Pro-Ject Debut Carbon vs Yamaha A-S501

Great design and quality components
Exceptional sound quality
Affordable price for an entry-level audiophile turntable
Carbon fiber tonearm and speed control provide a great experience
Outstanding performance of the cartridge
Great connectivity
Solid power supply capable of driving 4-ohm speakers
Easy to set up
Clean sound across the frequency range
Well-built
Not easy to access cartridge
Poor acoustic isolation
Tonearm rest design could be improved
Not ideal for streaming via Bluetooth
No true tape monitor loop
Remote only functional in standby mode

Verdict

Overall, the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon turntable receives high praise for its exceptional design, quality components, and fantastic sound quality. Many reviewers note that it is a great entry-level audiophile turntable that provides a long-term solution for music enjoyment. The carbon fiber tonearm and speed control, coupled with the outstanding performance of the cartridge, provide a great experience at an affordable price. However, some reviewers mention issues with the tonearm rest, poor acoustic isolation, and difficulty accessing the cartridge. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon is a home run in value and performance, making it a highly recommended choice for anyone looking to get into vinyl.

Verdict

The Yamaha A-S501 is a well-built and clean-sounding integrated amplifier with good connectivity. It has a solid power supply and is capable of driving 4-ohm speakers. Some users wish it had a true tape monitor loop or better streaming quality via Bluetooth. However, overall, it is a fantastic amp for the price and is easy to set up. It is recommended to pair it with speakers such as the Wharfedale Lintons or Polk R200 for optimal performance.

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