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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
ct0517's avatar
ct0517 OP
2,041 posts
 
sary
Looked at possibilities to build a copper tubes system (or use a condenser from AC or refrigerator) where compressed air could
be cooled down so water can be separated but did not come with practical solution; has someone maybe try something like that?

Sary
This is exactly my solution that I implemented many years ago. Do research on Timeter Aridyne - 3500, 3600, 2000 models.

End of the road - no fuss no muss, no filters, no traps, no bottles, just keep it in a separate room (hidden from the wife if need be) with the airline running along the baseboard to your setup. See pics 12 and 43 on my AudioGon virtual system. If I recall back the noise level is around 55-60 db.

You can buy them used on ebay.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/TIMETER-Instrument-Corp-ARIDYNE-3500-Medical-Air-Compressor-System-/2916073...



slaw's avatar
slaw
21,629 posts
 
@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?
sary
4 posts
 

It is Hawaii; humid, but not crazy wet :)
While medical air supply would definitely be the optimum, it is a bit more than ready to commit at the moment; not the actual cost on ebay which is pretty reasonable, but space and shipping...

At the moment I went back to my Audiomods arm and while I think was preferring ET-2 there is lots to be said about simplicity of simply swinging and lowering the needle into the grooves; no more jumping even on demanding tracks....

I still want to re-visit ET-2 setup in the future and when looking again into my exact setup I guess there is logical explanation why there is water and most of it just at the air bearing.

Since I had Motor Guard Filter/water trap in front of the buffer tank, it is likely that the highest pressure in my system was just in short PVC tube run between the buffer tank and arm; there was no filter here any more.

Highest pressure would mean most condensation...

Now, I am thinking, if I would actually have a filter/water trap after the buffer tank and then have pressure regulator just in front of the arm problem could be much better?

Could someone who is using Medo AC0110 please share exact configuration (pump, hose, tank, filter, regulator,...) that works well; would love to give it another try.



ct0517's avatar
ct0517 OP
2,041 posts
 
Sary - the base ET 2 does not work with 2 psi - you need at least 3 psi. this could explain one reason for your skipping.

I have helped friends setup systems in the past. Regarding the regulator.

Type - Ensure your regulator comes with a water trap. Like this.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/eomCEWeVxLZxqn9U9

Location - as close to the air bearing as possible. Less chance of moisture getting in after air passes through it.

Usable gauge scale range - makes no sense for example, to have a 100 psi scale for measuring 3 psi which the base ET 2 requires.

Regulator Spring tension rate - higher PSI firmer spring rates to better engage/accuracy for the regulator, and the reverse, softer regulator
spring rates for lower PSI.

**********************************

Regarding your comment on the convenience of pivot arms. Convenience will always win out in the end, especially as one ages. I have a Dynavector hybrid / pivot arm in my second room I use occasionally to test out records.
The key here with the ET tonearm / pump system is. IMO, to get a setup going that is as close to turnkey as possible. You throw the switch - no more fiddling.

My pump system lives in the back bowels of the house. A forgotten setup except when needed and then it is critical. Our Savannah cat has shown an interest and climbs up on it occasionally. Maybe I can teach her to throw the switch for me and really make it turnkey. 8^0

I purchased the big boy Aridyne 2000 with minimal hours a couple of years ago, for a good price, but the shipping and customs was high. You would not pay customs being in Hawaii. It is a backup for when my older smaller Aridyne gives up the ghost. But it keeps on going.....

uberwaltz's avatar
uberwaltz
13,381 posts
 
Chris
Glad you got the Savannah settled in after all!
Try life with 2 Savannah and 2 Bengals.
Makes for fun vinyl times!
Ok interrupt over!
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