Pro-ject Debut pro

[Alfi]

I recently got a Pro-ject Debut pro turntable and now I need a phono amplifier. Since I have a Primare amp I was looking at Primare R15. My system consists also of Sonus Faber speakers. Does anyone have experience with this combination? Any (other) suggestion would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[daytona600]

Project have a vast range & sold millions on Phono Stages
Add a PSU to power the TT & phono stage , add XLR cables Fully Balanced
4

 

[nads]

I would also look at the Project ones. You can then add to them as you wish.

 

[Al ears]

Project have a vast range & sold millions on Phono Stages
Add a PSU to power the TT & phono stage , add XLR cables Fully Balanced
4View attachment 5608View attachment 5609

I don't think the deck itself has balanced output does it?
If it doesn't then buying a balanced phono preamp doesn't make much sense, to me anyway.....

 

[Al ears]

I recently got a Pro-ject Debut pro turntable and now I need a phono amplifier. Since I have a Primare amp I was looking at Primare R15. My system consists also of Sonus Faber speakers. Does anyone have experience with this combination? Any (other) suggestion would be appreciated.

Thanks

Do you ever see yourself using moving coil cartridges?
If not stick to a pure moving magnet phono preamp.
That said I would take this over the R15 if you dont mind the look.

Tom Evans Microgroove Plus X MkII Phono Stage

Tom Evans Microgroove MkII is the latest version of Microgroove, an excellent phono stage that created a benchmark for performance at this level. This award winning "Plus" model features Lithos power regulation and also includes the "X" board for adjustable cartridge loading. The standard mains...

www.audioaffair.co.uk

 

[skinnypuppy71]

If I'm ever going to buy another phono stage, it will likely be something from Tom Evans....he is the guru,....but I wouldn't hesitate to recommend any of NJC audio's products, I have the headphones amp and dac, I nearly bought their phono stage, but at the time everything was up in the air due to the pandemic, njc build to order, so this really impacted their cottage ( type) industry. I'll never sell my njc kit....it was built for me and my name is on the instruction booklet....that's the type of personal service you get from the guy's there at a competitive price, oh and yes it sounds very good and reliable.
The project tubebox ds2 that I currently use is also very good and is contributing to the best vinyl playback that I have had in my system to date.

 

[Freddy58]

I don't think the deck itself has balanced output does it?

Hiya Al. Excuse my ignorance/stupidity, but what is balanced output?

 

[nightanddaygamechangers]

Hiya Al. Excuse my ignorance/stupidity, but what is balanced output?

Balanced cables are typically used in professional environments, studios, concert venues, etc, as they reduce noise and interference for very long cable lengths. I just looked this up, for clarification, so I’m sure there are other benefits.

Some people, based on comments I’ve seen in reviews, also feel they are essential for home use. I can’t comment on that as I’ve never been inclined to use them, as my current setup doesn’t suffer from noise or interference, certainly not that I can hear.

 

[Al ears]

Hiya Al. Excuse my ignorance/stupidity, but what is balanced output?

Balanced output is taking the, essentially balanced signal, from the moving coil cartridge and passing it on to the phono preamp over a balanced cable that uses a mini-xlr type connector.
Some Project turntables now use this method.

 

[Oxfordian]

Balanced output is taking the, essentially balanced signal, from the cartridge and passing it on to the phono preamp over a balanced cable that uses a mini-xlr type connector.
Some Project turntables now use this method.

If I have this right (and I probably haven't) it is Moving Coil cartridges that are balanced by design aren't they, so Pro-Ject's push on balanced turntables stems from having a MC cartridge on the end of the tonearm, which they supply pre fitted with a lot of their TT's.

The end user needs to buy the correct balanced cable and a amp of some description which will accept a balanced input from the MC cartridge and boost that signal to line level.

Possibly just marketing blurb for the consumer as MC cartridges have been working just fine in unbalanced systems for years.

I hope I have this right.

 

[Al ears]

If I have this right (and I probably haven't) it is Moving Coil cartridges that are balanced by design aren't they, so Pro-Ject's push on balanced turntables stems from having a MC cartridge on the end of the tonearm, which they supply pre fitted with a lot of their TT's.

The end user needs to buy the correct balanced cable and a amp of some description which will accept a balanced input from the MC cartridge and boost that signal to line level.

Possibly just marketing blurb for the consumer as MC cartridges have been working just fine in unbalanced systems for years.

I hope I have this right.

