Eminent Technology ET-2 Tonearm Owners



Where are you? What mods have you done ?

I have been using these ET2's for over 9 years now.
I am still figuring them out and learning from them. They can be modified in so many ways. Bruce Thigpen laid down the GENIUS behind this tonearm over 20 years ago. Some of you have owned them for over 20 years !

Tell us your secrets.

New owners – what questions do you have ?

We may even be able to coax Bruce to post here. :^)

There are so many modifications that can be done.

Dressing of the wire with this arm is critical to get optimum sonics along with proper counterweight setup.

Let me start it off.

Please tell us what you have found to be the best wire for the ET-2 tonearm ? One that is pliable/doesn’t crink or curl. Whats the best way of dressing it so it doesn’t impact the arm. Through the spindle - Over the manifold - Below manifold ? What have you come up with ?
128x128ct0517
Hi Chris, I agree; bass quality can be a very subjective thing. I think you know how I feel about the ET2's excellence; bass included. But I am not talking about a lack in the quantity of the bass with the ET2; it is excellent by any measure. IN MY SYSTEM, the ET's bass can sound just a little bit diffuse (even with the high-pressure pump/manifold) and a little "soft". Over the years that I have used the ET2, I have also used several good pivoting arms including the SME V, Theta, and SyrinxPU3 (which I still own). None performed as well as my ET2 overall, and I agree that they can (particualrly the SME) provide an unwanted bass "bump". The only area where they had any advantage was in being able to provide bass detail of the kind one expects in the midrange; the ability to clearly hear inner texture in bass notes, and clarity of the bass notes themselves in the musical (harmonic) context. A minor issue, but real in my experience. Anyway, I have been surprised by the Acutex's ability to provide bass
quality reminescent of that of the pivoting arms. The bass is tuneful and very speedy, like a good MC. I find the overall sound a little bit dry ("not a beautiful sounding cartridge"), but it only has a few hours of play, and I suspect that it will improve with time. BTW, I am using the double leaf spring. I haven't tried the others yet.

Regards.
Well Frogman – I wasn’t “multi-springing” wth the ET2 back when listening to the 420str last year.
So am looking forward to your tweaking recommendations on it once you have had a chance to spend more time with it. Chris
Frogman,

I would love to see a pic of your wiring setup? I recently acquired an ET-2 on a Sota Sapphire. My wire is a bit worse for wear and appears to have bathed in the damping trough at some point too... I am looking for an upgrade and am intrigued by your description and experiences.

Thanks!
Ct0517,

I have to say that I am enamored with your wiring loom!

I was close to ordering this litz wire:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/170802911043?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_3391wt_1141

but after reading this thread, it appears you folks have done the field testing, so am learning more from your solutions and opinions, and the photos are very helpful too!

Right now I have just done my own amateur re-wiring direct to the preamp, but would like something nicer like you and Frogman have in the wiring department.

Also, curious your thoughts on the magnetic damping? Effective? How did you arrive at the right number and spacing?

I reinstalled the damping trough the previous owner had removed, and got adhesive and fluid from Bruce, but there is a slight twist in the trough, but I was able to get the level I needed without spilling out the side. But, the fluid seems to leech back and drip, so am a bit disappointed with that.

Thanks for all the great info here, even though I'm late to the party.