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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
bh80231's avatar
bh80231
9 posts
 
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!
frogman
7,444 posts
 
I will try and post some pics in the next couple of days.
bh80231's avatar
bh80231
9 posts
 
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.
frogman
7,444 posts
 
Bh80231, if you provide your email address I would be glad to send you some pic that I just took. Luddite that I am, I can't figure out how to post pics.

I looked at the link in your post. Personally, I would purchase wire with higher pedigree; Audinote, Cardas, Discovery. The quality of the wire will make a very significant sonic difference. Wiring the ET2 with a continuous run to the preamp is not difficult, and just requires some care and common sense. Re the damping trough (which I use and like very much): make sure that the paddle just barely touches the fluid. With that in mind, you don't need so much fluid in the trough that it will spill out.

BTW, if you live in the NYC area I would be glad to loan you either a Cardas or Discovery wiring loom that I am not using. I am currently using AudioNote wire.

Good luck, and let me know if you want the pics.
frogman
7,444 posts
 
Another tip re the trough: make sure that the trough itself is level. If it is not, the amount of damping will vary (decrease) as the arm travels towards the inside of the LP. The trough has a tendency (especially if the Velcro has gotten a little wet from the fluid spilling unto it) to sit lower at the end farthest from the arm. If that is the case, put a small foam square underneath the trough at the far end to prop it up as needed.
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