EAT C Major Turntable - Black - Jo No. 5 Cartridge - Not Mounted

Major Engineering, Paired with EAT's Own Cartridge

The EAT C-Major brings much of the engineering behind EAT's pricier C-Sharp down to a smaller, more attainable turntable. A low-profile MDF chassis, a carbon-fiber-and-MDF composite subchassis, and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) damping feet give the platter, bearing, and tonearm a quiet, stable foundation.

This package includes EAT's own Jo No. 5 moving-coil cartridge, supplied loose rather than pre-mounted. Its nude fine-line stylus and mint-green polyamide body (3D-printed by selective laser sintering) are built to extract fine detail while complementing the 9-inch C-Note tonearm it's designed to ride on.

A hinged dust cover is included to keep dust off the platter and stylus between listening sessions. RCA outputs on the back make it simple to choose your own interconnect or upgrade the phono cable later on.

Carbon Fiber, Aluminum, and a 9-Inch Tonearm

A Floating Subchassis, Not Just a Heavy One

EAT separates the subchassis from the main chassis with cone-shaped TPE supports, keeping motor noise and outside vibration from reaching the record groove. The damped aluminum platter uses its own TPE inserts to control resonance, and three adjustable feet make leveling straightforward.

The main bearing is an inverted design topped with a hard, resonance-free ceramic ball. A dedicated mass point near the bearing absorbs stray energy and turns it into a harmless trace of heat rather than letting it reach the cartridge.

The EAT Jo No. 5 Moving-Coil Cartridge

Jo No. 5 uses a nude fine-line stylus for greater groove contact than a simpler elliptical tip, aiming for refined detail and precise imaging. It outputs 0.33mV into a recommended load above 20 ohms, with tracking force set to 2.4 grams (a 2.2–2.5 gram range is acceptable).

Because Jo No. 5 ships unmounted rather than factory-fitted, professional installation and alignment is strongly recommended, unless you're already comfortable setting up a moving-coil cartridge on your own turntable at home.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Jason Thorpe reviewed the C-Major for SoundStage! Hi-Fi, writing that he was "in no rush to reinsert my Pro-Ject in the system, and that says much about how good the C-Major really is."

Robert Archer, CE Pro, called the C-Major "an excellent way to put discerning music fans into a vinyl solution without the audiophile pricing normally associated with some turntables."

Who Is This Turntable Best For?

• You want EAT's own cartridge, tuned for EAT's own tonearm — Jo No. 5's fine-line stylus is built to complement the C-Note arm
• You want finer detail than an entry-level elliptical stylus offers — the nude fine-line tip traces more of the groove
• You want EAT's flagship engineering at an entry price — the same subchassis philosophy as the costlier C-Sharp, scaled down
• You have (or plan to add) a moving-coil-capable phono preamp — Jo No. 5's low output needs one
• You want the cartridge already mounted and ready to play — Jo No. 5 ships unmounted, so plan on professional installation

How Does It Connect to Your System?

The C-Major has no built-in phono preamp. Because Jo No. 5 is a moving-coil cartridge, its RCA output needs a phono stage with MC gain, or a step-up transformer feeding a standard MM input.

The turntable ships partly unassembled to protect its delicate parts, so setup means fitting the feet, sub-platter, belt, platter, and counterweight. Jo No. 5 then needs mounting, alignment, and tracking-force calibration — a job most owners leave to a dealer.

Pairs Well With

Where the C-Major goes from here:

• Phono preamplifiers — required for playback, with moving-coil gain to suit Jo No. 5
• Integrated amplifiers — look for a built-in MC phono stage to skip a separate box
• Turntable accessories — a stylus brush and cleaner keep Jo No. 5's fine-line tip performing its best
• Audio racks — a rigid, level shelf lets the subchassis do its job

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this package include a cartridge?

Yes, EAT's own Jo No. 5 moving-coil cartridge, supplied unmounted for professional installation.

Is Jo No. 5 already mounted on the tonearm?

It ships unmounted. Mounting, alignment, and tracking-force setup are needed before you can play a record, which is why professional installation is recommended.

Does the C-Major have a built-in phono preamp?

Jo No. 5's low 0.33mV output needs an external phono stage with moving-coil gain, or a step-up transformer into an MM input — there is no phono stage built in.

How do I change from 33⅓ to 45 rpm?

Speed changes by hand: move the drive belt to the other step on the motor pulley.

Is a dust cover included?

Yes, a hinged dust cover ships with every C-Major.

See It in Action

Audio Advisor presents the EAT C-Major:

See the EAT C-Major in a detailed product demonstration:

Why Audio Advisor?

• 40+ Years of Expertise — Since 1981, we've helped over a million music lovers find the right gear.
• 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee — Take your time. Listen, enjoy, and make sure it's right for you.
• Real Experts, Real Help — Our team is here to answer your questions at 800-942-0220, weekdays 9am–6pm EST.
• Free Shipping — On orders over $49, delivered to your door.
• Flexible Payment Options — Financing available so you can start listening now.

Learn More

Want to learn more about turntable setup, moving-coil phono preamps, or professional cartridge installation? Visit our Learning Center for guides, tips, and expert advice.