2. analog
  3. 1325551242

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
slaw's avatar
slaw
20,399 posts
 
By the way, I've been reading with great interest regarding the leaf spring/s and their effect. I realized I had two and decided to take a look at the one I had been using for years. When I removed it, I noticed that the leaf spring had become unattatched. I replaced it with my other I-beam and what was instantly noticable was less movement which has translated into better sound. I plan on investigating this further.
I've made some other changes to my TT isolation and as soon as it is possible, I'll update my virtual system if anyone has any interest in following this. I have a custom armboard project in the works also.
philcoffino
4 posts
 
Slaw-

I am using no damping. Have seen descriptions of magnetic damping, but not sure where to place a magnet or what sort to use. Meanwhile I am awaiting arrival of a "double spring" I beam, presumably one that is stiffer than my present one.
ct0517's avatar
ct0517 OP
2,041 posts
 
HI Phil – I ended up finding a decent magnet for damping on the fridge. One of those appointment holders for pieces of paper. I placed it immediately to the left of the manifold on the platform where the spindle comes out so it is under it. Some blue tac secured it.

Some interesting info

Eminent Technology Patent Info
Cheers
apbiii
39 posts
 
Well I finally got around to trying the dual leaf I beam. I went back to the single leaf as I liked the bass better.
ct0517's avatar
ct0517 OP
2,041 posts
 
Apbiii - exactly. We are comparing apples to apples - well almost.

What is the compliance of the cartridge u r using and where on the scale (what number) are your weights sitting at ? Mine are on the very end of the the IBeam past the 6 and it is a high compliance cartridge.

From Frogmans earlier post as a guide.

2 or more leaf springs - heads more toward a leaner sound due to lower compliance – more detail and refinement.

One leaf spring – best tracking - but sound can become too full, even bloated and diffuse due to the higher compliance of just one spring.

This is what I am hearing going from a single to double leaf spring. Is this what u r hearing too?

Now the hard part for me.
It took me about 4 songs or – 20 minutes to find the right VTA in my system. The armtube when I look at it - seems to have a slightly negative VTA now - it was lowered. I am very close to the sweet spot stylus angle/groove with my records/system. Not finished. Bass returned but is now more refined/has real weight.
More to discover