Pro-Ject Debut Carbon DC with Ortofon 2M Red Cartridge vs.Pro-Ject - Debut Carbon Esprit S


Hey, 

I finally got back into vinyl and purchased a ProJect Debut Carbon DC.  After purchasing I realized that there's a another Proj-ect, a  Debut Carbon Esprit SB, and am wondering if I should return the Carbon DC and buy  the Espirit.

Anyone know if the Espirit is a major upgrade?  Or is the Carbon DC upgradeable making it equal or better than the Espirit?

I know the Carbon DC can be upgraded with a new blue Cartridge and a Platter.  

I need to send the TT back within the next few days so I'd appreciate some feedback asap.

TIA
klimt
I’m going to seriously look into this! I’ll probably go to a high end stereophile store to audition TT’s.

Yes, just try it in the shops if they have demo, touch it, press play/stop, put the needle on the record, feel the tonearm ... You will understand why it was not only a Hi-Fi turntable, but also a choice of professionals (radio stations, clubs etc). And remember that GR is not a cheap dj turntable, for DJs they have new mk7 which is also very good at lower price, the GR and G are for audiophiles. I hope you will like it. 

BTW- what is your opinion of CD/Digital vs. Vinyl?

I know that modern digital rig can be very good, i've heard the best digital in my friend's apartment, the DAC alone was $20k. 

But i'm a vinyl guy, i collect vintage records from the 60s/70s, original pressing. When i checked some remastered high-resolution digital files played by my friend in his system it was too sterile for me compared to original records. He played 50's music for me, i like it better on vinyl. For modern music digital is fine, because new music produced digitally, recorded digitally, mastered digitally ... 

For old music analog is so much better, my favorite music is 100% from analog era, no digital involved, this is pure magic! And that's why i prefer vinyl! But i also like vinyl as media formal with big sleeves, record labels etc. 

In the 90's i was impressed by CD format for a little while, it was new here, CD player was better than my hi-fi vinyl at that time, i also enjoyed booklets in CDs. But since the mid 90's i start buying vinyl and sold all my CDs, upgraded my analog rig with my first Technics in 1995-96. Only vinyl since that day. 

I use digital to discover music or to listen to political talk shows online :)
I do not use digital in my main system.  







@chakster One of your best posts. Me too. Analog vinyl from the 60s to early 80s sounds so much more organic and real.  

@klimt  So what did you end up doing?

I know this is fairly old and you have probably moved on from the Project, but in case not. The Project Debut Carbon is a solid TT in it's $ range & yes I would recommend the acrylic platter. I have the Debut Carbon Esprit SB "Beatles version" as my 2nd TT. The easiest upgrade for it is just to buy the Ortofon 2M Blue stylus, it uses the same cartridge the red does, and is a nice upgrade. I had done just that, but my 2M Blue stylus recently broke :( not sure how. I order an Audio-Technica VM540ML as a replacement, about the same price as the 2M blue, but reviews much better. More on par with the 2M bronze. 

Sticking with MM also make things much easier with the phono stage. Not sure what you are using for a phono stage, but for that TT a Schiit Mani, possibly with Swagman labs power supply upgrade is very good, and not expensive. 

I hope you are enjoying your vinyl! :)  
Also, I strongly agree with the 60s-80s vinyl sentiment from above.