Pro-Ject Debut Evo 2

An appealing turntable in looks and sound

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The Evo 2 is an updated version of the five-star Debut Carbon Evo, with key elements taken from the two-time What Hi-Fi? Product of the Year, the Debut Pro, to elevate the performance further. As the Debut Pro is being replaced by a balanced connection-equipped model, it's this new Evo 2 that is being pitched as the forerunner for the Debut line. It undercuts the outgoing Debut Pro. This means the Evo 2 goes toe to toe with its evergreen rival, the Rega Planar 2.

The Debut Evo 2 is a clean, minimal design that is well-built and smooth in use. It marries that simplicity with a touch of pizzazz, depending on the colour of finish you choose. Our review sample is in the new wine-red satin finish; the sophisticated hue and quality of the finish helps the deck look sleek and stylish.

We have seen the steel blue, fir green and golden yellow finishes in person too, and they offer an appealing alternative to the usual black, white or walnut veneer finishes that we see too often. Pro-Ject also offers these more traditional finishes - there are 10 finishes in total, none of them costing extra - but we have to doff our caps to the brand for offering a wide variety of colourful options so vinyl fans can match their interior styles.

Aesthetics aside, there are significant updates throughout the Evo 2, while it also allows for further upgrades down the line. The steel platter of the older Debut Carbon Evo has been replaced with a heavy aluminium platter, which has a dense ring of TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer) to help reduce unwanted resonances. The 8.6in tonearm - comprising a one-piece carbon fibre tube - is mounted on a new precision-milled aluminium block with low-friction bearings. Both these upgrades are derived from the excellent Debut Pro deck, and the trio of feet also have TPE damping built in to further isolate and protect the Evo 2 from external vibrations.