Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo VS Debut Carbon: Worth the upgrade?

The all new Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo is here, but what makes it different to the previous model of Debut Carbon and more importantly, what do those differences mean for the quality of the sound? Is it worth the upgrade if you have the previous version of the Debut Carbon? Join Daniel as he walks you threw all of the Evo's changes and revisions and what it all means for your record listening experience.
For more information on the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo check out our website: www.lenc.com.au/products/pro-...
For more information on how to get the most out of your turntable check out our 5 hot turntable tips video: • 5 Hot Tips To Get The ...
From the middle of the 1990s, only a handful of years after Pro-Ject Audio Systems was founded and right at the peak of CD’s popularity, we could already see the growing number of people missing analogue music. In 1998 Heinz Lichtenegger and his UK distributor and longtime friend, Laurence
Armstrong, were sitting together dreaming of a record player that would make analogue sound accessible to more people. They wanted a new model that could deliver as close to high-end sound as possible, but at a price that a new younger generation could afford. Thanks to their dear friend and ProJect’s original product manager, Jiri Kroutil, within only a few days they had a sample and the Debut was born.
Today, after more than 20 years, the Debut is one of the best-selling products in the history of hi-fi with close to 1 million units sold. As it made listening to vinyl an affordable option for music lovers, with its minimalist aesthetic and premium finish options it also made analogue fashionable again. Through the years we constantly kept improving our formula, moving with technologies and fashion trends. In the early 2010s, the Debut Carbon gave new life to the ongoing Debut revolution and now in 2020, it is time for the next generation.
The Debut Carbon is already nearly the perfect turntable, especially considering the price badge and the used materials. Now we took our time to think again. We have done a lot of research to make the Debut Carbon even better, but our main objective has not changed over the years. We still want to build an affordable high-performance turntable that not just looks incredibly luxurious and modern, but also features a great sound quality.
The Debut Carbon EVO focuses on the core aspects that make a turntable sound great. Technically correct design - expert craftsmanship - handmade in the EU. This turntable is built to last you a lifetime!
Additional features that might negatively impact the overall audio performance or longevity are left out. At that level of sonic performance, it is always better to opt for a separate phono stage. If you want Bluetooth connectivity or a USB interface - we offer a broad portfolio of components at different performance levels to suit your budget.
As a proud authorized Pro-Ject retailer, check out their incredible range on our website at:
www.lenc.com.au/collections/p...
And for more tips on getting the best out of your turntable, check out our article: www.lenc.com.au/blogs/news/5-...
For more information on all things h-fi and home theatre please visit our website:
www.lenc.com.au
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[@franciscobarajas6155]

Huge thanks for the video, looking to get my first table and this helped a lot 👍

[@living_entertainment]

No problem 👍

[@dburt0021]

Thank you. This was very helpful!

[@DannerPlace]

Good review, thanks. Dan in Texas, USA

[@jjysoserious]

Very useful thanks

[@vanderslagmulders]

Nice review, very useful for a noob like me, thanks!

[@living_entertainment]

Glad it was helpful!

[@paulsymons6196]

Great video, very informative . I have a project essential 2 and feel it's time for an upgrade. Shops all closed though so no chance of hearing either yet. Fairly big price difference in UK from the carbon to the evo though. Still not sure which way to go, but being swayed by the colours! 🤔

[@living_entertainment]

I think you would definitely enjoy the upgrade to the evo if you can get your hands on it!

[@BrianSu]

if you already have a Debut Carbon AC or DC, use the money to upgrade it like get the 2M Blue + Acryl it + aluminium sub platter. This is a much wiser thing to do than to buy the EVO which won’t sound as good out of the box.

[@living_entertainment]

Thats absolutely the best way to go if you have an older Debut Carbon system, no question.

[@mikeyb6639]

Couldn't have said it better myself 👍🏻

[@rogerthedodger940]

I have both an AC and a DC... Both excellent turntables.

[@BrentIraEnman]

That's what I did aluminum sub platter, acrylic main platter 2m blue etc

[@jk25653]

Thanks for a great review! I am entering vinyl for the first time. What are the competition products for the Evo? Also, do you think the sumiko stylus for the US market makes the Evo more competitive? BTW, what a beautiful yellow!

