If you’re in the market for a new turntable, you’ve come to the right place. Making the correct decision can be sort of complicated.
You spend hours scouring the internet for reviews to help inform your decision. We all look for the device with all the best features at the lowest cost. So, when comparing the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon vs EVO, there are a few specifications to consider.
Let’s take a look at some of these features to help you make a more informed decision.
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon vs EVO Overview
The Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC and EVO both belong to the same series. Still, the EVO is the newer edition. It has a sleeker design, adjustable feet, and automatic speed control. Other than that, the devices seem to be quite similar. They share the same dimensions, tonearm, and plinth.
What Is Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC?
Specifications
- Length: 12.6 in.
- Width: 16.3 in.
- Height: 4.6 in.
- Weight: 12.3 lb.
- Power: 120 V. or 240 V.
- Speed: 33.45 (manual change)
- Connectivity: Phono RCA cable
- Platter: 300 mm with felt mat
- Tonearm: 8.6 in. Carbon.
- Accompanying Cartridge: Ortofon 2M Red
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC is an amazing turntable. It has a unique design that helps it produce stellar sound.
One of the main selling points of this device is the 8.6-inch single-piece carbon tonearm. Not only is the part stylish, but it’s also super stiff.
This stiffness helps cut down on resonance. Even though it’s rigid, the tonearm is light, making moving it a breeze.
Moreover, with the help of a belt, you can alter the speed of a track.
Pro-Ject makes the turntable platter of the Carbon DC out of medium density fiber (MDF). This material offers enhanced damping for noise isolation. It can also minimize vibrations from the surroundings.
On top of the platter, you’ll find a felt mat. When placed between the platter and a record, this layer can help reduce friction.
Finally, the Carbon DC rests on rubber feet that can aid in vibration absorption.
What Is Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO?
Specifications
- Length: 12.6 in.
- Width: 16.3 in.
- Height: 4.6 in.
- Weight: 12.3 in.
- Power: 120 V. or 240 V.
- Speed: 33
- Connectivity: Phono RCA cable
- Platter: 300 mm with thermoplastic elastomer center
- Tonearm: 8.6 in. Carbon.
- Accompanying Cartridge: Sumiko Rainier
As you can guess from the name, this turntable is an evolution of the others in its series. Almost every aspect of this device is an elevated version of previous runs.
For starters, the EVO has a sleek design with clean lines and no bells and whistles. All the focus is on the sound when using this device.
This model also comes with an 8.6-inch carbon fiber tonearm. However, the arm is slightly stiffer and easier to work with.
EVO has a high-precision chip that ensures your record is always running at the perfect speed. Still, if you’d like to adjust the speed yourself, you can simply flip a switch.
Aside from that, this device has a thermoplastic elastomer platter. Since it weighs about 4 pounds, it can reduce vibrations. With this platter, you get the warm analog sound with crystal clear audio.
At the bottom of the EVO, you’ll find four rubberized feet that you can adjust to suit any surface.
How Are They Different?
If you’re choosing between the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon and the EVO, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s take a look at some of the distinctions in features between these two turntables.
| Feature | Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC | Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 12.6×16.3×4.6 in. | 12.6×16.3×4.6 in. |
| Motor | 120 or 240 V. | 120 or 240 V |
| Tonearm | 8.6” Carbon | 8.6” Carbon |
| Colors | White, gray, yellow, red, green, blue, and purple | Black, white, and walnut veneers Red, blue, green, and yellow satin |
| Platter | 300 mm with felt mat | 300 mm with thermoplastic elastomer center |
Even though both devices are from the same series, there are a few key differences between them.
Feet
Starting from the bottom, the feet on the turntables aren’t the same. DC’s feet have excellent vibration resistance, but that’s about it. As for the EVO, it has resonance damping and adjustable feet.
