This Popular Hi-Fi Maker Just Gave Its Gorgeous Turntable an Audiophile Upgrade

No unnecessary switches, LEDs or logos in sight.

Published December 20, 2024

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Updated December 23, 2024

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Pro-Ject, the popular Austrian hi-fi maker, has released quite a few new turntables in recent months. And a common theme amongst many of them — including its XA B, Signature 12.2 and Debut Pro B — has been that Pro-Ject has given each a similar hi-fi upgrade in the form of balanced connectivity.

And it’s just added another turntable to that list.

Pro-Ject Debut Pro S Balanced

Perfectly balanced

The Pro-Ject Debut Pro S Balanced is, as its name gives away, a balanced version of the company’s 2022-released Debut Pro S. The two are basically identical, but the Debut Pro S Balanced features balanced mini XLR outputs.

This new balanced connection enables the turntable to leverage Pro-Ject’s True Balanced technology, which protects the audio signal against distortion and unwanted noise and, ultimately, should help it deliver a cleaner sound.

Here’s how Pro-Ject describes the true balanced connection: “the reduction in distortion and noise yields more soundstage depth making way for heightened clarity, more micro detail, wider dynamics and overall, a significantly more ‘convincing’ and immersive listening experience.”

Note: While the new turntable is balanced, the cartridge is not. Buyers will need to get a headshell and moving coil cartridge, or a Pro-Ject Pick It Pro B cartridge to hook it up balanced.

An audiophile Debut

Admittedly, Pro-Ject’s naming convention for its turntables can be a bit confusing. It’s also changed/evolved quite a bit in recent years, so here’s a quick explanation.

The Debut line is Pro-Ject’s midrange series of turntables — and probably what it’s best known for. For years, the Debut Carbon (DC) was incredibly popular amongst vinyl enthusiasts who wanted the best audiophile turntable for around $500. But that has since been discontinued in favor of new models.

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Those new models are the Debut Evo 2 (the spiritual successor of the Debut Carbon) and the Debut Pro, the latter of which is a higher-end version thanks to an improved tonearm and platter.

And then there’s the Debut Pro and Debut Pro S, the latter of which being a more expensive model heavier sub-platter, a wider MDF chassis and an S-shaped tonearm.

In August 2024, Pro-Ject released a balanced version of the Debut Pro called the Debut Pro B. It added balanced connections and, at $1,099, was $100 more expensive than the Debut Pro. And now it’s essentially done the same thing with the Debut Pro S.

A truly minimalist design

Besides the mini XLR outputs out the back, the Pro-Ject Debut Pro S Balanced is identical to its original Debut Pro S. It has the same 10-inch S-shaped tonearm, heavy aluminum sub-platter and minimalist and murdered-out design.

Pro-Ject has done away with any visible switches, LED lights or even labeling that could be distracting. The electronic speed change and power button are hidden from view, and located underneath the turntable.