[@janzuidhof9646]

Great video - answered some questions before embarking on my next Pro-Ject project - LOL. Convinced me to go for it! Have 2001 Debut 2 in piano black - owned since and as new. Henley designs pulley upgrade - the original design told you to remove the motor lock down screws, now they're back with rubber grommets between support and plinth - and Acryl it added 2 years ago. Big difference already! Rubber tap washers under front of motor support belt to stop motor from dipping downwards towards sub platter. It seems on later models the two screws at the sub platter end are further apart - to fix that problem? Who knows. I was between buying an EVO or keeping my D2 and upgrading to see how different it becomes. Pro-Ject will supply me an as new used Carbon 8.6" arm and counterweight, EVO feet. I have a spare 2M red and a Blue to fit. I will add Aluminium sub platter once 1st stage is done to hear difference - and spread costs LOL. Some will say - just buy and EVO and sell the D2 - yup, probably right, but then the fun part is taken out of it. It's just a great basic player that warrants some extra life ;-) Oh... and manual speed change? I mainly play 33s and always with the cover off. If you did have some rumble issues? Greatly reduced by removing the dust cover. Makes changing the belt on pulley easier too.

[@living_entertainment]

Lots of great tips here, thanks for sharing!

[@jorgeguerrerosoto3005]

Buen video, se agradece la información.

[@FlexKrax]

Great Video, thanks for the work! How would the New Debut Carbon EVO compare to the Older Debut Carbon Esprit SB or the X1. Would you say it competes with the older higher priced units, or not?

[@living_entertainment]

Good question, I would say its more of a sidestep. Its a step down from the X1 and its a step up from the previous iteration but its not a HUGE step. If you have an older model I wouldn't upgrade, but if your in the market for a new turntable then for sure pick one up if the price is right for you!

[@philrowley5112]

I had a Debut Carbon but hated the manual speed change. Went to my local hifi store last week with the intention of purchasing an X1. Walked out with a an Evo. Saved myself $700 so very happy

[@living_entertainment]

Hope your enjoying your new turntable Phil!

[@philrowley5112]

@@living_entertainment very happy thank you

[@chemicalphie]

Can I ask how the Evo has been for you so far? My Carbon Debut died on me. Stuck between which to get. The Evo or X1.

[@RameUkulele]

I just picked up a used carbon evo that came fitted with an Ortofon blue stylus and the upgraded power supply for £280. It is phenomenal value and just blew me away. I was already happy with my Rega Planar one but wanted something a little more upgradeable and I was sick of changing the belt for speed changes. The Rega was great but the Evo with the blue stylus is instantly more detailed and exciting. Can't recommend this turntable enough.

[@RUfromthe40s]

i can´t understand your coment ,it sounds so bad,with the broze with a good amplifier and a good set of speakers it´s just o.k , if you put a cd playing with good sound then put a record on the turntable if the sound is not out of this world if compared ,the turntable is garbage

[@user-zk5ot2rm7l]

Спасибо за очень интересное, информативное видео.

[@jtaylor0727]

Well done!

[@justincarrington7034]

Do you need a separate pre amp for this player, or can I connect it straight to my system? I have a vinyl player connected at the moment, but switch on the back of the vinyl player with phono/line. I'm looking to upgrade

[@adammachin]

Are you comparing to the Pro-ject Debut Carbon or the Pro-ject Debut Carbon DC, on Pro-jects site it says the DC model has the TPE-damping? The DC model looks new and upgraded.

[@sunshine1696]

The Debut Carbon DC had an option the "Speedbox" that could be purchased seperately. Does the Debut Carbon EVO have that technology built in?

[@living_entertainment]

Absolutely!

[@EddieJazzFan]

Does the TPE bushing material break down over time like rubber?

[@living_entertainment]

In a harsh environment, yes, but used in this context in a standard home setting they should be fine for 10 - 20 years or more.

[@WindsorRealEstateProperties]

Does the evo also have a motor hum?

[@josetorreblanca655]

I'm confused, I've seen some pics and some come with an acrylic plate. What are the defaults for these devices?

[@living_entertainment]

The acrylic plate is an optional upgrade. :)

[@laposaccardi]

lol this came out right after I bought the DC after 2 months of research. Jokes apart, I payed a new DC 320, and there is a huge gap between 320 and 499

[@living_entertainment]

Enjoy your new DC! The price gap isn't as large as that here in Australia for some reason. :O

[@laposaccardi]

@@living_entertainment anyway, great video! keep working, I find your videos really interesting!

