Which Pro-Ject Turntable Is Right for You?
There’s just something about vinyl, isn’t there? Whether you’re completely new to turntables, upgrading your current setup or picking vinyl back up after a break, choosing the right deck isn’t always as straightforward as it seems.
Pro-Ject makes a lot of turntables. And while that’s great for choice, it can make narrowing things down tricky.
In this guide, we’re breaking down Pro-Ject’s core ranges. The E Line, T Line and Debut Line to help you find the turntable that best suits your setup, budget and listening style.
| Please Note: Pro-Ject also offers other turntable ranges, including the RPM, X Line and Signature Series. These models are designed for more advanced Hi-Fi systems and enthusiasts chasing the very highest levels of performance. For more on those, get in touch with our team. |
Jump to a section:
- Pro-Ject E Line – Entry-level, plug-and-play turntables
- Pro-Ject T Line – The best balance of performance and value
- Pro-Ject Debut Line – Serious Hi-Fi performance and long-term upgrades
- Which Pro-Ject Turntable Should You Buy? – SHS recommendations
Our Quick recommendations (if you just want the answer)
- Best entry-level Pro-Ject turntable: Pro-Ject E1.2
- Best all-rounder for most people: Pro-Ject T1 EVO
- Best step-up Hi-Fi option: Pro-Ject T2
- Best performance upgrade: Pro-Ject Debut EVO 2
- Best for wireless setups: Pro-Ject T2 W
Prefer to watch instead? This video breaks down Pro-Ject’s range and explains which turntable is right for you.
How Pro-Ject's Turntable Range Works
Pro-Ject’s lineup is designed like a ladder. As you move up through the ranges, you’re not just paying for nicer materials, you’re getting real, audible improvements:
- Heavier platters improve speed stability, making music sound cleaner and more consistent
- Better tonearms track records more accurately, reducing distortion
- Improved isolation lowers unwanted vibration, giving quieter backgrounds and better dynamics
In simple terms: entry-level models sound good, but higher-end Pro-Ject turntables sound more controlled, more spacious and more natural, especially on better speakers or headphones.
Within each range, you’ll also find a few different versions of the same turntable:
- Standard (fully analogue)
- Phono (built-in phono stage)
- BT / W (Bluetooth or Wi-Fi streaming)
This makes it easy to match a turntable to your system whether you’re using powered speakers, a Hi-Fi amplifier or a wireless setup.
Read More: Does my Turntable Need a Phono Preamp?
Pro-Ject E Line - The Best Place to Start with Vinyl
Available Models (RRP):
E1.2 (£249) | E1 Phono (£299) | E1 BT (£349)
The Pro-Ject E Line is the brand’s entry point into vinyl, replacing the long-running Primary range. It’s designed to be simple, affordable and genuinely plug-and-play, making it an ideal starting point for anyone new to turntables.
The E1.2 is the standout option here. It upgrades the original E1 with a heavier aluminium platter with TPE damping and Pro-Ject’s Pick it MM E cartridge fitted as standard (a meaningful step up in both stability and sound quality). It also benefits from an Electronic speed switch too which is another great step up.
The E1 Phono and E1 BT take a slightly different approach. Both use an Audio-Technica AT3600L cartridge and a standard ABS polymer platter, but add extra flexibility depending on how you want to connect your system.
| Who is the E Line best for? |
|---|
| • First-time vinyl buyers • Simple, no-fuss setups • Smaller rooms or casual listening |
Which E1 Turntable should you choose?
| Model | Built-in Phono Stage | Wireless | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| E1.2 | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✔ Systems with a phono input ✔ Lowest cost entry into vinyl ✔ Simple, fully analogue setups |
| E1 Phono | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✔ Powered speakers ✔ Amps without phono input ✔ Clean, minimal wired setups |
| E1 BT | ✅ Yes | ✅ BT | ✔ Wireless speakers or headphones ✔ Flexible, modern setups ✔ Vinyl without extra cables |
In short: if you want the simplest, best-value analogue deck, go for the E1.2. If you want flexibility without adding extra boxes, the E1 Phono is the sweet spot. And if Bluetooth compatibility is what matters, the E1 BT is the obvious choice.
Pro-Ject T Line - The Sweet Spot for Most Listeners
The Pro-Ject T Line sits above the entry-level E Line and is designed for listeners who want a clear step up in sound quality without losing the simplicity that makes Pro-Ject turntables so popular.
This range is made up of six turntables and split into two clear tiers: T1 EVO models, which focus on balance and value and the T2 models which take things further with more refined HiFi-grade performance.
