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 ?
ct0517

With my cartridge having a compliance of 15x10(-6) I don't think I need the magnet but I may try it just to eliminate the approach.  How do I pick a magnet of the proper strength? 

I think I need to rebuild my P15TC pump as it can't quite keep up at 20psi.  According to ET the small diameter high pressure manifold should consume about 2-3 liters a minute and the pump should be able to supply 5-6 LPM at 20 psi.  It also pumps a large amount of oil.  Perhaps I now know why I was able to purchase this $1400 dollar pump for $140.  I Can live with it for now but suspect not after adding a bleed valve which is on the way.  I fully suspect parts are available and not extremely expensive.  More research needed. 

I don't think I need the magnet but I may try it just to eliminate the approach.  How do I pick a magnet of the proper strength? 

I used something like this -

https://www.bunnings.co.nz/handee-white-heavy-duty-magnetic-cupboard-door-catch_p0280054?store=9502&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=15792554575&gbraid=0AAAAADL7rPqB15ds9Db-4KgOR---oU_Zw&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5JnK39LzjwMV-NsWBR3Z0yJ8EAQYASABEgL3_vD_BwE

placed on its side with the 2 edges of the magnets running parallel to the spindle just below. 

 

 

 

@dover: I followed your recommandation a few years ago and mounted a small circular "fridge"-magnet (a neodymium magnet with a magnetically conductive "sleeve" around and a handle) very close to the spindle, by wood and Blu-Tak.
The magnet is small but very strong and has a subtle damping effect, which stabilises the low resonance frequency of my ET 2.5 / B&O MMC2 combo.

Although in average softer suspensions incorporate more damping, the lower resonance frequency (specially the lateral r.f. with the ET arms) makes the combo more prone to be triggered by off-center holes etc.
Therefore a bit damping is desirable.