Eminent Technology ET-2 Tonearm Owners

Another long I-Beam update:
If you missed my earlier post Bruce's new long plank is a little too thin for the weight clamp.  It won't clamp down tightly.  Bruce just updated me to say he is working on a second run that will correct this problem.  Should be available in a couple weeks.

In the interim, if you already received the long plank there is an easy work around.  Just reverse the clamping screw so it can be applied directly to the plank like a set screw.
Harry

Give me a place to stand and with a lever I will move the whole world.

Archimedes

These are the thoughts that come to me with this sample I Beam that arrived by Australian Camel. The physics involved with playing vinyl and having it outdo the Studer (on some tapes) and my Digital just fascinates me. 

Significant leverage happening here.  I am balanced with only the one molded weight on there. An inch from the end. I had to remove my larger horizontal bolt and go back to the original smaller one, along with the threaded weight holder. They are no longer needed with just the one molded weight on there.  Just too much weight. The package of weights Bruce provides with the tonearm is now serious over kill. 
  
This is with my freedom fighter cartridge. I suspect my lone weight will go all the way out with the XV1 and maybe one skinny weight - maybe not.

Initial impressions from a quick session.  Nothing negative and all perceived positives. I am being punched in the stomach with the bass; like sitting 12 feet from the stage and Bdp24 (Eric) is playing his drums like he just got some really great news. 8^)

The I beam is now the same length as the armtube; to me, it just looks right, balanced, the way it was meant to be. 

As Harry mentioned these first samples will be improved. I got word from Bruce that he was making updates to the printer. 

It's funny how that little styrene I-beam I bought at the hobby shop 10 years ago works pretty well. I tried using less weight on the I-beam further out, but when I moved the arm in or out, the I-beam waved back and forth like a dog wagging its tail! I can't place the weight out the same length as the arm wand for sure.
Am I missing something?
-John

John,
While my longer beam with weight almost at end does seem to flex a little more than the shorter one, it is not excessive on my rig.  Two thoughts.   Are you using a double or triple spring on your beam?   If not, that may solve the problem.  Secondly, perhaps your hobby shop beam is just more flexible than Bruce's.   

Chris,
Interesting observations.   My first setup with new plank was the same as yours.  With only the molded weight I could only get out to an inch from the end.  With only my diy smaller weight I got out to within 1/4 inch from the end with further improvement.

Harry

Am I missing something?

What Harry said. +1

You are not using Bruce’ Long I Beam designed for the tonearm.
Getting one would allow us to do an apples to apples comparison.
Remember, I did try to get a hobby shop I Beam. The ones I found were not fit - too flexible, cheap, mass produced.

Bruce’ long I Beam is 3d printed. V2 should be ready in a few weeks.

Also
If your end cap is the original one, take it apart, and make sure it is still fit to take the extra stress the longer beam brings.

imo -
This is a cheap upgrade that affects the heart of the arms performance. The I Beam/weights. The most misunderstood aspect of this tonearm’s setup. Bruce has built the Long I Beam for the ideal length based on his testing.

All ET2 owners should be contacting Bruce and getting one.