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Eminent Technology ET-2 Tonearm Owners


Where are you? What mods have you done ?

I have been using these ET2's for over 9 years now.
I am still figuring them out and learning from them. They can be modified in so many ways. Bruce Thigpen laid down the GENIUS behind this tonearm over 20 years ago. Some of you have owned them for over 20 years !

Tell us your secrets.

New owners – what questions do you have ?

We may even be able to coax Bruce to post here. :^)

There are so many modifications that can be done.

Dressing of the wire with this arm is critical to get optimum sonics along with proper counterweight setup.

Let me start it off.

Please tell us what you have found to be the best wire for the ET-2 tonearm ? One that is pliable/doesn’t crink or curl. Whats the best way of dressing it so it doesn’t impact the arm. Through the spindle - Over the manifold - Below manifold ? What have you come up with ?
128x128ct0517
gyneguy225
93 posts
 
Hey Chris,
Thanks for the link to that rather involved discussion of the interaction of cartridge, interconnects, and loading. I must say I'm more confused than ever, but have learned a few things.
Has anyone taken into account the break in of the connection between cartridge and phono pre? With only millivolts on the cable, does it ever break in, and stay that way, if you believe in such things?
I got sold on a new interconnect by "Allister" at Audioquest, incorporating the DBS system. -Never used DBS before, but seemed like a good idea for this application.
I imagine it will beat my 25y/o AQ diamond IC's. An AQ water will arrive tomorrow. If it doesn't work in that application, I'll try it elsewhere in the system.
I'll get back to you about that.
John  
ct0517's avatar
ct0517 OP
2,041 posts
 
Just to add to my last post in followup; as I got curious and just finished talking with Gene at Take Five Audio who made my loom.

This is in regards to the ET 2 direct shot wire looms being used.

Capacitance versus Noise

Where my wires leave the armtube they are separated with distance between them. There are two reasons for this. 1) The least binding effect on the ET 2.5 travel. 2) lowest capacitance.

Now if you braid the wires you will reduce noise - but you will increase capacitance. It’s a give and take. So when discussing the benefits of low capacitance with loading the cart - a big part of the result will be the way the cart wires are arranged in proximity to one another.

gyneguy225
93 posts
 
The AQ interconnect I acquired has a capacitance of 20 pf /foot or 71 pf/meter or thereabouts. Combined with the ET-2's cap of 40pf that's about 110 pf total. I tried it today and am very happy with the improvement. When I added the new phono preamp, -whole new level, even though the load on the preamp is pretty much fixed, at 280 ohms. -One less thing to worry about. I really like the SUT concept and am unlikely to go back. The S. Korean designer is pretty slick. The new preamp is like a hotrod. No remote etc, no bells or whistles; just incredible sound. I recommend it highly, even though it's not even burned in. I'm in hog heaven, and I even passed up the Braves game to listen instead.
-John
ct0517's avatar
ct0517 OP
2,041 posts
 
Must be good to pass up on the ball game 8^0
Good stuff John.  
Our Blue Jays have started out really really BAD.  But hockey playoffs are here and that is part of our Canadian blood. I have coordinated my musical fixes to right after markets close and before the evening matches. Market moves dictate musical choices.  hah hah  
vpi's avatar
vpi
223 posts
 
Sure John,
You talk me into trying 100 ohm load then go buy a new preamp.  :)
Sounds  like you have a winner.  I tried the 100 ohm load.  ( I surprised myself with nice clean solders.) The difference is subtle.  Midrange seems a tad smoother and rounder but without bloat.  Highs may be a bit tamer but not too rolled off.  I may have lost a little transparency, but not sure.  I'll let you know in a couple days.
Enjoy the Allnic.

Chris,
Took note of J. Carr's recommended load range starting at 97.6 ohms.  Think we can hear the difference between 97.6 and 100?  Just curious.  :)

I must be in a sarcastic mood today😈

Harry


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