Product Comparison: Pro-Ject Debut Carbon vs Rega Planar 2

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Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Red

General Specifications

Brand

Pro-Ject

Rega

Model

Debut Carbon

Planar 2

About the Product

The new DEBUT Carbon DC was designed to set new standards in this category for the coming decade – perfectly timed as analogue today is again a respected source, while the demand for good turntables is growing again! The most obvious improvement is the inclusion of a CARBON TUBE for the tonearm, which increases stiffness and decreases unwanted resonance.

The new Planar 2 was developed over the past two years alongside the recently released Planar 3. Featuring the brand new RB220 tonearm which is packed with groundbreaking new features. A new 24v, low noise motor, acrylic laminated plinth, newly designed central bearing and so much more. Every feature of this innovative new turntable is designed to extract the maximum amount of information and detail from your vinyl collection.

Key Specs

Drive Type

Direct Drive

Belt drive

Operation Type

Manual

What customers say about "Key Specs"

Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Red

Now, everything on this table is manual.
It's a belt driven turntable vs the direct drive of the AT 120 which is supposed to lessen distortion even though at 12 lbs it's about half the weight of the AT 120.
My only issue with this turntable is that every once in a while I will turn on the table and it will rotate in the wrong direction.
There are no buttons, no switches, no pitch control, no lights, no return mechanism, no markings, NOTHING.
The problem seems to be with the motor somehow, and the fix is relatively simple - under the platter near the belt drive, there is a metal plate from which the motor hangs.

Rega Planar 2 Black

I’m delighted with how it sounds and glad I paid extra for the Rega upgrade kit as the cartridge alone makes the price difference worthwhile.
We were looking for a turntable that would deliver clarity across all our musical likes such which ranges from soul to latin American and from pop to hard rock. Also, we wanted something stylish and is easy to use. The Planar 2 certainly fits the bill.
Great sounding turntable at this price range. Float glass platter looks cool. I like the fact that the cartridge Tec can be upgraded for a reasonable price
My only complaint is with the so called low noise motor. There is definitely noticeable motor noise that is amplified when the dust cover is closed.
Fine turntable. But the cartridge needs upgrading. I replaced the original with a Rega Elys2. Sounded far better.

Size & Weight

Height

4.6 in.

Width

16.4 in.

17.6 in.

Depth

12.5 in.

14.2 in.

Weight

12.3 lbs.

12 lbs.

What customers say about "Size & Weight"

Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Red

Set the weights right and you get no bounce.
The anti-skating mechanism is a small counter-weight that hangs off the back of the tone arm and loops over a little hook with fishing line.
Solid sound and clean design.
It has a floating weight that is a bit finicky, especially if you're someone like me who has to wear glasses.
The turntable sounds great but my issue is that the weight that balances the tone arm is constantly falling off.. I have to be so careful it doesn't fall off.. It is so frustrating using it
However, I believe there is a design flaw in the grounding of the turntable.

Audio

Record Sizes

Playable Record Speeds

33 ⅓, 45

Stylys/Cartridge

Ortofon 2M red

Rega Carbon cartridge

Integrated Preamp

What customers say about "Audio"

Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Red

Let me preface by saying I am not an audio junkie. If it sounds good, I like it.
Another nice detail - the time it takes for you to close the cover and hit record on your tape deck is shorter than the time it takes for the needle to drop on the turntable. Very clever indeed. This TT is a keeper. Have no doubt.
Sure, this is an entry-level piece, but you will be amazed how clear and crisp those records will sound.
My records sound phenomenal. A great entry into high quality vinyl players.
Very easy to set up and got excellent sound from the MM cartridge that came with the turntable.

Rega Planar 2 Black

Fantastic turntable. No resonance from the table comes through the speakers. Sounds great and has made all my records come to life.
Fantastic looking deck, with amazing depth of sound, warm without being fuzzy - even though I am currently running through my home theater receiver!
My initial review was 3 stars based upon setup. Since that time, I've listened to a few records, and they really sound great. Sounds way way better than my old Technics. So I changed my review from 3 to 5 stars.
Fantastic sound. Really enjoying listening to my vinyl again.
Love this turntable. The sound and the quality craftmanships . The set up is easy too

Features

Control

On/Off switch

Speed control switch

Functions

Vinyl player

Platter Material

Felt mat

Float glass ‘Optiwhite’

Dust Cover Included

Yes

Speaker(s) Included

Interfaces

Stereo RCA audio out

Extras

Increased platter size with more weight, Precision belt drive with synchronous motor, New DC power supply with ultra precision frequency DC-driven AC generator (like Speed Box) for ultimate speed stability, 7 high-gloss colours

Re-Designed feet, Motor cover tray - with integrated cooling, Optional lid / plinth protectors - supplied to prevent marks on the plinth and keep it looking its best

Dust Cover Included
Speaker(s) Included

What customers say about "Features"

Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Red

Plays my vinyl with zero issues.
It has really brought a whole new level of enjoyment to my vinyl collection!
A great entry into high quality vinyl players.
Is a great entry level turntable for those that are just getting into the world of vinyl.
One word of advice: get rid of the included felt mat immediately, and upgrade to a custom-cut cork mat.

Rega Planar 2 Black

Overall I am impressed with the build quality and how easy it was to set up right out of the box. Took me no more than 20 minutes to have everything up and running, and sounding stellar.
The Carbon MM cartridge sounds really good for someone who is upgrading from an older turntable a lower grade cartridge.
The dust cover hinges are really flimsy. They are made of plastic
Balancing the tone arm is a bit awkward. The anti skate/bias is set so high (and you can't adjust it) so that it's very difficult to follow the instructions that say to balance it over the platter.
Great turntable with good sound . Only criticism is the hinges for the lid which are the cheapest plastic Ive ever seen