EAT C Major Turntable - Black - Ortofon Quintet Blue

Major Engineering, Matched to a Versatile 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 pairs the C-Major with an Ortofon Quintet Blue moving-coil cartridge, factory-fitted on the 9-inch C-Note tonearm. The Quintet Blue's Nude Elliptical stylus and aluminum cantilever bring an open, detailed, rhythmically engaging character that works well across most kinds of music.

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 Ortofon Quintet Blue Moving-Coil Cartridge

The Quintet Blue uses a Nude Elliptical diamond on an aluminum cantilever, wired with pure 4N silver coils. It outputs 0.5mV into a recommended load above 20 ohms, with tracking force set to 2.3 grams (a 2.1–2.5 gram range is acceptable).

Being a moving-coil design, the Quintet Blue needs an MC-capable phono preamp or a step-up transformer feeding an MM stage — a standard MM-only phono input isn't enough gain for a cartridge this quiet.

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 a cartridge already matched and mounted — the Quintet Blue arrives factory-fitted on the C-Note tonearm
• You want an open, detailed sound across many kinds of music — the Quintet Blue's Nude Elliptical stylus is a versatile all-rounder
• 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 — the Quintet Blue's low output needs one
• You value push-button speed selection — 33⅓ and 45rpm at a touch

How Does It Connect to Your System?

The C-Major has no built-in phono preamp. Because the Quintet Blue 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. The Quintet Blue ships mounted, but check its tracking force and alignment before your first record.

Pairs Well With

Where the C-Major goes from here:

• Phono preamplifiers — required for playback, with moving-coil gain to suit the Quintet Blue
• Integrated amplifiers — look for a built-in MC phono stage to skip a separate box
• Turntable accessories — a stylus brush and cleaner keep the Quintet Blue's diamond 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, an Ortofon Quintet Blue moving-coil cartridge, factory-fitted on the C-Note tonearm.

Does it have a built-in phono preamp?

The Quintet Blue's low 0.5mV 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.

Can I install a different cartridge later?

Yes. The tonearm's adjustable counterweight and anti-skating accept a wide range of moving-magnet and moving-coil designs.

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:

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Learn More

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