Eminent Technology ET-2 Tonearm Owners

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.

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.

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.

Hi BH80231 – you can’t be late for this ET2 party. Its been going on for over 20 years… This tonearm has stood the test of time – like Dertonarm likes to say

Frogman – I think a lot of people would love to see your setup. My email is bcpguy@bell.net

BH - I tend to move gear around including preamps so for now I need a portable sturdy solution. Soldering is not my forte, I can do it if need be but not like a professional. I am absolutely thrilled with that wiring loom, the creation of Gene at Take Five Audio. It was made for me. It can be reproduced by him and others I’m sure. I have no background hum at all - fingers crossed. Those WBT nextgen connectors – expensive but really nice.

Will post more about the damping later… Dover turned me on to this one on this thread – Dover are you out there ?

Thanks so much guys. @Frogman, yes please on pics, email is vinylryp@gmail.com. I am in Denver, but would gladly pay 2-way shipping for the chance to test drive a loom! I get to NYC 2 or 3 times a year for a customer, but it is sporadic at best.

Bruce sent me some special 3M adhesive strip rather than velcro for the trough. My paddle just barely makes contact with the surface as it should, like I mentioned, my trough has a twist, it is as straight as it can be, but is not true. I tried to true it prior to install, but... it's okay -- like you said, you don't fill it up. I think it is doing its job fine, and the leeching has stopped, maybe I jostled it at some point.

@Ct0517, would you email more specifics on how to order a loom from Gene, more detail on the build or components? Looks like he is in Canada? I'm a former bench tech (30 years ago!), so pretty comfortable with an iron, but am not above paying for expertise either.