[apollophono]

I recently purchased a Project Debut III with Ortofon OM5e cartridge.
Lately I noticed a hum when playing records.  I recently purchased
new speakers JBL S530's and Rega A2D phone preamp with USB.
In the process of trying to record to digital I started noticing a hum.

When trying to isolate the problem I used my Hafler DH101 and heard
the same.  (Not the Rega A2D).  Tried different cables...same.  Checked
grounding...no problem.  Tried different cartridge (knowing some are
susceptible to humming.  Nope.  I was getting more and more pissed.

Hmmm.  It's amazing what you can find on the net.  Sure enough
someone else had the same problem.  I would have thought is was
some EMI issue with the motor.  It was the suspension of the motor
itself.  Weird, as the Rega had the similar motor suspension system
on my old Planar 2.  Well as one possible fix is to use some other
mounting points for the rubber band suspending the motor.  I used
toothpicks and darn if it didn't work. 

Sad that a large manufacturer didn't realize the problem.  Anyway
I'm glad that it worked out for me.  I hope this helps anybody who
is considering purchasing the Project Debut III as an inexperience
the joys of Cheap and Cheerful Hifi.

[Charles Xavier]

They know of the problem.Do a search on vinyl engine and you'll see a thread about it. There is also a fix which includes adding rubber grommets to the mounting screws.

[apollophono]

Thanks Charles.  That is where I found the fix.  Saw the
posts and haven't ordered the upgrade yet.  Toothpicks
for the screws has worked so far and am looking for a
better belt that can be sourced in the US.  Haven't found
a place to purchase here in the US.