Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC review
Mar 28, 2019
The Austrian company Pro-Ject, one of the leaders in the market of vinyl players, has presented its cutting-edge budget turntable – the Debut Carbon DC. See price Article navigation Design Se...
Read MorePro-Ject Debut Carbon DC vs Rega Planar 1 – What’s Better?
If you are a demanding audiophile who looks for a smart and low-cost turntable to upgrade your home sound, this pair of Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC vs Rega Planar 1 will make you reflect a bit. Soon, you will see that the right choice boils down to your basic expectations, whether you seek an ergonomic and budget-friendly turntable such as the Rega or a more compact and durable one such as the Carbon DC.
Features & performance
Both turntables use a moving magnet with diamond styluses to play vinyl records. Whatever you pick up between Rega Planar 1 vs Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC, the performance is fairly similar because of the identical frequency range, playback speed, and wow & flutter level. The turntables offer smooth and silent performance because of the built-in low-noise motor that generates the minimum of vibrations. The Rega model features a whole new tonearm which produces literally no friction while spinning a record. Both models have no USB connectivity and are manually controlled.
Design & build quality
If we compare the available color palettes, the Carbon DC offers a rich selection of classic and vivid options to consider, while the Planar 1 sticks to a traditional palette including only glossy black and white. In terms of design, the Rega product looks more attractive thanks to a renovated bearing and a phenolic platter that promotes stable spinning without heightening friction. It is also a better variant for users looking for ergonomic sounding solutions. If you think of durability, the Carbon DC with the aluminum diecast platter appears more promising in comparison with the Rega platter made of plastic. The Rega is slightly bigger but at the same time lighter which may be essential for those who expect to move the turntable occasionally.
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC pros & cons
Pros
- The price point is fit to buyers on a low budget.
- The dust cover and one extra cartridge are included in the set.
- The lower register has lots of definition.
Cons
- The installation process is too complicated for novices or users who do not tolerate text-based manuals.
- The platter mat may stick to vinyl records when you try to take it off.
Rega Planar 1 pros & cons
Pros
- The turntable comes with a dust cover and one additional cartridge.
- The set-up is easy even for newbies.
- The sound remains crystal clear at all listening levels.
- You can hook up a subwoofer or amplifier if needed.
Cons
- The price point is more elevated in comparison with the Carbon DC.
- The unit does not have a built-in preamp.