T1 EVO Models
Available Models (RRP):
T1 EVO (£359) | T1 EVO Phono (£399) | T1 EVO BT (£439)
The T1 EVO range builds on the same plug-and-play concept as the E Line, but everything feels a bit more refined. Compared to the E Line, these turntables get a heavier, zero-resonance glass platter, a more rigid CNC-machined plinth and a better 8.6" aluminium tonearm fitted with an Ortofon OM10 cartridge as standard.
They’re still fully plug-and-play, but they're a step up in performance across the board.
| Who are the T1 EVO models best for? |
|---|
| • Upgrading from an entry-level turntable • Listeners who want better sound without complexity • Systems where ease of use still matters |
Which T1 EVO should you choose?
| Model | Built-in Phono Stage | Wireless | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| T1 EVO | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✔ Analogue Hi-Fi systems ✔ Best value step-up |
| T1 EVO Phono | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✔ Powered speakers ✔ Amps without phono |
| T1 EVO BT | ✅ Yes | ✅ BT | ✔ Wireless speakers or headphones ✔ Flexible modern setups |
In short: the T1 EVO is the fully analogue upgrade, the Phono version avoids any extra boxes with a phono stage built-in and the BT adds wireless flexibility with Bluetooth connectivity.
Read More: Pro-Ject T1 EVO vs Pro-Ject T1: 10 Reasons to Upgrade
T2 Models
Available Models (RRP):
T2 (£479) | T2 Super Phono (£559) | T2 W (£899)
The T2 range builds on the T1 EVO but shifts the focus firmly toward sound quality.
Key upgrades include a longer 9-inch tonearm, improved bearings, a spring-based anti-skate mechanism and a Sumiko Rainier cartridge, all of which help improve tracking accuracy, reduce distortion and reveal more detail from your records.
This is the point in the range where you’ll start to notice better separation between instruments, a wider soundstage and smoother, more natural presentation.
| Who are the T2 models best for? |
|---|
| • Those upgrading from an entry-level turntable • Listeners who want better sound without complexity • Systems where ease and performance are equal priorities |
Which T2 Model Should You Choose?
| Model | Built-in Phono Stage | Wireless | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| T2 | ❌ No | ❌ No | ✔ Pure analogue Hi-Fi setups ✔ Best sound-per-pound |
| T2 Super Phono | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✔ One-box Hi-Fi systems ✔ Clean signal path |
| T2 W | ✅ Yes | ✅ Wi-Fi | ✔ Sonos & multi-room homes ✔ Cable-free vinyl streaming |
The T2 and T2 Super Phono deliver the same refined, Hi-Fi-focused sound, with the choice coming down to how you want to connect your system. The standard T2 is ideal if you already have a phono stage, while the T2 Super Phono simplifies setup by building the phono stage in.
The T2 W, however, is fundamentally different to anything else in the range. Rather than focusing purely on traditional analogue playback, it’s designed for modern, wireless homes, allowing you to stream vinyl over Wi-Fi to compatible speakers and multi-room systems without running cables.
If you’re using Sonos or another wireless setup and want to integrate vinyl into that environment, the T2 W sits in a category of its own.
Pro-Ject Debut Line – Stepping Into Proper Hi-Fi
The Pro-Ject Debut Line is where the range moves firmly into proper Hi-Fi territory. These turntables are designed for listeners who care less about convenience features and more about sound quality, upgrade potential and long-term ownership.
Unlike the E and T Lines, none of the Debut models include a built-in phono stage, so they’re best paired with a Hi-Fi amplifier, powered speakers with a phono input or a separate phono preamp.
The Debut range is split into two distinct tiers:
Debut EVO Models
Available Models (RRP):
Debut Carbon EVO (£499) | Debut EVO 2 (£599)
The first models to look at in the Debut Line are the Debut Carbon EVO and Debut EVO 2. While the EVO 2 has technically replaced the Carbon EVO as the latest generation, both are still available and both make a strong case depending on your budget and setup.
The Debut Carbon EVO remains one of Pro-Ject’s most popular turntables for good reason. At £499, it delivers genuine Hi-Fi performance in a design that’s still straightforward to use.
Compared to the T Line, you step up to a carbon-fibre tonearm, a heavier, damped platter and an Ortofon 2M Red cartridge, all of which contribute to a tighter, more confident sound.
You also get electronic speed control for 33 and 45 RPM records, height-adjustable feet for easier levelling and support for 78 RPM playback via the included belt (with a compatible stylus).
Even though it’s now technically the outgoing model, the Carbon EVO still holds its own and is excellent value if you’re looking to move into proper Hi-Fi without overspending.
The Debut EVO 2 builds on that foundation with a series of refinements rather than a complete redesign. At £599, it introduces a new Pick It MM EVO cartridge, improved damping and subtle changes to the tonearm and plinth that result in a smoother, more controlled presentation.
