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Upgrade turntable, arm or cartridge?

Looking to potentially improve my analog setup.
I am finding that my highly modded Sony SCD-777ES sounds better than my turntable.
I have an Oracle Delphi Mark II that is modded and also has an Origin Live motor and the Beefed-up Power supply.
Eminent Technology ET-2 arm with WISA pump and surge tank
Van Den Hul cartridge. Grasshopper IV GLA.
Where would I begin? Turntable, Arm or Cartridge?
What would you consider to pick as replacement?
dcaudio
violin
120 posts
 
I agree with Rickeyyan. I had the same combination that you have several years ago and was told by an Oracle rep. that the ET-2 arm is not a good match for that table.I loved the ET arm and what it could do so I got rid of the Oracle. My experience is that for the ET arm to work at it's best ,it needs to be on a non-suspended TT.Others may disagree but that was my experience.
mechans
3,048 posts
 
yes the tone arm sound like the ticket . However the most un realized problem in TTs is very simple how does the stylus look on theVan De Hul. they do wear . If you get a new table get a Walker, a bit tweaky but is analog at its best .
tpsonic
1,092 posts
 
Get a non-suspended TT.The improvement in performance with the other components you are using will be enormous.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
12,781 posts
 
Dear Dcaudio: Other than the Phonolinepreamp I agree with the post in favor to change the tonearm.

Your cartridge is a great one but needs the right matching tonearm to " show " its quality performance and the ET one is not the " cup of tea " for the Grasshooper.

regards and enjoy the music.
Raul.
genesis168's avatar
genesis168
408 posts
 
The ET2 is definitely not a good match with especially the Oracle Delphi. Because of the arm being a linear tracker and it's odd mounting position, the weight distribution of the Oracle will be thrown off.

If this was my setup, I would change the table. Go for a non suspended table. It would be a better match with your ET2 tonearm (still an magnificent arm till today).

As for the ET2 and the Grasshpper....Cannot help you on that.
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