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.
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.