Rather than sounding dramatically different, the EVO 2 feels more polished and composed, particularly on more revealing systems. If you’re planning to keep your turntable long term or already have good speakers and amplification, those refinements can be worth the step up.
| Model | Cartridge | Key Difference | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debut Carbon EVO | Ortofon 2M Red | Proven design, excellent value | ✔ First step into serious Hi-Fi ✔ Value for the money |
| Debut EVO 2 | Pick It MM EVO | More refined, smoother sound | ✔ More revealing systems ✔ Long-term ownership |
In short: the Debut Carbon EVO is still a fantastic value route into Hi-Fi vinyl, especially if you’re conscious of budget. The Debut EVO 2 adds refinement and polish, making it the better choice if sound quality is the priority and your system can take advantage of it.
Debut Pro Models
Available Models (RRP):
Debut Pro B (£749) | Debut Pro S (£899)
The Debut Pro models sit at the top of Pro-Ject’s Debut range and are designed for listeners who want a turntable that can grow with their system over time. These models move beyond simple plug-and-play and introduce features typically found on much more expensive decks.
Both the Debut Pro B and Debut Pro S share a more substantial build, improved isolation and Pro-Ject’s True Balanced Connection, allowing for balanced signal output when paired with compatible phono stages or amplifiers.
| Who are the Debut Pro models best for? |
|---|
| • Long-term Hi-Fi setups • Listeners planning future upgrades • More experienced vinyl listeners |
Debut Pro B vs Debut Pro S
While both models share the same Debut Pro platform, they’re designed with different types of listener in mind.
| Model | Tonearm | True Balanced | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debut Pro B | Carbon-aluminium hybrid | ✅ Yes | ✔ Cleaner, more modern sound ✔ Balanced Hi-Fi systems |
| Debut Pro S | 10” S-shaped aluminium | ✅ Yes | ✔ Cartridge swapping ✔ Maximum flexibility |
The Debut Pro B builds on the original Debut Pro by introducing True Balanced Connection. Alongside standard RCA outputs, it adds a Mini XLR balanced output, allowing you to run a fully balanced signal when paired with a compatible phono stage or amplifier. This helps reduce electrical noise and interference, resulting in a cleaner, quieter and more dynamic sound.
It also comes fitted with Pro-Ject’s Pick It Pro Balanced cartridge, designed specifically to work with that balanced output. Combined with the carbon–aluminium hybrid tonearm and fully adjustable setup, the Pro B is aimed at listeners who want maximum performance now with a clear upgrade path as the rest of their system improves.
The Debut Pro S takes the same high-quality foundation but approaches things in a slightly different way. It swaps the straight tonearm for a 10-inch S-shaped aluminium tonearm with a detachable SME-style headshell.
You still get the same excellent build quality, with a heavy aluminium platter featuring TPE damping, a solid MDF plinth and electronic speed control.
It also includes full VTA and azimuth adjustment and comes pre-fitted with a Pick-IT S2 C cartridge, which delivers a smooth, engaging sound that suits a wide range of music styles.
At £899, it’s a bit more expensive than the Pro B, but it’s aimed at a slightly different listener, someone who values versatility and wants that timeless, retro aesthetic paired with modern Pro-Ject performance.
So, Which Pro-Ject Turntable Should You Buy?
With such a wide range on offer, choosing the right Pro-Ject turntable really comes down to where you are in your vinyl journey and how you plan to build your system.
| Just getting started? |
|---|
| The E Line is the best place to begin. It keeps things simple, affordable and genuinely plug-and-play, while still delivering signature Pro-Ject sound quality. |
| Want the best balance of price and performance? |
|---|
| The T Line is the sweet spot for most listeners. The T1 EVO models offer an excellent step up from entry-level decks, while the T2 models focus more firmly on sound quality and refinement. If you’re running a wireless system, the T2 W stands apart as a unique way to integrate vinyl into a modern, cable-free setup. |
| Looking for proper Hi-Fi performance? |
|---|
| The Debut EVO models are where things really step up, offering greater control, clarity and refinement for dedicated Hi-Fi systems. |
| Building a long-term system you can grow into? |
|---|
| The Debut Pro models are designed with longevity and flexibility in mind. Choose the Pro B if you want a modern, balanced signal path and maximum performance or the Pro S if cartridge swapping and hands-on tuning are part of the fun. |
Ultimately, there isn’t a “wrong” choice. just the right turntable for your setup, space and priorities. If you’re still unsure which Pro-Ject turntable is right for you, our Tech Guides are always happy to help you narrow things down based on your system and listening habits.
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