Eminent Technology ET-2 Tonearm Owners

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

Recently acquired an Acutex 420STR from another member and just finished the install on my system. Initial tracking force 1.5g, VTA around zero (hard to eyeball to be sure...suggestions from others certainly appreciated!).

The 420 replaced a Grado Ref Platinum. Had to remove a thin lead c'weight, due to the lighter weight of the 420. Counterweight slide is a little past 4 on the scale. My first test track was "Mas que nada", Sergio Mendez & Brasil '66. The sibilance on this track is usually a good indicator to me of cart compliance and treble performance. The cart picked everything up without a problem. My initial impression is that I will be experiencing a lot more detail than the Grado was able to provide.

I'll continue to update the group as I run through my usual evaluation tracks and the cart settles in. Thanks to Frogman, Chris and Nandric for their advise and assistance in making this upgrade!

Regards,
Mark