Pro-Ject Debut S/E3 review

Pro-Ject's boffins have tweaked the Debut S/E3 turntable for even better sound Tested at £250

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

This UK-only special improves on an already talented original. The attractive and versatile Debut S/E3 is a fine buy

Pros

  • +

    Enjoyable sound with a good amount of insight

  • +

    easy to use and set-up

Cons

  • -

    Nothing of significance at this price

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

Pro-Ject’s Debut has been a major player in the budget market since it first appeared in 1999. Now in its third generation, this deck continues to set high standards.

The S/E3 we have on test is a UK model and has some notable upgrades – the most obvious being the black gloss finish more usually found on Pro-ject’s pricier products.

Look further and you’ll find a multitude of engineering upgrades.

The platter is larger and the arm bearings are of a higher grade, and there’s also an upgraded motor that’s better decoupled from the plinth, a new belt and a detachable turntable interconnect that opens up the deck for fettling.

The cartridge, an Ortofon Super OM10, is better than the standard one, too.

Well-balanced character remains

All this sees the turntable move up a sonic level, but the well-balanced character of the original hasn’t been lost. The S/E3 remains highly listenable, just adding an extra dose of insight and precision into proceedings.

It sounds a touch lean, but never enough to upset; the upside is plenty of detail and the ability to tie the strands of, say, Holst’s Mars, into an engaging whole.

Pleasingly, this deck has the punch and excitement to satisfy with the likes of Nirvana as much as its refinement and resolution impress with classical music.

The S/E3 is as easy to use as any Debut, and has a feeling of extra polish. It’s a great alternative to the Award-winning Rega RP1.

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

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