Platter
Moving on to one of the most obvious distinctions, the platters. The DC turntable has a solid platter that produces great audio. Still, EVO has a thermoplastic elastomer layer that aids in damping to make a clearer sound.
Speed Control
Finally, the EVO has much better speed control. Not only is the mechanism automatic, but it provides a stable signal to the motor.
How Are They Similar?
Since these turntables belong to the same family, you can expect them to have many aspects in common.
Physical Appearance
As soon as you unbox both devices, you’ll realize that they look almost identical. They have similar dimensions and assembly.
The plinth on both devices is the same, with the exception of the color differences.
Tonearms
Another feature that these devices share is their tonearms. They have single-piece carbon fiber arms that help stabilize audio.
Connections
That’s not all. The DC and the EVO tonearms connect in similar ways. Phono cables run from the RCA jacks to the arm with no interruptions. This can help reduce noise signals.
Speaking of RCA jacks, they’re alike on these devices. They come with a solid gold plating and have total insulation from the junction box.
Motor and Upgrades
Moving a little further up, you’ll see the motor. All the Debut Carbon series use the same motor. This means they have the exact same power supply.
Moreover, the DC and the EVO give you the opportunity for upgrades. You can purchase different accessories and enhancements for both turntables.
What’s Better About Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC?
The Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC turntable comes with many unique features.
Motor
One of the main selling points of this device is the decoupled motor. Most turntables directly connect the motor and the tonearm. Still, DC one uses a motor suspension system.
This ensures that any movement from the motor doesn’t transfer and create static.
Cartridge
Carbon DC also comes with an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge. This addition enhances the dynamic range, which allows for smoother tracking.
Set Up
In addition, setting up this device is an absolute breeze. The steps are straightforward and don’t take long to follow.
Finally, this turntable comes with a clear acrylic dust cover. Not only does this protect it from the elements, but it helps with keeping your records safe.
Related: Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo vs. Rega Planar 1
What’s Better About Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO?
As an evolution of previous Debut Carbon models, the EVO stands out for plenty of reasons.
Speed Control
One of the biggest improvements this device brings to the table is speed control. The DC required you to manually move a belt to different positions to change the speed.
However, with the EVO it’s as simple as clicking a button.
Platter
Moving on to the platter, the extra thermoplastic elastomer cuts down on resonance. Moreover, it has isolation feet that reduce vibrations even further.
Feet
Still, those aren’t the only special feet on the device. The legs on the bottom of the platter are not only rubberized, but they’re also adjustable.
This means that no matter how sloped your work surface may be, you can change the feet to match it.
Cartridge
Even though the DC has an excellent cartridge, the EVO is slightly better. It may be pricier, but it can deliver a much smoother sound.
In addition, Pro-Ject redesigned the motor with a suspension mechanism to lessen noise.
Who Should Get Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC (And Why)?
If you’re new to turntables, the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC may be the best option for you.
Not only does this device relay great sound, but it’s also easy to set up. All you have to do is unbox the turntable, place the belt and the platter, and you’re ready to go.
Besides that, it doesn’t require much maintenance. Other than replacing the cartridge every once in a while, you don’t have to do much.
The sound this device produces can fill the entire room with minimal effort. You don’t need to constantly fiddle with it to keep the audio pristine.
However, the speed control system is a little outdated. Having to manually move a belt can become a nuisance quickly.
So, if you want to use speed manipulation, the DC may not be ideal.
Who Should Get Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO (And Why)?
If you have a little experience with turntables, the Carbon EVO may be an excellent upgrade. This device is basically a refined version of its predecessors.
It can deliver impeccable sound with unmatched clarity. On top of that, it still maintains the original detail and texture of the soundtrack.
Arguably, the best addition to this turntable is the speed control. If that’s a feature you use often, this device can make your life easier. Instead of a belt, you just have to push a button.
Finally, the EVO is also great for self-expression. This model comes in over 6 colors with a veneer or a stain finish. So, you can personalize it however you see fit.