, acoustically inert surface for vinyl records. The aluminium sub-platter contributes to the solidity of the rotation system, while the main bearing, featuring a stainless-steel axle and bronze bushing, is designed for smooth operation.

The motor is decoupled from the chassis using damping supports to help reduce the transmission of mechanical vibrations. Electronic speed control provides selectable 33⅓ and 45 RPM operation, while 78 RPM playback is available using the dedicated belt included with the turntable.

True Balanced Connectivity and Included Cartridge

The Debut Reference 12 supports True Balanced technology through its Mini-XLR phono output, alongside traditional gold-plated RCA outputs. With a compatible balanced cable and a phono preamplifier featuring the appropriate input, listeners can take advantage of the balanced connection provided by the design.

The Pick it PRO Balanced MM cartridge is supplied pre-installed and can be connected to a compatible MM phono input. A phono preamplifier is not built in, so a suitable external phono stage is required.

Refined Construction and Advanced Adjustments

The MDF chassis features a multi-layer lacquer finish and rests on three height-adjustable metal feet with damping. Diamond-cut aluminium components complete the refined, contemporary design. The supplied dust cover, external power supply and RCA phono cable make the turntable a well-equipped solution for integration into a quality Hi-Fi system.

The Pro-Ject Debut Reference 12 is designed for listeners seeking an advanced manual turntable with a long tonearm, extensive adjustment options and balanced connectivity. It offers a solid foundation for enjoying a vinyl collection and refining an analogue system over time.

Key Features

• Manual belt-drive turntable.
• One-piece 12-inch hybrid carbon-aluminium tonearm.
• Effective tonearm length of 304.8 mm.
• Adjustable VTA and azimuth.
• Pre-mounted Pro-Ject Pick it PRO Balanced MM cartridge.
• 300 mm acrylic platter with aluminium sub-platter.
• Electronic selection of 33⅓ and 45 RPM.
• 78 RPM playback with the included dedicated belt.
• Gold-plated RCA phono outputs and Mini-XLR True Balanced output.
• Motor decoupled from the chassis using damping supports.
• Lacquered MDF chassis with adjustable metal feet.
• Dust cover, phono cable and external power supply included.
• No built-in phono preamplifier.

Technical Specifications

Included Accessories

• Pre-mounted Pro-Ject Pick it PRO Balanced cartridge.
• Connect it Phono E semi-symmetrical RCA phono cable.
• Record Puck E.
• Dust cover.
• 7-inch record adapter.
• Dedicated belt for 78 RPM playback.
• External 15 V DC / 0.8 A power supply.