[@living_entertainment]

@@laposaccardi Thank you! Got no shortage of new videos on the way!

[@jackedkerouac4414]

I just got the DC and I mean just got it an hour ago. I opted for the DC so Id have money left over to get the Klipsch R-51PM speakers

[@cruzingrsx4484]

Can the feet on the carbon be replaced with the eco set?

[@living_entertainment]

I don't believe so, you would be better off grabbing something like the IsoAcoustics Orea isolation pads to put under your current feet.

[@johnholmes912]

i have a dc esprit and upgraded the feet

[@hmrowland6114]

The upgrade that matters you didn't mention...the Evo is three speed. My table is in a dedicated system to reproduce Shellac 78 rpm. Wharfedale 4.3 - Marantz PM 8005 - Pro-Ject Evo - Ortofon 78 - Simaudio Moon 110 pre. Rega now has a table $699, tjhat is 78 only and Clearaudio now has a 3 speed $1,600. 78 is the reason for Evo. Ask Pro-Ject.

[@living_entertainment]

This might be the case for some people but in the two years I have been working in Hi-Fi I have never had a customer come in and ask about play 78 rpm records. Its a neat feature for sure but hardly an important or a selling point to the average consumer who this video is directed at.

[@maxmercer1398]

@@living_entertainment you tell em. 78- what?

[@joshualieder7524]

Does it stop automatically at the end of a record?

[@living_entertainment]

This is a fully manual turntable.

[@souflikar6702]

Been looking for a black satin evo for weeks. Every US distributor shows them on back order. The search continues.

[@living_entertainment]

Good luck in your hunt! Its a similar situation here in Australia currently.

[@micmupfel]

And the same situation in Europe. Restock is announced for the end of April...

[@EddieJazzFan]

But I think the US version comes with a different cartridge.

[@living_entertainment]

@@EddieJazzFan I believe the US version comes with a Sumiko cartridge.

[@aarongutierrez2831]

@Soulflikar Crutchfield got some in stock if you're still. Had mine just come in from them

[@johnholmes912]

dc carbon esprit doesn't need belt adjustment so easy to change the feet.

[@liberatoreZ]

Can somebody comment on the, allegedly, loud motor on the Evo?

[@yeahnah7220]

Loud? I've got a carbon myself. Their unit must be fkd and needs a service or they have hearing problems because I can't hear shit. It should be near enough to silent as it's belt driven.

[@liberatoreZ]

@@yeahnah7220 Thanks. I bought it a month ago and mine sounds fine as well.

[@mozboywi]

I'm confused.. All those fancy new features designed to improve the sound, and the sound "isn't all that different"?

[@living_entertainment]

Tonally no, it's very similar, it maintains the "house" sound. When it comes to things like detail and soundstage there are improvements absolutely.

[@jeremypharris-ward8356]

I don't think it's worth spending the extra £150, uses the same arm as the old Carbon, you can get the Old Carbon at a discounted price now in UK. If you must have electronic speed change though get the Evo.

[@living_entertainment]

Thats it in the end, its all about picking the model that best meets your specific needs.

[@RUfromthe40s]

the upgrade it´s ridiculous

[@RUfromthe40s]

this turntables are ridiculous they are badly built mostly and the 2m red cartridge and stylus for my surprise one can´t notice any diference between it and the pc-30/pn-30 from pioneer from 73/74 also the turntable a 74 pl-12 from pioneer ,never restored but in mint condition only changed belts and stylus

[@RUfromthe40s]

forget to refer that the substitution needle i have it´s the PN.-50 ,which is said to be the same but makes it sound horrible and destroys the caertridge ,there were 3 diferent colours ,one red, grey and orange all have diferent measures, mine the red had a very good sound not like this turntables but closer to perfection, once i took a SL-1200MKII and trew it from my balcony ,a second floor the next sday i had to put music on a party ,i took the pioneer only changed the cartridges for both to sound the same,also took the dust cover, but the SL-1200MKII that took a flight in reality only the dust cover broke ,that´s why one should always have a dust cover it protects the turntable from dust and other missfortunes

[@SuperMatrix59]

Not worth the dollar amount upgrade