Eminent Technology ET-2 Tonearm Owners

This may be off in another direction completely but, (IMO). there is a correlation here to the current subject above.

When manufacturers of lps or equipment exclaim their product is the best or from the original master tapes and the best sounding ever and we then purchase that product, and get a different result, what drives our opinion of them from that point on? What effect does it take? Do you not buy from said manufacturer again. Will you never even look/read an advertisement from said manufacturer in the future?

I can only assume that they, (in the context of their systems), have concluded their positive, aforementioned, stated opinion. I'm sure, at some point, we've purchased a product based on the manufacturer's opinion of said product. Or...after researching a specific product that one thinks may be in their top two or three components they wish to evaluate and subsequently go out to audition. Then, based on that audition, (in the context of that dealer's system), the component is then purchased and when inserted into the buyer's system, and it doesn't meet the buyer's standards, does the buyer stop all further contact with that particular dealer/manufacturer. (These dealers/manufacturers are confident in their opinions in the context of their individual systems). Does this somehow make that dealer/manufacturer irrelevant from that point on, even though the dealer has said it's the best sounding product that he's heard or the best match for your system's needs based on the info you've given him? Does the manufacturer suddenly find that no form of advertising will be available to them, ever? Do reviewers suddenly make a pact that they will no longer review any product made buy this specific manufacturer from that point on?

What I've done is the same thing, it seems to me, except for the fact that I am not trying to sell anything. I'm trying to put out information that others can hopefully use based on my extensive posts, passion, experience and the fact that I've made my system available so one can actually see for themselves from where I draw my opinions. That system (is) my reference. I'm as confident with how my system sounds as are the above, in all of the scenarios laid out above. Without confidence, there really is not much else other than meaningless talk.

I have re-read all of this again. In all due respect to Frogman, I do take some offense to his referring to my post as a "rant". (Do I detect some passion here?) I readily admit I lack the ability he has to make my point in an efficient manner, but to my credit, I acknowledge my faults and accept them.

This post is in reference to Frogman's read of my challenging him to share any projects in support his posts in which he responded as my essentially saying... (his lack of sharing any projects he's done, being a perceived lack of "authority" to challenge or have others be confident in his postings). I suppose this is one way to look at it. Another way, may be in order for all of us, who don't know one another, and are trying to figure out all of the member's posts, what they mean, the context of the posting members' systems, and all of the other ways out there that are feeding our addiction and how we all translate this information into what is relevant to the person reading all of this.

This post is of coarse, assuming my other posts, have since posted, which is doubtful, but hopeful.

In another thread, you responded by initially saying... be careful what you wish for, and I think you said, "man up". Something like that?

Anyway, if all of my posts come through, and come through in order, I think you'll get the (gist) of this remark, as will others.

Hi Guys -what a month July was.
First half of summer over. Been away.... up north (for me), listening to mostly natural wild sounds (music) amplified by the lake.
Imagine hearing people have a normal conversation 1 kilometer away from you. The magic of sound carrying on a still lake surrounded by hills, cliffs, mountains . This gives new meaning to the dog barking on Rogers Waters - Amused to Death album.
Back for a few days then the second half starts for me. The good lord willing.

Some comments from some of the posts here.

Re: Lead discussions. IMO Any experienced audiophile that can still hear, should be able to determine the benefits and limitations of using lead or other materials in their own systems. With that, lead is a banned substance in many countries including Canada.

The ET2 manual carries this warning.

The lead counterweights used in the tonearm can be handled infrequently without cause for concern. Prolonged handling of lead and exposure to skin should be accompanied by good personal hygiene procedures. Wash hands after handling. Do not allow children to handle to ingest these weights. If one is swallowed by anyone induce vomiting and refer to a physician.

07-11-15: Geoffkait
Pierre of Mapleshade used to employ a lot of solid lead at CES and in his recording studio. However, after buying into the whole lead thing, including solid lead he has since recanted and no longer employs lead. Even my Arcici stand that employed lead bars sounded more open and natural with the lead bars removed.

Geofffkait - welcome to the thread.

Makes me wonder (a little) if the removal of lead becomes a business decision - increased Sales Potential for products to countries that ban lead. Just saying.
This hobby is all about personal setup; always has been. My experiences have been I can make any material work to a certain level of satisfaction and live with it. Some materials however (in each of our individual setups) will work better and give you more "ROPE" for this crazed "hobby" of ours.

BTW - For those unaware GeoffKait was "sort of" of responsible for my being banned from Audiogon by my wife during the late winter listening season.

if interested in the soap opera like details follow this link.

All is forgiven Geoff ... :^)

**********************************************************************************

Slaw - Why is it that as Ct0517 pointed out recently that this site has had over 1 million hits, but IMO, there are really very few responders? This, to me, is very troubling. I've tried to change this but with my socials skills very lacking, I doubt if I helped at all.

Slaw, do you know how many different people are on this thread /have posted on it ?

Some stats as of this morning 08 02 2015

Slaw - It seems, in this context, a good argument can be made that this forum as it relates to this topic and the value we or the audio reviewer places on a particular recording or equipment is most likely a waste of time, unless we place innocuous terms/phrases such as... "this may be" or "you could hear this" or "you may have a different result" in reference to what we think others may find from our descriptions of our own findings within our own systems.

Slaw - If we drill down one more level, all ET2 owners on this thread have a unique point of reference (or lack thereof). It happens to be the most tweak-able tonearm I have ever owned. None of our individual ET 2.0 ET 2.5 setups are identical. That makes things even more complicated .....doesn't it ?

I think it really all boils down to people using tips from generous posters here; using them to their liking. People that post tips on this thread do so in an unselfish manner and not for profit. Just sharing info. They ask nothing in return. btw - I have received numerous pm's from folks (ET2 owners/non-owners) who enjoy the thread but are too shy to post or prefer not to.

In regards to your comments on Frogman's audio projects; Frogman was kind enough to share a couple pics of his setup here.
Can be seen in the 2014 Audiophile Wrap.

In this post the first two pics are Frogman's setup.

I took the liberty of nicknaming the pics the Mona Lisa of ET2 Tonearm wire setup.

Frogman's pics show multiple projects.... imo.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

and...

A friend sent me this interesting audiophile article link. I found it a good read, honest, mostly on the mark too.... So I share it with all of you

here.

Happy Listening

(keyboard feels sticky)