No you are right but, ideally, and this is where Project are trying to sell packages, you only really benefit from the balanced bit up to the point that the signal is amplified to line level so you would need a balanced phono preamp but your amplifier doesn't necessarily need a balanced input.
At least that's how I understand it......
Yes it's a novelty but may have some benefits in the design

 

[Gray]

it is Moving Coil cartridges that are balanced by design aren't they

That seems to be the case.
But I can't see a reason why MM couldn't be made balanced if the will was there.

Maybe the (usually) higher price of MC makes it more logical.
Also, they might argue that MC quality makes balanced more worthwhile....although, most people on here agree that balanced itself is probably pointless.

 

[Gray]

what is balanced output?

It uses 2 identical conductors to carry the signal and a separate conductor for the ground.

Whereas the (domestically) more common, 2-pole RCA connector is unbalanced (often described as 'single ended') it uses the ground connection as a signal return.

So any balanced connector will always have more than 2 poles....usually 3, as with XLR.

 

[daytona600]

If I have this right (and I probably haven't) it is Moving Coil cartridges that are balanced by design aren't they, so Pro-Ject's push on balanced turntables stems from having a MC cartridge on the end of the tonearm, which they supply pre fitted with a lot of their TT's.

The end user needs to buy the correct balanced cable and a amp of some description which will accept a balanced input from the MC cartridge and boost that signal to line level.

Possibly just marketing blurb for the consumer as MC cartridges have been working just fine in unbalanced systems for years.

I hope I have this right.

MM & MC

 

[Oxfordian]

MM & MC


View attachment 5611

Interesting, thanks for the update.

Just taken a trip to the Pro-Ject website, lots of details but no price, when I click the buy locally button I get told that it is not available in my country (UK), which is strange as Analogue Seduction have it on sale for £179.

 

[Al ears]

MM & MC


View attachment 5611

Very interesting although, again, it's only going to be useful if used with a suitable phono preamp.
And I think this is certainly a gimmick. Making a balanced connection to a low output MC cartridge is one thing but to a high output MM...... I really don't see the point unless it is to get people buying the balanced version of their turntables and a balanced phono preamp of their making...which, to be honest, is pretty nifty marketing.

 

[daytona600]

All Hiend hifi , radio , broadcast & Studios fully balanced since the 1960s
Glad to see project bringing this tech to the mass market

JPA by EMT from the 1960s & still in production
.

 

[daytona600]

2023/2024 Affordable Turntable AVforums - Pro-Ject X1 B

In two ways, this award is slightly contentious. The first is that the X1B attained the score it did reviewed with the partnering S3B phono stage which, by tacit admission means that qualifies too.

The second is that, to hear this award winner perform in a way that warrants the award, you’ll need a system with an XLR input and fit a moving coil cart.

 

[Al ears]

2023/2024 Affordable Turntable AVforums - Pro-Ject X1 B

In two ways, this award is slightly contentious. The first is that the X1B attained the score it did reviewed with the partnering S3B phono stage which, by tacit admission means that qualifies too.

The second is that, to hear this award winner perform in a way that warrants the award, you’ll need a system with an XLR input and fit a moving coil cart.

View attachment 5616

Yes it is a bit unfair when you are actually reviewing two products and not just the turntable.
Note that you don't really need to fit a moving coil cartridge as the deck normally comes fitted with one or the balanced moving magnet that was mentioned earlier and you don't need, and would indeed have limited choice in finding, an amp with xlr inputs.
Also not too sure on their classification of "Affordable" as this package will set you back around £ 1250

 

[daytona600]

Affordable" as this package will set you back around £ 1250
well Big one MF/Project is £10,000 phono stage + £9,000 for the turntableurntable

 

[Oxfordian]

Affordable" as this package will set you back around £ 1250
well Big one MF/Project is £10,000 phono stage + £9,000 for the turntableView attachment 5646urntableView attachment 5644View attachment 5645

I’m now writing my letter to Santa asking if I can have this for Christmas.

🤞

 

[daytona600]

Hope santa has his weetabix
22Kilos for a phono stage or 35kg with external PSU
Extreme Cartridge Loading Options with remote control
Each of its single-ended RCA or balanced XLR inputs can be individually set for either MM/MC and loading. Each input also then remembers its own settings.
.
A costly, yet technically extremely sophisticated implementation, it allows the Nu-Vista Vinyl 2 to be matched with any cartridges and perfectly integrated it into the rest of your Hifi system.
By that criteria the Nu-Vista Vinyl 2 is perfect. It has no practical audible noise even at the highest levels of amplification. It doesn‘t really have distortion. You cannot overload its input or output and you can load your cartridge perfectly. It brings the artist’s intent, emotions and passion to your ears and heart.