88%
Pro-Ject Audio Systems Debut EVO 2
The next generation
- NEW pre-adjusted Pick it MM EVO
- NEW 1,7kg aluminium platter
- NEW low-friction tonearm bearing
- NEW satin wine red finish
- NEW TPE damped counterweight
- 8,6” one-piece carbon tonearm
- Height-adjustable metal feet
- 8x hand-painted MDF chassis
- Premium phono cable inlcuded
- Acrylic dust cover included
- Handmade in Europe
A refined legend.
The Debut is one of the best-selling products in the history of hi-fi with close to 1 million units sold. Premium materials & highest quality manufacturing in Europe make this turntable not only a superb audiophile partner for your record collection, but also a real eye-catcher in your living room.
Premium Tonearm
The Debut EVO 2 turntable features a premium 8,6“ carbon fiber tonearm with a massive aluminium bearing construction. The low friction tonearm bearing guarantees precise, stable and accurate tracking. Carbon gives the tonearm a high degree of rigidity while keeping the weight really low.
Backside beauty
We love a clean look, not only on the topside. With the new Debut EVO 2 we included the RCA output box and the power socket into the plinth. The result speaks for itself.
The new Pick it MM EVO
The new superior high dynamic 7mV output Pick it MM EVO cartridge completes the Debut EVO 2 in all respects. It doesn‘t only complement the lightweight tonearm sound-wise, it also looks stunning on the turntable.
Dealers selling Pro-Ject Audio Systems near you
Pro-Ject's Debut EVO 2 serves up a hugely musical, sweet midrange and flowing presentation that makes vocals and acoustic instruments compelling; reviewers from HiFi Choice and What Hi‑Fi praise its low-noise background and wide, coherent soundstage. Upgrades such as a TPE-damped aluminium platter and an 8.6in carbon tonearm plus the bundled Pick It MM EVO deliver unusually strong out‑of‑box value.
Pros
- Lush, focused midrange and musical flow that highlights vocals and acoustic detail.
- Very low noise floor and effective isolation — TPE-damped platter and improved feet reduce background noise and reveal inner detail.
- Outstanding out-of-box value: the bundled Pick It MM EVO cartridge and stable electronic speed control give unusually strong immediate performance for the price.
&
Cons
- No built-in VTA (height) adjustment — changes require external spacers, limiting on-the-fly tuning.
- No onboard phono stage; buyers must plan for an external phono preamp to complete the system.
Sound Quality
89/100
Weighted average of sub-criteria below.
Overall Sound
89/100
Reviewers consistently describe a lively, engaging and tonally believable presentation with a sweet, well-focused midrange. Multiple reviews (HiFi Choice, What Hi‑Fi?, The Audiophile Man, Sound Advice) praise its detail retrieval, soundstaging and musical flow while noting it avoids a frenetic or fatiguing presentation. The bundled Pick It MM EVO cartridge is repeatedly cited as a major contributor to the improved out-of-box sonic result.
Speed Stability
91/100
Measurements and listening reports point to rock‑steady speed and excellent pitch stability (strobe-confirmed 33.3RPM, reviewers report no detectable drift). Multiple reviewers (StereoNET, HiFi Choice, StereoNET) highlighted the stable electronic speed control and lack of wow/flutter issues, making it reliable for critical listening. The belt-drive with electronic control meets expectations for this price class and reviewers found it technically assured.
Tonearm Performance
85/100
The included 8.6" one‑piece carbon tonearm and upgraded bearing housing are seen as a clear step up from prior Debut arms, offering low friction and good tracking (noted by HiFi Choice, The Audiophile Man, What Hi‑Fi?). Reviewers also mention the arm supports a broad range of cartridges and benefits from an improved counterweight/damping, but VTA adjustment still requires external spacers and there are minor usability caveats. Overall the arm is strong for an out‑of‑the‑box package but not without modest limitations compared with higher‑end adjustable arms.
Noise Isolation
90/100
Consistent praise for a very low noise floor: the TPE-damped aluminium platter, upgraded feet and external PSU result in little motor hum or rumble (reported by HiFi Choice, StereoNET, Sound Advice). Reviewers note the deck is impressively resistant to external interference and delivers a quiet background that reveals record detail. This level of isolation is notable for the price class.
Show Less
Build Quality
86/100
Reviewers describe solid, well-executed engineering: an upgraded die‑cast aluminium platter with TPE damping, improved bearing housing, substantial adjustable metal feet and tidy fit-and-finish (HiFi Choice, The Audiophile Man, What Hi‑Fi?). The plinth, revised socket placement and integrated connector boxes add usability and feel more refined than previous Debut models. While not exotic, the construction and damping approach are clearly better than entry-level peers and justified at this price.
Features Usability
84/100
The EVO 2 is deliberately simple but user-friendly: electronic 33/45 speed switching, included Pick It MM EVO cartridge, dust cover and improved rear connector layout are useful conveniences highlighted by multiple reviewers (HiFi Choice, What Hi‑Fi?, Ecoustics). There is no built‑in phono stage or advanced automation, and VTA adjustment requires spacers, so the design favors purist simplicity over feature bloat. Given the strong out‑of‑the‑box sound and included cartridge, reviewers regard the usability as a net positive for the target buyer.
Value for Money
89/100
Across reviews the EVO 2 is repeatedly called excellent value for its price (~£599 / $699): reviewers (HiFi Choice, Sound Advice, StereoNET, The Audiophile Man) cite that the improved cartridge and component trickle-down from the Pro make it one of the best options under £1,000. The bundled Pick It MM EVO raises out‑of‑box performance to levels that previously required a cartridge upgrade, which many reviewers highlight as a key justification of the price. Overall sentiment positions the EVO 2 as a top contender in its segment.
Reviews
Online Reviews & Mentions
YouTube Reviews
Forum Mentions
No forum mentions found yet
FAST, EASY & NEAR
Find Pro-Ject Audio Systems Verified Dealers Near You
Pro-Ject Audio Systems dealers in the map