Review on 🎶 Enhanced Pro-Ject Debut Carbon EVO Audiophile Turntable: Carbon Fiber Tonearm, Electronic Speed Selector, and Sumiko Rainier Phono Cartridge (Satin Black) by David Boone

I bought this turntable to replace my 1998 Panasonic PL-990 fully automatic. I saw one in a small music shop on a trip to Eastern Europe and have wanted to buy it ever since. This is a nice simplified car. A lot of engineering has gone into this player; You don't see it - in this case it's good. It's not chrome, it's glaring ugliness. The lines are clean and the workmanship is high quality. It feels solid with no discernible plastic except for the dust cover, unlike my old TT which was mostly plastic. I'm sure you can hear. The records seem to come a little livelier on this TT than on my old one. How much of that does a cartridge and stylus make - $150 Sumiko Rainer vs $20 Audio Technia stylus and built in cartridge. Not sure, but probably a lot. The speed is constant. There is no engine noise. The cymbal is heavy and does not swing. Cons: It was $500. I liked the music of the old TT as much as this one, but I wanted something "new". Setup was easy, but you have to adjust the vertical pressure of the arm/pen. It's not difficult, but it takes time and tweaking. If not set correctly, it will affect the sound of your music; too little power and the sound becomes too bright, too much power and it sounds quiet. I needed several attempts. Bottom line: I bought this TT because I wanted something with the best tech I could afford and had no need to upgrade. The Pro-Ject Debut Carbon Evo fits the bill. If I didn't have a nostalgic connection to the turntable, I would buy the U-Turn Orbit. It's made in the USA and it's clear from my emails with them when deciding to buy that they have top notch customer service. It might not have the same bells and whistles under the hood, but it could be a good thing. Their tonearm is fully tuned and they have internal anti-skating. These things aren't complicated, but you don't have to worry if you just want to listen to music. For $350 you can get a similar TT design with an acrylic disc. I suggest considering both options! Update: I've been living with TT for a while now and love it! It reproduces color and tone that I didn't hear from my old TT. Just as good as CD, if not better.