Pro-ject Debut III S Audiophile
Pro-ject’s Debut range of affordable turntables is fast approaching its 20th birthday. Launched in 1999, the original Debut deck filled a gap at the affordable end of the market at a time when many thought vinyl was dead and buried. Instead of facing decline, the Czech company found itself well positioned to capitalise on the vinyl revival.
The Debut III S Audiophile confirms the range’s new position in (just about) mid-market territory. That means we can expect a decent level of performance, which will be necessary if this turntable is to compete with fine record players such as the Rega Planar 2 (£399).
Shaping up
There are a few upgrades on the Debut format here, which aim to give credence to the ‘Audiophile’ moniker. The S refers to the S-shaped tonearm, the first time such a design has appeared on a Debut turntable. This design is often claimed to improve tracking and reduce distortion compared with a straight arm, though it’s probably more a simple matter of personal preference.
Available in black or white, the deck is certainly smart. The plinth feels solid and well put together, and the overall impression is of a more premium player than those offered by competitors.
Some of that solidity is down to the user, however. As with any turntable, there is a degree of set-up required here. The Debut III S Audiophile comes with two (new) aluminium feet in place at the front but we screw in a third at the rear. The steel platter and felt mat must be put in place, along with the belt drive. Take care to follow the tonearm weight-tracking instructions, too.
New cartridge
There’s a new, specially designed Ortofon cartridge here, the Pick-it 25 A, and it’s a variation on the OM Series. Elsewhere there’s a detachable cable and a lid to keep dust off the deck. You will need a phono stage though, whether that’s a dedicated unit or part of your amplifier.
Past Pro-ject decks have been good or excellent, and we’re happy to report much here is pleasantly familiar. We listen to Four Tet’s Circling, and the repetitive rhythms are handled confidently. There’s a good level of detail and decent dynamics, as the Pro-ject handles the full sonic spectrum without wavering. Treble notes are crisp and bass drums are solid.
Previous Pro-ject decks might have given a little away on bottom-end depth and solidity, but there’s no sign of that here. Aphex Twin’s Selected Ambient
Works 85-92 demands a firm grip of lower frequencies and this turntable proves highly capable in its grasp. Timing is mostly spot-on; only the most challenging tracks lack a little momentum and drive compared with class leaders.
Vocal masterclass
We turn to Nick Cave’s People Ain’t No
Good to see how the Debut handles vocals. It’s an excellent recording and the deck successfully relays the expression in Cave’s voice and the atmosphere of the recording session. You can almost tell how close Cave is to the mic as you sense the size of the recording studio.
Product ranges don’t hang around for the best part of 20 years without reason. The S III Audiophile is solidly designed and smartly finished – and a chip off the old block. All in all, this is another excellent Pro-ject Debut turntable.