The EVO CC is Pro-Ject's evolution of their acclaimed EVO tonearm series, stepping above the standard EVO with the addition of a one-piece carbon-fibre armtube in all three lengths: 9, 10, and 12 inches. The 12-inch version reviewed here represents the top of the EVO CC range, offering the lowest effective mass relative to stylus geometry and the greatest compatibility with a wide cartridge selection.
Armtube and Construction
The armtube is formed from a single piece of carbon fibre with a conical profile that tapers towards the headshell. This design reduces standing wave reflections within the tube, keeping the signal path free from coloration. The tube is secured by a single screw to allow rotation for straightforward azimuth adjustment. All shiny aluminium parts are polished by hand.
Bearing
The EVO CC uses an inverted cardanic ABEC 7 quality bearing with four stainless steel tips, seated in a full aluminium housing. Cardanic bearings of this type offer very low friction and high stability across both horizontal and vertical axes, contributing to accurate groove tracing and a detailed, open soundstage. The four-point tip arrangement minimises play without adding pre-load.
Adjustability and Wiring
Tonearm height (VTA) is continuously adjustable by loosening two grub screws, allowing precise optimisation for different record thicknesses and cartridge geometries. The silicone-damped armlift can be set to suit the arm height. Inner wiring is flexible high-purity copper throughout, terminating in a gold-plated 5-pin DIN output socket. The counterweight features TPE damping to suppress resonances transmitted from the platter.
Compatibility
The 12-inch EVO CC accepts cartridges weighing between 6 and 15 grams and allows a tracking force of 0 to 3 grams. The standard headshell slot pitch of 12.7 mm ensures compatibility with all standard cartridges. The tonearm is available in two finishes: CC Black (all-black anodised) and CC HG (high-gloss lacquered), and is made in Europe.
