In the ever-evolving world of vinyl, where the line between audiophile and aesthetic enthusiast blurs, the Pro-Ject Debut EVO 2 emerges as a contender that promises both sonic fidelity and visual appeal.
As someone who’s navigated the treacherous waters of turntable setups often ending up with more questions than answers I approached the EVO 2 with a mix of excitement and trepidation. It’s worth noting, as I likely have before, that I am not the turntable guru in my store, nor was I in the one before that. Take that as you will, but if you’re new to vinyl or not at enthusiast level, you may find this of more use. For the aficionado’s out there – straight to the demo room in your local store to get your hands on it!
Unboxing the EVO 2, I was pleased by its minimalist design. Completely on brand for Pro-Ject of course, The satin finish exudes a quiet confidence, and the build quality feels robust without being ostentatious. It’s the kind of turntable that doesn’t scream for attention but looks higher-end than the price point might suggest, all without skimping on audio quality.
Given my history with turntable setups, usually involving a few choice words and issues with correct balancing, I was pleasantly surprised by the EVO 2’s straightforward assembly. The instructions were clear, and within minutes, I had it up and running. No blood, sweat, or tears this time, just pure anticipation but a lingering annoyance at the fiddly anti-skating weight. But with that’s said, once it’s on, it’s on.
Bring out the best in your vinyl, with the Pro-ject Debut EVO 2.
Once the needle touched the vinyl, the EVO 2 showcased its prowess. The soundstage is expansive, with a clarity that brings out nuances I hadn’t noticed in familiar tracks when streaming – despite my love of the medium. The bass is tight, the mids are warm, and the highs are crisp without being piercing. It’s a balanced performance that should cater to both casual listeners and discerning audiophiles. There’s an argument to be made that the new contender from Argon – the TT4 is worth a look on performance alone, but it’s just not quite as pretty as the Pro-Ject. We might grumble about looks not being as important as quality in sound, but ultimately it’s a turntable and you WILL be looking at it as they’re harder to hide in a cupboard without making life difficult.
The EVO 2 isn’t just about looks and sound; it’s packed with features that enhance the listening experience. The electronic speed control ensures accurate playback, and the TPE-damped platter minimizes unwanted vibrations. The carbon fiber tonearm is both lightweight and sturdy, contributing to the overall sonic precision. Yes, the speed control is largely a standard at this point in the market, but it’s nice not having to faff about with the belt or platter, and using some trickled down tech from their own speed box and external power supplies mean the EVO 2’s speed control is more than just a small switch for swapping between record sizes.
At its price point, the Pro-Ject Debut EVO 2 offers exceptional value. It combines aesthetic appeal, user-friendly setup, and high-quality sound in a package that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re new to vinyl or looking to upgrade your current setup, the EVO 2 is a worthy contender. Why not take it for a spin at your local Richer Sounds store today?
Author: Tom, Cardiff Store
