Pro-Ject has introduced the Debut Reference 10 – the pinnacle of today’s Debut technology and the brand’s most accomplished model yet.
When Pro-Ject launched the original Debut turntable in the late ‘90s, its immediate success helped reignite interest in vinyl and reverse the format’s declining fortunes. While that first Debut was an instant hit, it was certainly not a one-hit wonder. In the years since, the Debut line has gone through several iterations, each refining the formula and building on its success.
Sitting at the top of today’s Debut range, the Reference 10 comes fully loaded with many of the upgrades that are available for the Debut Carbon EVO and Debut EVO 2 – all implemented as standard for high-end performance straight out of the box.
Key features include a heavy, resonance-resistant acrylic platter, an upgraded diamond-cut aluminium sub-platter for improved speed stability and height-adjustable damped feet for better isolation and levelling.
The motor is fully decoupled and housed in its own substantial base, minimising vibration transfer to the chassis. An external DC power supply powers a built-in AC generator for clean current delivery, while built-in electronic speed control makes switching between 33 and 45 RPM effortless and 78 RPM playback is supported with a manual belt change.
One of the headline developments for the Debut Reference 10 is its newly developed 10in tonearm, created exclusively for this model. Longer than previous Debut arms, it reduces tracking error and inner-groove distortion.
Its carbon-fibre and aluminium sandwich construction combines rigidity with effective damping and it offers full adjustability for azimuth and vertical tracking angle (VTA) – features more commonly found on higher-tier designs.
The turntable comes factory-fitted with Pro-Ject’s Pick it PRO Balanced cartridge and is True Balanced connection capable. This allows lower noise and improved signal integrity when paired with compatible balanced phono stages.
By integrating balanced capability and a longer, fully adjustable tonearm, the Debut Reference 10 moves the Debut platform into more advanced territory while retaining the usability that defined the original model.
The Reference 10 completes the Debut family. The range now follows a clear progression: Debut Carbon EVO-Debut EVO 2-Debut PRO B-Debut PRO S Balanced-Debut Reference 10.
The Pro-Ject Debut Reference 10 will be available in the UK from Pro-Ject dealers nationwide in March, priced at £999. Pro-Ject Audio Systems is exclusively distributed in the UK by Henley Audio.
Making its exclusive UK debut at the Bristol Hi-Fi Show 2026 (Friday 20th–Sunday 22nd February), the Debut Reference 10 will be demonstrated in Room 308, with the Henley Audio team on hand to answer questions and provide system advice.