When Austrian entrepreneur Heinz Lichtenegger established audio-tech brand Pro-Ject in 1991, the compact disc was on the rise. Unfettered by this, what ultimately proved to be short-lived development, he was instrumental in the revival of vinyl; a music format that, unlike the CD, is still thriving. For those true music aficionados and experts – DJs among them – no mode of music transmission has better quality than a 78” or 45”.

With its simple belt-driven modality but also accessible price-point, the inaugural Pro-Ject 1 turntable resonated with a broader consumer base, bringing the vinyl record back into the home as much as the club. With the brand’s launch of the Debut product in 1999 – available in a diverse array of striking colorways – the typology became even more of a lifestyle signifier.

As tastes shifted in the past three decades, so did the finished offering but the integrated technology only improved. Pro-Ject has maintained a reputation of providing the best sound and durability within the mid-range market category.

Building on and commemorating this trajectory of success is the just-released Debut Reference 10, the brand’s first turntable to feature a hybrid carbon/aluminum tonearm. Harkening back to other emblematic models, the design is defined by its sleek matte black surface anchored by acrylic accents. Its bearing block form is made of diamond-cut aluminum.