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

Showing 50 responses by slaw

Well Chris, it is these types of. reviews that are concerning.

My reason for being standoffish
"Both the Fozgometer and the Feickert system align the generator vs. the the recording instead of the stylus, and therefore they are misleading (to put it into diplomatic words). And they measure only one parameter instead of the more multi-dimensional listening process."

Well said.

Chris's comment above under Azimuth is spot on. It's not easy (impossible) to get perfect sound from lp to lp because all of the variables involved in lp manufacturing and with the ET's design. One's best hope is to have the flattest pressing you own from a listening & visual perspective to set things up. Trying to chase perfect sound from lp to lp will be futile.
@mkiser

Before everyone gets (deep) into things, ...Chris pointed out some of your interesting (add-ons). These types of things make a difference to those that are posting without the benefit of whatever you feel those (things) bring to your experience.

For anyone here to give you a correct recommendation based upon their experience (without your obvious add-ons) would be their waste of time and a waste of this threads intentions.

#1. A plastic tie around one of the tonearm junctions? Why?
#2 Tonearm wrap around your CF arm ? Why?
#3 TT in the corner of your room.
#4 Given these things,...what else?... what type of TT suspension are you using?
#5 Trying too many varying audio components/tt adjustments in a short period of time.

Go back to the basics. The intended way the designers (BT) had in mind. ( This may require you spending a few $ but then there will be a (reference) all can respond to/you can behold).

These things should be noted before others try and respond.

Happy Listening!
@richardkrebs

Doesn’t your post confirm my point? So, all things being equal, with a thicker lp, this results in an overhang error if the exact SRA is maintained. I believe this is what I was saying. It's really just basic logic right?

Am I going mad?

Hi Chris,

I guess I’m missing something regarding the post I made above. and then your response...

How can the VTF not be changed when one changes VTA by using the arc block design of the ET? This will either move the overhang out or in depending upon the necessary adjustment....right?..therefore altering S2P distance and VTF.

From my memory, this fact is not stated in the manual
...going only by memory???

Early on in this thread I addressed this issue this way... when I set up the arm, I used my most played record weight/height/thickness as my reference and used this to set up the arc block in (it’s center) regarding the latter record height preference. I referred to this as the "neutral zone".

Any deviation from this "zone" is a result of a VTA adjustment on the ET’s arc block that alters in some way the SRA, the S2P, the VTF. None of this is mentioned in the manual.

So... as all of this relates to why I posted above to another member...

He had so many system changes in play, and seemingly a lot of basic arm set-up issues, yet seemingly wanted a direct response to one/two issues..... Impossible!
Hi Chris,

I’m still an owner. Plan to use it again at some point. If this negates me asking questions, well....that’s for you to decide.

You keep referring to the owner’s manual in almost every case except for mine? "Now a smart designer in whatever field, would never discuss how a patented design works.....in an owner’s manual".

#1 Why not?
#2 A patent is public knowledge for those who ask.
#3 Am I still missing something?

The arc block. Emphisis on (arc). Am I still missing something? When adjusted..moves the overhang slightly backwards or forwards. Doesn’t it?

The quote from Steven Carr seems to me at once confirm my post.
(Anyway, I hope that my continuing to follow this thread hasn't upset more of you.)

I took a U-turn and have been experimenting with two other tts. I felt it necessary in order to develop my own design at some point for my own enjoyment.
With all due respect to J C and to you Chris, an adjustment change with the arc block DOES result in a "shift" that J C refers to, even with the ET.

I've seen it, measured it. This IS what resulted in my "neutral zone" method.

The least intrusive form of adjustment, rather it it be up or down, from a reference lp.
@Pegasus 

Yes, it's obvious that neither you or I had a basic understanding of the workings of the ET.

Happy listening!
Hi Chris,

I was thinking about my posts yesterday....

I believe earlier when I (mistakenly) used the word "futile", may have been the beginning of what I view now as a misunderstanding.

At that point, I was concentrating on azimuth and how in order to get it correct, it really has to be done lp by lp. I then remarked on using a (best reference lp) and leave it at that.

(This is what was in my mind at the time).

