Pro-Ject Debut EVO 2 Turntable - Satin Walnut - Pick it EVO Cartridge

The Turntable That Made Real Hi-Fi Affordable

The Debut EVO 2 is the latest generation of the turntable that first got a whole generation of listeners into serious vinyl playback back in 1999, since selling close to a million units under the Debut name. It's handmade in Europe, and the Pick it MM EVO cartridge arrives mounted and aligned, so you're playing records within minutes of unboxing.

An 8.6-inch one-piece carbon tonearm keeps the stylus planted in the groove, and a 3.75lb aluminum platter with a TPE damping ring keeps quiet passages quiet. Speed changes at the push of a button, with no belt to move between 33 and 45rpm.

The platter is non-magnetic, so it welcomes a moving-coil cartridge whenever you're ready to upgrade, and an optional "True Balanced" signal path is available with Pro-Ject's own cables and phono stages.

Technology You Can Actually Hear

A Carbon Tonearm with a CNC-Milled Bearing Block

The 8.6-inch carbon tonearm is both stiff and light, reducing tracking error across a record side. A CNC-milled aluminum bearing block adds a level of precision uncommon at this price, and adaptive anti-skating adjusts its compensation as the arm moves across the record.

An Aluminum Platter, Ready for a Cartridge Upgrade

The 3.75lb die-cast aluminum platter carries a TPE damping ring to quiet resonance, and its non-magnetic construction means moving-coil cartridges work fine here too, whenever you're ready to move beyond the included Pick it MM EVO.

Inside, a generator builds a fresh sine wave for the motor, shielding it from noisy wall power and keeping speed rock-steady between 33 and 45rpm without any manual adjustment on your part.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Reviewing the Debut EVO 2, StereoNET's James Michael Hughes wrote that "it offers outstanding value for money and represents an excellent choice for anyone wanting a great basic vinyl spinner at an affordable price," earning it an Applause Award.

The Debut EVO 2 was also named Highly Commended in StereoNET's 2025 Turntable of the Year awards, runner-up honors in a category most competitors don't even place in.

Who Is the Debut EVO 2 Best For?

• You want real hi-fi vinyl without the fuss — a pre-mounted cartridge, push-button speed, and set-and-forget belt drive make this an easy first serious turntable
• You have, or plan to add, a phono stage — there's no phono preamp built in, so you'll need an amp with a phono input or an external phono preamp
• You plan to upgrade the cartridge someday — the non-magnetic platter and optional True Balanced path mean this deck can grow with your system
• You'd rather listen than tinker — it's a manual deck with no auto-return, Bluetooth, or USB ripping
• You want a balanced mini XLR output built in from the start — the Debut Pro B and Debut Pro S both add that, at a step up in price

How Does It Connect to Your System?

Connect the included Connect it Phono E RCA cable to an amp or receiver's phono input, or to an outboard phono preamp if your amp doesn't have one built in — there's no phono stage inside the turntable itself.

Because the platter is non-magnetic, a moving-coil cartridge works here too if you decide to upgrade later, though you'll want a phono stage with enough gain for it.

Pairs Well With

Where the Debut EVO 2 goes from here:

• Phono preamplifiers — required, since none is built in
• Phono cartridges — the non-magnetic platter is ready for a moving-coil upgrade whenever you are
• Audio racks — a rigid, level shelf lets the damped feet do their job
• Record cleaning accessories — clean records sound better and protect the stylus

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Debut EVO 2 need a phono preamp?

Yes. There's no phono stage built in, so connect it to an amp with a phono input, or add an external phono preamp.

Is the cartridge really ready to play out of the box?

Yes. The Pick it MM EVO comes mounted and aligned at the factory; you just set the counterweight and anti-skating per the quick-start guide.

Can I use a moving-coil cartridge with this turntable?

Yes. The aluminum platter is non-magnetic, so moving-coil cartridges work fine when you're ready to upgrade.

Does it have Bluetooth or USB?

It doesn't. This is a pure analog deck, built to put every dollar into sound quality.

What's different from the original Debut Carbon EVO?

The EVO 2 moves to a non-magnetic aluminum platter, ready for a moving-coil cartridge, and ships with the newer Pick it MM EVO cartridge in place of the Sumiko Rainier.

What's the warranty?

A two-year limited manufacturer warranty covers the Debut EVO 2.

See It in Action

Pro-Ject presents the Debut EVO 2:

Pro-Ject demonstrates how to set up the Debut EVO 2:

Why Audio Advisor?

• 40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we've helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.
• 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it's right for you.
• Real Experts, Real Help — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.
• Free Shipping — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.
• Flexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.

Learn More

Want to learn more about turntable setup, cartridge upgrades, or choosing a phono preamp? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.