Pro-ject Debut Carbon vs Debut III ??

Besides all the pluses that have been mention for the Carbon, here is another one. The ability to use your own interconnects with the Carbon as the Debut is hardwired.

When I compare the two, the Carbon is so well priced for everything you get, it is the Debut that looks overpriced to me. Even at its clearance price!

Put your mind at ease and get the Carbon!

Be careful, both of these tables canhave low tonearm bearing tolerances = bad = can damage your records.

No issue with the arm. I have been running a Debut 3 for 5 years. Probably have 5,000 hours omit with no issues. I also have higher end tables to compare and no LPs have been damaged. Project makes a very fine budget record deck. But yes the Carbon is the way to go if you afford to.

I have used a Debut II for 5 years on my 3000 LP collection with no issues. The arm does not suck. It is quite functional and work well with your record assuming you have a well matched cartridge (I use a At95ce from LP Gear). I also use the heavier counterweight which I got when I used an Ortofon 2M red.

For sure get the Carbon. It is outstanding value. I also own other better tables including a higher Project model.

Thanks for the feedback all. Despite the extra $100 clearance savings the Debut III carries vs. the full price of the Debut Carbon, you are all unanimous in your recommendation of the Carbon. That's a pretty strong recommendation.

What about the Carbon vs the Rega RP3? The RP3 is a little over twice the price but is also very highly recommended. What will spending more get me? That glass platter sure looks impressive...

I know it sounds like I'm all over the place here. Truthfully I can afford a more expensive turntable but when it comes to vinyl I'm a very casual listener because I have a small collection of old records (that probably need a good cleaning) and don't plan on investing much in more vinyl. Just a way for me to enjoy some certain recordings on occasion that I enjoy more on vinyl than on digital. 90% of my listening will remain on CD/SACD.