I know that to adjust azimuth (only) with the ET, it requires patience to get it right by twisting the arm on it’s very tight connector... which I believe is the only way to accomplish azimuth adjustment without altering other factors..and this is only if one is careful not to push/pull the armwand while twisting.) This is was also key in my mind/post a couple of weeks ago. One has to be lucky to get it right using just this singular method. This is why I've found the Foz to be of help with the ET.
@pegasus

"a continuous crime..."

I understand the intent. But, not really. I lived with the ET through my upgrades for over 20+ years. I realize that the platform it was on was the main culprit. In the meantime I decided to go other routes in which I’ve learned quite a lot from.

The ET is and will always be a part of me and is always in my mind going forward. In fact these recent exchanges just brought all of it back to me like I never left the fold.

Happy Listening!
No more arc blocks available?

"overtorqueing" YES! This is the main user issue, that was never addressed in the manual . Why?


Chris, thanks for that as I'll be using the same cartridge when I get my ET back in play.
@vpi ,

Interesting your moniker is VPI and your name is Harry??

Audiophiles continue, IMO, to be THE most resourceful creatures on this planet! The power of music has no bounds.
@vpi,

You're kidding..right? Although I knew you weren't Harry in disguise, I just figured it was obvious..

Happy Listening!

I was looking on the ET website... no mention of the "aluminum joint" (armwand  to spindle) mount. or the long I-beams. Are these items one offs?

I'm starting to get interested again.

I'll contact Bruce if no response in forthcoming.
@frogman,

Have you been able to make any conclusions regarding the long -beams you mentioned earlier?

Thanks...
@frogman,

It wasn’t directed at you or anyone.

I look forward to your impressions.

@vpi,

I don’t have any specific recommendations for you. I assume the S-shaped arms are shaped this way to provide more mass that would have complimented the majority of cartridges of that era? I’m envious!


@pegasus ,

Your post reminds me of some of the possible adverse affects of a suspended (spring especially) plinth TT used in conjunction with the ET. I believe this was THE major pitfall I encountered through all of my iterations of the HW-19 and all of the upgrades I did to it and my ultimately going in another direction for a while. I do not regret my learning experience one bit.

(In your last post, I noticed you referred to the Mapleshade scale. I’ve used it for years).

I do admit that after watching MF’s Rega factory tour several months back, one (of the many things) that struck me was their development of an extremely accurate scale! I’ve been waiting for it to come to market. Finally, It’s here! I have one on it’s way to me now.
@pegasus ,

I made a mark on it’s center resting plate for my own peace of mind..

Check out the Rega at the Cable Co website... I think you’ll be impressed! It seems that everything about a scales' construction/accuracy has been rethought and addressed.
From what I understand, the meshing of a London Decca to any tonearm is to be carefully thought through.
@ct0517 ,

This reminds me that I need to make a change to aticle two/section 38 of my current (DNR) Do Not Resusitate document in the event of my demise.

Thanks a lot!

Really...how are any of us suppose to compete with that?
@ct0517 ,

For the life of me...(did I just write "life"?) I still don't understand why people can't quite get the meaning of my posts?

It was meant to be funny!
@vpi,

Don’t know what the decible rating is for the Timeter is, you both are talking about...?

My Jun_Air is around 45dbs.

Pretty damn quiet. Built like a TANK. Find a used one. The are a life-time type of product, for sure!


@vpi,

I have my Jun-Air in my bedroom. Of coarse I’m divorced.

As I imagine Jeff Foxworthy might say..."if you’re a real audiophile.. you’ll find a way to....."

I live close enough to Elkin I could drive there, pick it up and feel good at the moment. My concern is, my history with Timeter. Well, my history with their distributors which, on my experience is who one has to deal with. I purchased one of their units...years ago. If I hadn’t paid with my credit card, given the resources the card provided me for recourse, I’d be out my initial product price and no further way to proceed. After around one year of (wrangling), I was sent a repair kit and was made good for any outlay I had incurred. It was a time consuming process and an unnecessary process for any customer with whom, a professional relationship  was expected!!!!!!!!!!

