Проигрыватели виниловых дисков — Pro-Ject Debut RecordMaster II

The Debut RecordMaster II is an entry-level Pro-Ject Audio Systems record player with belt drive, designed both for playing records and for transferring them to a computer. A switchable phono preamplifier and an analogue-to-digital converter with USB output are built in, and an Ortofon OM5e moving-magnet cartridge comes mounted on the arm. Pro-Ject sums the model up as an aluminium tonearm, a computer connection and three speeds in one package. Finishes are high-gloss piano black, red, white and matt walnut.

Key specs that matter

The steel platter measures 300 mm, weighs 1.3 kg and carries a felt mat. Speed change between 33 and 45 rpm is electronic, and 78 rpm is reached by moving the belt by hand. Wow and flutter is plus or minus 0.19 percent at 33 rpm and 0.17 percent at 45 rpm, with speed drift of 0.60 and 0.50 percent. The arm is an 8.6 inch aluminium design of 218.5 mm effective length and an overhang of 18.5 mm and takes tracking forces of 10 to 30 mN. The converter is a 16 bit Delta Sigma type sampling at up to 48 kHz, feeding a USB-B port to the USB 1.1 standard. Outputs are RCA and USB. The deck measures 415 x 118 x 320 mm, weighs 5.6 kg net and runs from a 15 V DC supply.

Engineering and use context

A low-noise synchronous AC motor drives the belt and is decoupled from the plinth with TPE to limit vibration reaching the record. The heavy steel platter adds rotating mass for steadier speed. The internal phono stage can be switched in or out, so the RCA output delivers either line level for an amplifier without a phono input or an unamplified cartridge signal for an external stage. Because the RCA and USB outputs work at the same time, the turntable can play into an amplifier while a Mac or PC records the same side. The converter resolution covers CD-quality archiving of a record collection. Pro-Ject supplies a dust cover and RCA cables with the deck.

Pairing

With the phono stage switched on, the signal can go to a line socket on a receiver, an integrated amplifier or a pair of active speakers. With it switched off, the OM5e suits a moving-magnet phono stage, which is the usual path to upgrade the preamplification later. For digitising, a computer with recording software and a free USB port is all that the USB link needs. Owners who only want to archive records can leave the RCA sockets unused and run the deck purely as a USB source for a Mac or PC.

Alternatives

Within the Debut family, the Pro-Ject Debut PRO B steps up with a carbon and aluminium arm and a balanced cartridge.