Eminent Technology ET-2 Tonearm Owners

I have been a "lurker" on Audiogon for a little while, but when I saw this thread on ET tonearms, I couldn't resist submitting a post.

I purchased my ET2 back in 1997, installed it on my HW-19 Mk3, and have used it ever since. I recently upgraded my system, which includes a Precision Fidelity preamp, Ladyday+ Mk2 Signature mono blocks and a pair of 70's vintage Klipsch LaScalas. I listen to a lot of female vocalists and Jazz, as well as blues.

I'm currently using a Grado Reference Platinum, but it is getting quite a few hours on it, and I am at the point that I should either re-tip or upgrade. I have never had any issues with the setup (no hum), but would like to make sure I'm using the right cartridge . My question is - should I stick with the Grado or look at another cartridge?

I would prefer to stay with a MM cartridge and I would like to keep the cost at no more than $500. I have been reading with great interest the posts about the 420 STR, but their lack of availability is an issue.

Anyway, thanks for your inputs in advance and thanks for a great thread devoted to a great tonearm!

Mark

Welcome aboard, Mark. The HW19 is a nice platform for your ET2; that's what I had for a few years before my TNT6 and it sounded very good. If I may offer a tip: If you haven't done it yet, replacing the spring suspension with sorbothane pucks or upturned metal cones adds a lot of stability which helps the ET2 perform it's best on that table.

It might worthwhile to contact member Nandric and ask if he might be interested in selling his Acutex 420. I know that he has been reducing the size of his collection. He would be a reliable seller if he were to agree. You could also post in this thread

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1200430667&openfrom&8935&4#8935

and express you interest to buy one. I have a feeling that you will find one.

Good luck, and keep us posted.

Hi Mark

Welcome to the thread.

Yes a few NOS 420 str do exist. Many of the folks on the MM thread that Frogman referenced, own 20+ cartridges and are on a bit of a roller coaster ride with them. In order to purchase more they need to sell others. I agree also with Frogman to put a wanted post on the MM thread. Somebody that is ready to part with one will respond with a NOS or slightly used one.

My first ET2 came on a VPI HW19 IV and the original pump had a weak diaphragm down about ½ psi. It was enough of a problem to not allow it to complete the last track of lps. That plus the ET2 had been tightened up to much. I took the arm apart and let the parts go to their natural shape. Then I reassembled it using firm but not really tight pressure. The pump – well that area became a bit of slippery slope for me. I went through multiple upgrades, each time the music became bigger and sweeter.

I was reading recently on AS’s site that an ET2 owner has removed all of the mounting / adjusting hardware and linkages, and bolted the manifold directly to the armboard of his plinth.

Cheers Chris

Hi Frogman,

Thanks so much for the advice on finding a 420, as well as the tip on stabilizing the plinth suspension on the table.

My ET2 is basically the way it came from the factory, with no tweaks or modifications performed. I look forward to applying some of the suggestions in the thread and will definitely keep everyone updated.

Regards,
Mark

Chris,
Thanks for the response. I'll definitely follow yours and Frogman's advice on the 420 search.

My ET2 still has the original Takatsuki pump, and while I have not noted any problems with the pump, I plan on going through the arm completely once I have located a new cartridge. I have a feeling that with my system, any changes in the cartridge/tonearm setup will be noticeable...should be a fun process.

Regards,
Mark