When Austrian entrepreneur Heinz Lichtenegger established audio-tech brand Pro-Ject in 1991, the compact disc was on the rise. Unfettered by this, what ultimately proved to be short-lived development, he was instrumental in the revival of vinyl; a music format that, unlike the CD, is still thriving. For those true music aficionados and experts – DJs among them – no mode of music transmission has better quality than a 78” or 45”.
With its simple belt-driven modality but also accessible price-point, the inaugural Pro-Ject 1 turntable resonated with a broader consumer base, bringing the vinyl record back into the home as much as the club. With the brand’s launch of the Debut product in 1999 – available in a diverse array of striking colorways – the typology became even more of a lifestyle signifier.
As tastes shifted in the past three decades, so did the finished offering but the integrated technology only improved. Pro-Ject has maintained a reputation of providing the best sound and durability within the mid-range market category.
Building on and commemorating this trajectory of success is the just-released Debut Reference 10, the brand’s first turntable to feature a hybrid carbon/aluminum tonearm. Harkening back to other emblematic models, the design is defined by its sleek matte black surface anchored by acrylic accents. Its bearing block form is made of diamond-cut aluminum.
There are both monolithic and iridescent aesthetic cues; a trip back to more the sophisticated tendencies of the early 1990s. The frosted acrylic semi-transparent main platter evokes the aesthetic quality of ice. Not just aesthetically – even viscerally – appealing, these bold – weighty yet light – components ensure better stability and clearer performance.
The Pre-adjusted Pick it PRO Balanced cartridge makes all the difference when it comes to more-immersive experiences. It isn’t just about listening to the music but also engaging the turntable from a tactile standpoint: positioning a record on the almost suspended plate and placing the tonearm in just the right place.
Other features include a Mini-XLR balanced phono output, electronic speed switch, and gold-plated RCA connectors. The height of the sizable but not overbearing feet can be adjusted.
Produced in Austria, the Debut Reference 10 is both hyper-engineered and meticulously handcrafted. Though seemingly buoyant, the turntable doesn’t include any flimsy elements or unnecessary flourishes.
To learn more about the Pro-Ject Debut Reference 10 turntable, please visit project-audio.com.
Photography courtesy of Pro-Ject.