Heritage and Positioning
The Debut Reference 10 sits at the top of Pro-Ject’s acclaimed Debut turntable range — a series that has helped make quality analogue playback accessible since 1999. Building on decades of analogue design expertise, this model introduces advanced features rarely found in entry-level platforms, positioning it as a premium choice for serious vinyl listeners. [oai_citation:0‡HiFi and Music Source](https://hifiandmusicsource.com/2026/02/pro-ject-debut-reference-10-announced/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Drive and Speed Control
At its core is a precision belt-drive system powered by a DC-driven synchronous motor and an electronic speed control, allowing seamless switching between 33 ⅓ and 45 RPM and supporting 78 RPM via the included additional belt. A clean DC/AC power generator supplies the motor with stable current, improving rotational accuracy and reducing speed drift. [oai_citation:1‡HiFi and Music Source](https://hifiandmusicsource.com/2026/02/pro-ject-debut-reference-10-announced/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Platter Platform
The Debut Reference 10 features a substantial 300 mm resonance-free acrylic main platter, chosen for its acoustic properties that closely match vinyl, helping to reduce unwanted reflections and preserve tonal balance. Beneath it sits a diamond-cut aluminium sub-platter machined to tight tolerances to improve rotational stability and speed consistency. [oai_citation:2‡audioaffair.co.uk](https://www.audioaffair.co.uk/pro-ject-debut-reference-10-turntable?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Tonearm and Tracking Precision
A standout feature is the newly developed 10″ one-piece tonearm constructed from a carbon-aluminium sandwich. Its carbon fibre outer layer provides rigidity while the internal aluminium core dampens resonance, resulting in stable stylus tracking and reduced distortion. The tonearm offers full adjustability for azimuth and vertical tracking angle (VTA), allowing precise alignment for optimal cartridge performance. [oai_citation:3‡HiFi and Music Source](https://hifiandmusicsource.com/2026/02/pro-ject-debut-reference-10-announced/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Cartridge and Connectivity
The turntable arrives factory-fitted with Pro-Ject’s Pick it PRO Balanced moving magnet cartridge and includes balanced True Balanced mini-XLR output for connection to compatible phono preamplifiers, enabling lower noise signal paths and improved detail retrieval. A high-quality Connect it Phono E cable with gold-plated RCA connectors is also included for standard single-ended operation. [oai_citation:4‡HiFi and Music Source](https://hifiandmusicsource.com/2026/02/pro-ject-debut-reference-10-announced/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Construction and Isolation
The chassis is handmade in Europe from multi-layer hand-painted MDF and supported by three height-adjustable TPE-damped aluminium feet. This three-point support system aids levelling and effective vibration isolation, helping to maintain channel balance and tracking accuracy. A clear removable acrylic dust cover and Record Puck E accessory are also supplied. [oai_citation:5‡HiFi and Music Source](https://hifiandmusicsource.com/2026/02/pro-ject-debut-reference-10-announced/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
Specifications (Excerpt)
| Type | Belt-Drive Turntable |
|---|---|
| Drive | DC-driven synchronous motor with electronic speed control |
| Speeds | 33 ⅓, 45 RPM (78 RPM with belt change) |
| Platter | 300 mm resonance-free acrylic |
| Sub-Platter | Diamond-cut aluminium |
| Tonearm | 10″ carbon-aluminium one-piece |
| Cartridge | Pick it PRO Balanced MM (pre-fitted) |
| Outputs | Mini-XLR balanced, RCA |
| Included Accessories | Phono cable, dust cover, Record Puck E, 78 RPM belt |
| Dimensions | 462 × 145 × 345 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 6 kg |
Summary
The Pro-Ject Debut Reference 10 turntable combines precision engineering, refined materials and versatile connectivity to elevate the classic Debut platform. With its advanced tonearm, balanced output capability and acoustic-focused design, it provides a compelling analogue front end for vinyl enthusiasts seeking a high-performance deck that’s both easy to set up and musically expressive.