Turntables — European Audio Team (EAT) FORTE S

The Forte S is a belt-drive turntable from European Audio Team, positioned below the standard Forte with a more compact chassis and DC rather than AC motor. This model represents a somewhat more accessible route into EAT's Forte platform engineering, sharing similar wow and flutter performance in a lighter, more manageable design.

Key specs that matter

Two speeds are supported - 33 and 45 rpm. Drive is by belt with a DC motor rather than the standard Forte's AC design. Wow and flutter is 0.009%, closely matching the standard Forte's exceptional figure. Signal-to-noise is -73 dB, identical to the standard Forte. At 550 x 250 x 440 mm and 44 kg it is notably more compact and lighter than the standard Forte's 65 kg.

Sound and use context

Expect a settled, low-resonance presentation closely matching the standard Forte's exceptional wow and flutter and signal-to-noise figures, in a somewhat more compact and manageable chassis - a capable performer offering much of the Forte platform's engineering at a more accessible scale.

Pairing

No cartridge or tonearm is specified separately here, consistent with the deck being supplied as a base platform for a chosen arm.

Alternatives

EAT's standard Forte sits above this model with an AC motor and larger chassis; the Fortissimo sits at the top of this specific platform family, worth comparing directly on scale and specific motor technology before choosing between these positioned EAT turntables. EAT relatively specialist dealer network compared with more mainstream brands means arranging a proper demonstration is worth the extra research effort before committing to a purchase at this level. A dealer conversation comparing this model directly against the standard Forte helps clarify exactly what the more compact chassis and DC motor mean for a specific installation, and a qualified installer should handle cartridge fitting and alignment to extract the full benefit of this platform. Overall this remains a capable, more accessible route into EAT Forte platform engineering. A dealer visit remains the simplest way to compare current pricing across EAT Forte platform lineup. A rigid, well-isolated shelf beneath the deck also helps this platter deliver its full resonance-control potential. Given the substantial 44 kg weight, delivery and placement logistics deserve careful advance planning. A dealer demonstration remains worthwhile.