Eminent Technology ET-2 Tonearm Owners

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

Hi Mark – that is excellent news.
Was there any difficulty connecting your cartridge leads to the 420str ? The back of the cartridge is angled up - a tight fit with the ET2 armtube if longer leads are used?

...suggestions from others certainly appreciated!.

Only thing I would offer up right now is to leave things as they are for a few days to establish a reference point. Then remove as much lead weight as you can to get the weights sitting past 6 on the I Beam scale.

Your bass will become ...... well why don’t we let you tell us what it does for you ....... . Some previous hints are in previous pages here on the thread.

I like to think of the I Beam as a Pirate Plank. Get out as far as you can on that plank without falling into the water.

My I Beam with the 420 str has the base lead weight plus only one thin lead weight on it. Its past 6 on the left side and I can just see the very edge of the I Beam on the right side. Looking forward to hearing about your progress...

Cheers Chris