EAT Forte S Turntable with C-Note Tonearm

Massive by Design. Effortless in Performance.

The EAT Forte S with C-Note Tonearm is built for listeners who believe a turntable should provide an immovable foundation for the smallest musical details. Its 97-pound construction, 33-pound damped platter, dual-motor drive and magnetic suspension work together to minimize noise, resist vibration and maintain remarkably stable rotation.

The Forte S is available in two luxurious finishes—Piano Black or high-gloss Macassar—and three cartridge configurations:

• No Cartridge: For listeners who already own a reference cartridge or want to choose one specifically for their system.
• EAT Jo No. 5: A low-output moving-coil cartridge with a Nude Fine Line stylus, delivering excellent detail, smooth tonal balance and precise imaging.
• EAT Jo No. 8: EAT’s higher-performance moving-coil option, featuring a Nude Shibata stylus, boron cantilever and solid chestnut-and-aluminum body.

A 33-Pound Platter Supported by Magnetic Force

The Forte S uses a massive 14.2-inch aluminum platter designed to provide exceptional rotational stability. Sorbothane damping on the inside and a mat made from recycled vinyl on the outside help control resonance and create a quiet surface for record playback.

A sophisticated inverted bearing places a ceramic ball against a Teflon thrust plate. Two powerful neodymium magnets support much of the platter’s weight, reducing pressure on the bearing and helping it rotate smoothly with less mechanical noise and wear.

Dual Motors and Electronic Speed Control

Two AC motors are positioned symmetrically beside the platter and drive it through a pair of equal-length belts. This arrangement distributes rotational force more evenly than a conventional single-motor design. Electronic controls provide direct selection of 33⅓ or 45 rpm without requiring you to reposition a belt.

The 10-Inch EAT C-Note Tonearm

The included 10-inch C-Note tonearm combines a carbon-fiber arm tube with a lightweight, rigid aluminum headshell. Its hybrid Cardan and unipivot bearing system is designed to provide the stability of a conventional bearing with the freedom of movement associated with a unipivot design.

Special silicone-based internal damping helps reduce tonearm and cartridge resonance. Adjustable tracking force, anti-skating and vertical tracking angle allow the C-Note to accommodate a broad range of premium moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges.

Magnetic Isolation from the Ground Up

The mass-loaded chassis rests on four height-adjustable magnetic feet. These feet provide both leveling adjustment and mechanical isolation, helping prevent vibration from the equipment rack, floor and loudspeakers from reaching the stylus.

Choosing Your Forte S

• Piano Black: A deep, polished finish with a formal, modern appearance.
• Macassar: A high-gloss wood finish that emphasizes the Forte S’s handcrafted character.
• No Cartridge: Best for experienced analog listeners who already have a preferred cartridge or want a custom recommendation.
• Jo No. 5: An excellent choice for listeners seeking a refined, neutral and highly detailed moving-coil cartridge.
• Jo No. 8: The preferred option for greater resolution, more precise groove tracing and a more advanced cantilever and stylus assembly.

Both Jo cartridges are low-output moving-coil designs and require a compatible MC phono preamplifier. The Forte S does not include a built-in phono stage.

Is the EAT Forte S Right for You?

• Choose it if: You want a reference-level turntable built around extreme mass, magnetic suspension and sophisticated vibration control.
• Choose it if: You value the speed stability and balanced drive provided by two motors and two equal-length belts.
• Choose it if: You want a fully adjustable 10-inch tonearm capable of supporting premium cartridge upgrades.
• Choose it if: You want a visually commanding turntable in Piano Black or high-gloss Macassar.
• Keep in mind: At approximately 97 pounds, the Forte S requires a large, rigid equipment stand rated to support its weight.
• Keep in mind: The Jo No. 5 and Jo No. 8 require an MC-compatible phono stage with suitable gain and loading.

Setup and Placement

The Forte S is a large and extremely heavy precision instrument. At least two people should be available for unpacking and installation. Place it on a rigid, level audio rack with sufficient weight capacity and enough clearance for the platter, tonearm and dust cover.

Setup includes installing the platter, belts, counterweight and tonearm accessories, leveling the magnetic feet and setting the cartridge’s tracking force and anti-skating. Cartridge installation and alignment may also be required depending on the configuration ordered. Professional setup is recommended for the best performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which finishes and cartridge configurations are available?

The Forte S is available in Piano Black or high-gloss Macassar. Either finish may be ordered without a cartridge, with an EAT Jo No. 5 moving-coil cartridge or with an EAT Jo No. 8 moving-coil cartridge.

Does the Forte S include a tonearm?

Yes. This version includes EAT’s 10-inch C-Note tonearm with a carbon-fiber arm tube and aluminum headshell.

Does it have a built-in phono preamp?

No. A separate phono preamplifier is required. An MC-compatible phono stage is necessary when using the Jo No. 5 or Jo No. 8.

How do I change between 33⅓ and 45 rpm?

The Forte S provides electronic speed selection through its three-button control panel. The drive belts do not need to be repositioned.

What is the difference between the Jo No. 5 and Jo No. 8?

The Jo No. 5 uses a Nude Fine Line stylus with an aluminum cantilever. The Jo No. 8 upgrades to a Nude Shibata stylus, boron cantilever, 8N copper coil wire and a stabilized chestnut-and-aluminum body for greater detail retrieval and more precise tracking.

Does the turntable require a special stand?

The Forte S weighs approximately 97 pounds and should be placed on a rigid, level audio rack rated to support its weight. A lightweight shelf or wall-mounted platform is generally not suitable.

For the serious vinyl listener, the EAT Forte S offers an imposing combination of mass, precision and mechanical isolation—with cartridge and finish options that allow it to become a true centerpiece of the system.

Why Audio Advisor?

Audio Advisor is one of the longest-running specialty audio retailers in the United States. Our knowledgeable audio experts can help you choose the right cartridge, phono preamp and support furniture for your Forte S. Enjoy expert support, fast fulfillment and free shipping on qualifying orders.