Pro-Ject Debut Evo 2 review

The new Pro-Ject Debut Evo 2 turntable we have on test here is an updated version of the five-star Debut Carbon Evo, with key elements taken from the two-time What Hi-Fi? Product of the Year winner, the Debut Pro, to elevate the performance further. As the Debut Pro is now being replaced (by a balanced connection-equipped model), it’s this new Evo 2 that is being pitched as the real forerunner for the Debut line. 

The Debut Evo 2 costs £599 / $699 / AU$1299, undercutting the outgoing Debut Pro which we tested at £699 / $999 / AU$1079. At this price, the Evo 2 goes toe-to-toe with its evergreen rival, the Rega Planar 2, with the Planar 2/Nd3 package going for £599 / $795 / AU$1299. 

Build & design

The Debut Evo 2 is a clean, minimal design that is well-built and smooth in use. It marries that simplicity with a touch of pizazz, depending on the colour of finish you choose. Our review sample is in the new wine red satin finish; the sophisticated hue and quality of the finish helps the deck look sleek and stylish. 

We have seen the steel blue, fir green and golden yellow finishes in person too, and they offer an appealing alternative to the usual black, white or walnut veneer finishes that we see too often. Pro-Ject also offers these more traditional finishes – there are 10 finishes in total, none of them costing extra – but we have to doff our caps to the brand for offering a wide variety of colourful options so vinyl fans can have a little fun with their new deck and match their interior styles.

Aesthetics aside, there are significant updates throughout the Evo 2, while it also allows for further upgrades down the line. The steel platter of the older Debut Carbon Evo has been replaced with a heavy aluminium platter, which has a dense ring of TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) to help reduce unwanted resonances. The 8.6-inch tonearm – comprising a one-piece carbon fibre tube – is mounted on a new precision-milled aluminium block with low-friction bearings. Both these upgrades are derived from the excellent Debut Pro deck, and the trio of feet also have TPE damping built in to further isolate and protect the Evo 2 from external vibrations.

Fitted to the deck as standard is the new Pick-It MM Evo cartridge, developed in conjunction with Ortofon. Thanks to the switch from steel to non-magnetic aluminium platter, you even have the option to change to a moving coil cartridge, should you wish to upgrade later on.

The tonearm is a lightweight design and we don’t experience excessive play in the bearings; the only thing we would have liked is a clip over the tonearm when placed in the arm rest for extra security. But the belt-drive deck is otherwise stable and easy to use. We particularly like the three-way rocker switch underneath the plinth that offers power and electronic speed switching between 33⅓ and 45 RPM records. Next to the rival Rega Planar 2 that still insists on a manual speed change (which involves physically moving the belt on the motor pulley), the Evo 2 is more convenient to operate. 

Another streamlined element is the integration of the RCA output and power connection boxes into the MDF chassis itself. These used to hang separately under the plinth, but the repositioning not only looks neater and makes the RCA connections easier to access, but it also eliminates any pockets of air creating unwanted turbulence under the plinth and affecting the replay.

We have tested the deck as it comes as standard, but it’s worth noting that you can use Pro-Ject’s online Configurator tool to upgrade various elements of the deck, including the platter, sub-platter, cartridge, phono cables and even power supply. 

Sound

Our testing begins with placing the turntable on a level, rigid hi-fi rack, and taking the time to set up the tonearm properly – which only takes a few careful minutes. We plug the Evo 2 into our reference system of Epos ES14N speakers and PMC Cor amplifier with a Vertere Phono-1 MkII L phono preamp, and also try it within the more price-compatible system of the KEF LS50 Meta speakers and Arcam A5 amplifier. 

We’re going to get this out of the way first: the rival Rega Planar 2/Nd3 package that we reviewed recently is, for the same money, the preferred choice if you value rhythmic precision, agility and propulsive drive above all else. But the Pro-Ject Debut Evo 2 counters with a beautifully fluid delivery and a particularly lovely and sweet-toned midrange – qualities that make it a very appealing listen.

We spin albums from Nick Cave, Portishead, Nirvana and Fleetwood Mac, and what strikes us just how immediately likeable the sound is. The Evo 2 has a lively, fleet-footed presentation that zips along merrily through every song – it’s an enthusiastic performer that just wants to have fun. We have fun listening along with it too; Michael Jackson’s Speed Demon comes through with crisp edges, clear and ample detail, and with just enough meat on the bones for instruments to have body and shape. 

We would like a touch more grip and authority to propel the song’s momentum, but the slightly lightweight and clean sound – together with a fairly taut bass – makes for a nimble and easy-going listen.

That doesn’t mean the Pro-Ject isn’t able to deliver the true message of a song or elicit strong emotion during listening. Nick Cave’s gravelly tones are arresting and bittersweet, while Stevie Nicks’ singing is emotionally charged and honey-toned by turns. 

The Evo 2 is capable enough to reveal differences in an album or recording's quality. We switch from a rough Slipknot recording to a superb Beethoven pressing, and the Evo 2 deck handles the changes in pace, tone, depth and presentation admirably. 

It gets the chaotic aggression of Slipknot’s first album across, even if we would like a greater degree of control and muscle to organise the frenetic energy. Play Symphony No.5 and you’re met with an open, spacious sound that gives breathing room to the sweeping, textured movement of the strings. 

But it’s with voices and instruments such as piano that the Evo 2’s true talent lies. Christine McVie’s vocals on You Make Loving Fun shine through with clear, soaring highs and a breezy tone that is full of sparkle and sweetness. Piano notes have just enough heft and agility, but resonate with subtleties. It’s the tone of these notes that really charm us – there is a delicacy here that is addictive to listen to. 

We listen to album after album, and the way it spotlights the midrange never tires us. It’s a quality that doesn’t unduly impinge upon the music’s overall nature, either; it simply enhances it. 

Verdict

Pro-Ject has taken a friendly, capable deck and furnished it with significant upgrades to make it a more sleek and engaging performer. There are those who will prefer Rega’s more mature and precise presentation at this level, but the Evo 2 is a capable and likeable alternative whose lively, fluid delivery and lovely way with voices might just win you over. We can imagine many warming to its sonic presentation, not to mention the variety of colourful finishes available and potential upgrade options. At this level, it’s a solid recommendation. 

First reviewed: September 2024

SCORES

• Sound 5
• Features 4
• Build 4

MORE:

Read our review of the Rega Planar 2/Nd3 

Also consider the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo

Read our Pro-Ject Debut Pro review

Best turntables: top 9 record players tested and recommended by our expert reviewers