Eminent Technology ET-2 Tonearm Owners

Slaw, apologies. In did not mean to come across as heavy handed. My comment was simply a statement of what I heard IN MY SYSTEM; not a suggestion that you should do the same.

Regards.

Hi Frogman –The drop of superglue on the Empire shaft worked like magic. The cartridge has been used alot. The last couple weeks I had noticed on really eccentric records the odd skip with the Empire. I attributed some of it to learning curve with the string drive TT. But I had a better look - the actual shaft had some play. Its always been flawless in tracking. I put one drop of superglue and the shaft where it butts up against the body. Let it set and no problems now with those records. I paid $350 for the whole thing and the stylus’ are $250 I think? so I considered it disposable as I have a second empire ?

Does anyone know if its possible separate superglue from two metal surfaces? Just curious.

Cheers

ET2 MAGNET MOD - Who has tried Dover’s Magnet mod? I found a magnet I tried it. I’d like to hear someone else’s impressions first.

Its a fairly long description in the manual but basically involves putting the second arm / cartridge on top of the first while playing a track and "listening" to it to hear resonances in the first arm.

It also includes a discussion of how materials change their physical properties at resonance and become much less rigid or stiff.

Apbiii - Martin Colloms did some testing of energy transmission in the ET2 years ago. He measured the resonances in the arm tube and then in the arm after the air bearing. The conclusions were that the unwanted energy transmitted went straight through the air bearing and out the other end relatively unimpeded.
This is the old chestnut - do you kill unwanted energy by overdampening, or by having a drain path to ground ( the plinth ).
The main issue with overdampening is that soft materials eg rubber, will store energy and then release it "out of time" with the music, thus smearing the sound.
People will have their own preferences, do you want to hear everything, quick, coherent, lively if a little coloured, or do you like a nice smooth inoffensive sound if lacking a little speed, detail and coherence.

Dover,

Just to clarify-

The conclusions were that the unwanted energy transmitted went straight through the air bearing and out the other end relatively unimpeded.

Do you mean that the energy went from the spindle, through the air gap, into the manifold, and into the plinth?

From the arm tube to the plinth and the energy resonances measured were very close, ie transmission rate was very high.

An interesting set of articles on the ET2 with a little discussion of resonance in tone arms.

http://www.stereophile.com/content/eminent-technology-two-tonearm

I have not thought much about the actual mechanics and physics of turntables and arms but some of what I read does not make much sense to me. Perhaps someone can help me understand better.

Folks talk about "draining" energy to the earth or some other place of stability as if it somehow removes the effect. This does not make sense to me. If a tone arm resonates at some frequency it seems to me that it must be moving. That movement will eventually be damped by some mass, i.e. the movement will become undetectable. The resonance will if no longer being excited die out as the energy is dissipated as heat energy raising the temperature of the resonating part.

The damage from an audible perspective would seem to me to come from the movement. For the cartridge to reproduce what is in the groove it needs to be absolutely fixed relative to the groove. If it moves relative to the groove then that movement becomes part of the electrical signal as there is no way for the cartridge motor to know if the cartridge is moving or the cantilever is moving.

What I think Bruce is saying with his measurement technique is that if you can sense movement in the headshell of a tone arm, which is what you are doing by placing another stylus / arm on the headshell as it plays a record, that movement has to be counterproductive to the faith-full reproduction of the information in the groove.

FROGMAN... you didn't, I will be glad to clarify my statements when needed. I get on my high horse some and I thank you for pulling me back down a notch. I get too passionate about audio as everyone can see.

APbiii - here’s some interesting data on resonances from Reed.

I am sure Bruce probably has files and files of tests as well.

>Resonance Testing

Some more of their research.

Magnetic Damping - and Antiskating
I find it very interesting that pivot arm manufacturers are openly discussing the "possibility" of mechanical noises caused by regular antiskate in pivot arms.

In Reed's owns words.

"This model features magnetic antiskating technology which eliminates the possible noises brought up by the traditional mechanical antiskating."


