Eminent Technology ET-2 Tonearm Owners

Richardkrebs
Chris
I initially used one fridge magnet then went to multiple fridge mags. Finally using Neodymium before abandoning the idea.
I tried first at the counterweight end then transferred to the wand end. There are differences. Now the reasons for that could be a whole new controversial discussion.

Richard - We are all big boys here and we all know this hobby has a lot of controversy as it is based on preferences. Please do share the differences you found.

Hi John47 :^) - raising fraternal twins can be entertaining too. My wife and I are into our 18th year of dealing with their demands in “stereo”. This hobby and a little sense of humor has helped me through it to this point. The twins have shaped my humor however – made it more cynical I think. My wife doesn’t care too much for it. She also doesn’t care for music above 70 db. Probably explains why I am here.

Rugyboogie - welcome to the thread. Am curious if you or other Kuzma Airline owners have ever considered any modifications to that tonearm?
Cheers

Ct0517 - fyi
Magnets can be a little eccentric. On Richardkrebs deck they may prefer the wand end because they get a better view of the cantilever doing her one legged tantric yoga exercises.

There is a sound engineering reason to put any mag dampening to be at the wand end of the spindle. Since the mag tends to resist spindle movement, it acts as a pivot for any non axial spindle motion
Since the cartridge is at the end of the wand and not at the end of the spindle, there is a force moment induced by stylus movement. The spindle can, at frequencies below the air bearing resonance point, move about this pivot point in a non axial manner.
Having this pivot point at the wand end causes less teter totter due to spindle sleeve clearance than would be the case if the pivot point was at the counterweight end. This benefit is clearly audible.
Exactly the same design feature is present in TT's with inverted main bearings.
Of course the mag is closer to the signal wires.
The choice is yours.

Thanks Dover, Ketchup and Richard for addressing my concerns.

Well, I must admit I was somewhat skeptical about magnetic damping, but I am now convinced of the benefits. Some preliminary observations:

So far, I have used a single refrigerator magnet that conveniently detached itself from the back of a cooking timer. I glued this inch-squared flat magnet to a small block of glued layers of cork about the same size as the magnet. I situated it on the wand side of then arm pillar; frankly, only because I still have the damping trough attached to the pillar (with paddle disengaged). I plan on trying it on the other side, as well as trying other, more powerful magnets. The magnet is as close as possible to the spindle without touching it.

I listened to the same musical selections several times, with and without the magnet. The results are relatively subtle but unmistakable. There is a general "cleansing" of the sonic picture; as if a fine mist is removed. Bass definition is improved with an increase in one's ability to hear pitches in the bass; as opposed to simply low frequency energy. The highs gain a bit of refinement and sound slightly less ragged. On "The New Breed" from Donald Fagen's new release Sunken Condos, Walt Weiskopf plays both alto and tenor saxophones. Without the magnet, it is very difficult to hear when he plays alto vs tenor. With the magnet, more of each horn's individual character can be heard. Also, for an LP with otherwise very good sound, the bass, while being powerful and very well extended, has a strange "drummy" quality with less than good definition. The magnetic dampening brings a welcomed slight improvement in pitch definition. Curiously, the soundstage seems slightly smaller with the magnet; perhaps a result of the increase in control and definition. The differences are not earth-shaking by any means, but definitely worthwhile. I have not experienced increased volume; perhaps with the more powerful magnets.

Biggest surprise of all: record surface noise seems reduced. LP surfaces are quieter, and the loudest clicks and pops sound less obtrusive with a more subdued character.

More to follow.