Years ago, I had to file a claim through my Visa card. With Timeter’s practices, that do not favor the customer. (I’ll pass). Love my Jun-Air and my Motorguard filter system. Stay away from Timeter!

Your self-described laziness, well,, just doesn’t seem a good fit.
@ct0517 ,

If this makes you uncomfortable, the actual truth,,,,,,,,,I'm sorry.


You are most likely correct. This was the direction you pointed me to initially years ago.
@ct0517 ,

IMO, Going further, you/one should differentiate these important differences before a recommendation?  Right?
ct0517,

Have you ever tried different motors on the VPI TTs you’ve owned?

@vpi,

Regarding your inquiring of suspension on a VPI HW-19?..

I found through years of trying everything,... using a combination of Symposium Rollerblock Jrs../ Super Couplers. made the table stand out. More transparency, increased definition, musical bass. 

I have my oak base I modified just for this for sale and a Mk IV plinth (the SS/acrylic one) for sale as well. I made a plinth puller tool that is also very helpful. Depending on which platter one has, will be the determining factor in the height of the Symposium stack.


@vpi,

We are both in N.C. WE may be very close...who knows?

Why don't we try and get together for a listening session?

I'm involved with another guy in N.C. We've met recently.

Interested?

Steve
Sorry @vpi, I thought you were in a closer location to me.

@ct0517 ,

Chris seems to be possessive of you so I'll just let the invitation lie. If you would like to have a get-together, let me know. Another audio enthusiast and I are interested in a group.

Hopefully this invitation won't be seen as an affront to ct0157.
@ct0517,

Hockey comment??? Don’t know what you are referring to? @vpi, You may want to ask yourself, why was the previous post removed? If you ever find that answer, you'll know why I wrote the words you eventually saw.... then posted...@slaw ???????

Some members have enough power to have posts removed even though there are no (rules' violations).


@vpi,

I have quite a bit of experience with Grover’s earlier stuff. Still use some of his power cords. My experience would be only of help to you as to their sonics.


@ct0517,

I can keep on retracing my posts to correct them after you've had the folks at A'gon to remove what may have been seen by you as something other than what you present yourself as....Or you can just let the flow of the flow of the conversation lay where it should? It's up to you my friend?
@ct0517,

Most of you posts, that are reminders of what others may have said, are greatly of use to your posts that may affect others.
@gyneguy225,

Yes, for years. For years to come. See my virtual system page...what there is of it..

Sad they did not even notice your post!


Happy Listening!
@flemke ,

You're question does seem out of the ordinary since you ordered it before asking your question.

Happy Listening
@sary,

Does the Medo pump you're using run constantly? If so, this may be your main issue.
@sary,

When I said "run constantly" I was referring to when you're listening. A possibility is to get a 5-7 gallon air tank and the necessary parts (air pressure gauge, cut-off switch, etc....) so the pump will operate long enough to fill the tank than cut itself off at a desired setting and then back on at a desired setting. The tank will have a drain valve and you most likely will still need your filter/s. I used a Motorguard "toilet paper" filter that worked wonders. It also serves to buffer any pulsing from a compressor. Using a storage tank also keeps the need for buffering, lower and saves your compressor and helps keep noise a non-factor.
@sary,

Interestingly, your question regarding if any of us have tried a DIY cooled copper coil set-up... I did something similar when I had a constant running compressor...I had my plastic air line, coiled up in a cooler with ice water before it hit my regulator. It turned out to be a "fool's errand". The Motor Guard filter was a God send. Good luck. BTW, Mexico or Hawaii?
Eric,

You have come out again... my friend!

Referring to a Decca must energize your senses?

Love it!
Chris,

I’m sure there are many like you (and me) out there who find the expense of buying Decca a constant internal struggle. I hope you buy one so you can report your findings, for my benefit. How selfish is that?
@ct0517 ,

The reason I was interested in your opinion of a London Decca was specifically for the ET 2.5 arm. If I were ever to buy one, it would go on my Townshend Rock 7 and/or my tt project w/ my ET 2.5. Eric has been kind enough in the past to give his thoughts regarding the Rock 7.