Firstly I would like to thank Lee at Acoustand for sending me this sub-platter and bearing upgrade to review.
*disclaimer: This sample was provided for the purpose of writing a review, no incentive was given to write a favourable review. All opinions expressed are my own subjective findings
Gear Used:
Pro-Ject Debut Carbon > Pro-Ject Phono Box > Marantz PM66 SE KI Sig > B&W 606
Packaging and Build Quality:
The sub-platter came very well packaged in a card box, the sub-platter is protected by a well made polystyrene insert that holds everything in place during transit to prevent damage. No fancy retail packaging, just the parts you need which is great in my opinion.
The delrin is expertly machined, the spindle has very tight tolerances which means records are tighter on it and the bearing feels great. You can tell a lot of thought has gone into making this product, from the materials used to the quality of craftsmanship this is one very well made upgrade.
Installation:
The sub-platter and bearing combo come with a little instruction manual showing how to fit the items, along with a syringe of bearing oil. Replacing the stock Pro-Ject bearing is easy and all that is needed is to unscrew a couple of screws. Next you fit the bearing, and secure it in place with the original screws, simple.
Next you want to put a few (about 6) drops of oil into the centre of the bearing, and insert the sub-platter. Due to the tight machining tolerances, it can take a little while for the sub-platter to fully settle in the bearing, but turn it gently and it’ll go in. Once installed you can put the drive belt back on, add the platter and you’re ready to go.
I gave it a quick spin before I put the belt back on and you can instantly tell how smooth the new bearing is compared to stock. Also the sub-platter feels much more substantial over the very lightweight stock one.
Sound:
This is a bit of a different product than my usual ones to review, but it was really interesting to see what difference a bearing and sub-platter upgrade can do. First off I’ll mention that my other half came into the living room one morning and didn’t know it was vinyl playing as the level of control and detail were quite a bit above what she was used to with the turntable stock.
Adding this upgrade package for £79 is worthwhile, I know the deck is not expensive and you have to be realistic about upgrading a budget deck, but this really does bring the Debut Carbon up a level performance wise. The spindle is tighter now which means records fit better, and are more centred. The mass of the delrin helps with speed stability and damping the platter. I can imagine that this sub-platter paired with the Acryl-It platter would be very impressive and something I am working towards.
Even so, this sub-platter and bearing have made a noticeable improvement in detail and control, stock there is a little bit of haze and this lifts that considerably. The reduced noise due to damping allows finer details to come through a little easier, along with more stable speed and pitch. The sound is more dynamic and I am really impressed by this little upgrade, if you own a model that this fits, it is well worth looking in to.
Conclusion:
Well yes you have to take into account that upgrading a budget deck is not always the best investment, but for £79.99 this really does bring audible improvements in the form of better control, detail and stability. I can easily recommend this product from Acoustand, it is very well thought out and works a treat.
Sound Perfection Rating: 10/10 (Can’t fault it for the price or performance)
Thank you for your review. A year or so ago, they changed from an aluminum sub platter, to the Delrin one, and per their website, they now are using a “bearingless” design. So I am a bit confused about the “bearing oil”.
To me the Delrin looked cheaper than the Aluminum. But I am glad to see your positive review.
Brad
I have a feeling Delrin is a better material than aluminium for sub-platters as it doesn’t ring, but I’m sure Acoustand would be able to elaborate more if you contact them. Regarding the bearing, it still has one, but without the single little ball you have to insert. It is a different design and the oil still helps, it spins so smoothly compared to the stock one.
This is now sold out (Pro-Ject model) … what about that? New model coming?
I just sent an e-mail to Acoustand asking if the Sub-Platter And Bearing Upgrades for the Pro-ject Debut will be available again. If I hear back from them I’ll post their reply.
I received a quick reply from Lee at Acoustand Audio, and with material suppliers closed at this time he’s currently unable to say if the Pro-ject subplatters will be available again, but said he will get in touch if they become available. I’ll definitely be getting a couple of these if they become available.
any news as of now? i just bought a Pro-ject Carbon Debut and looking at some upgrades.
It appears you can pre-order them: https://www.acoustand.co.uk/collections/turntable-parts/products/acoustand-sub-platter-upgrade-for-pro-ject-xpression-turntables
Hey I noticed your transport screws are still in place in your photos. (Motor mount) When I removed mine it made a noticeable sound improvement in the reduction of hum transferring from the motor. Thanks for this review. I think I’ll be making the upgrade.
On the Debut Carbon I have (later model) they are not classed as transport screws and are not supposed to be removed… But I know some people have tinkered with them and improved things, I haven’t really had any problems with leaving them as they are.