Magnetic Antiskating & Damping

Since no one has spoke up about the ET2 magnet yet - I will say I have left it on. I guess we need to experiment with how big it can be and not effect things. My magnet is placed on the pedestal where the air bearing spindle exits. My wires now exit the arm tube and go straight down away from the Spindle. I would post a pic but I am not able to yet.
Cheers

DOUBLE LEAF SPRING I-BEAM -
Frogman thank u so much for turning me on to this.
For the small amount of $ we are talking about here I can’t stop myself from telling you guys that you should have Bruce send you:

Two I beams with the factory single leaf spring on them. They are around $15 each.

Plus three leaf springs on the side(loose).

From this you can make one double and one triple leaf spring I Beam to try out.

You probably have a single spring version already.

Have a look at what kind of condition your existing I beam /Spring is in. You may just want to replace it as well. If you have a single spring you should see damping material on the one side that was put on at the factory. This is a folded aluminum shim with inert material similar to silly putty according to Bruce.

I have just assembled a straight double leaf spring super glued together, started listening and really like what I am hearing. Bruce said no damping material is needed with the double spring and he has not tried the triple spring.

Frogman - 3 I beams in the waiting ? Single, double, triple spring versions based on the type of cartridge you want to put on ? Is this a silver bullet or one of them with this tonearm ?

Using the minimal amount of weights as far out to the end of the IBeam as possible.

Magnet in place for damping (thank u Dover)

Cheers

My ET2 rebounds wildly from runout groove. Fix?

Oracle with ET2 have been in storage for a few years. Before setting up again, I would like some help. A recurrent problem has been the arm moves toward the spindle in the runout groove, then rebounds, skittering a ways toward the record periphery. Repeat endlessly, until manual intervention. I assume that energy is stored in the I beam spring.
Easy fix?

Philcoffino,

Is it a Delphi? I have an ET-2 on my Delphi, but don't experience that problem. You might want to check to make sure that your platter is perfectly level. If it's not, when the cartridge gets near the end of an LP, the platter will become even slightly more un-level and cause even more acceleration of the arm as it nears the end of the LP.

Also make sure to see if you have the maximum amount of space between the joint and the manifold housing when the cartridge it at the very end of the runout groove. I have heard (no idea how true it is) that if they get too close, the air coming out of the manifold can push against the joint and cause the arm to "bounce" back across the LP. Maybe its just the joint coming in contact with the manifold and bouncing back, I don't know. Either way, you never want the joint to come in contact with the manifold. You want some buffer distance there.

Before your arm rebounds, does the joint contact the manifold? Have you ever watched it?

Ct, glad it worked out; I had a strong suspicion that you would like the result. Maybe not a silver bullet, but a significant way of optimizing cartridge performance and system tuning. Again, issues of ultimate technical performance aside (tracking), in my system with certain cartridges one spring is obviously preferable to the others, otherwise the sound can be either too lean (lower compliance spring), or too full, even bloated and diffuse (higher compliance spring). Having said that, I seldom use the single spring anymore since the improved detail retrieval and refinement that I generally hear with the double and triple springs are difficult to give up; and when the system starts to move in the direction of too lean a sound as a result of the lower compliance, I find that I can make adjustments elsewhere (VTA, slightly higher VTF, a different tube, etc.) and retain the benefits.

Regards.

Philcoffino, a couple of things to check.

- Make sure the ARM is level, not just the platter. I will bet you an I-beam that your arm (spindle/housing) is not level, and is slightly higher in the rear. Even if a bubble level tells you that it is, try raising it slightly at the front.

- Check the dressing of the tonearm wires to make sure they are not pulling on the arm when it reaches the end of the record.

- If you are using a clamp on your tt, check to see that it's diameter is not so wide that cartridge body actually hits it at the end of the record. Had that happen with a certain carbon fiber clamp.

Frogman, I couldn't agree more. I just assumed that his arm was perfectly parallel with his platter's surface!

Philcoffino,
If it's not, make that adjustment first, then level your suspension with the oracle gauge to make sure that your aluminum plinth is parallel to the acrylic plinth. After that's perfect, use the arm as a level and level it by adjusting the spikes under your Oracle.

Again, issues of ultimate technical performance aside (tracking), in my system with certain cartridges one spring is obviously preferable to the others, otherwise the sound can be either too lean (lower compliance spring), or too full, even bloated and diffuse (higher compliance spring). Having said that, I seldom use the single spring anymore since the improved detail retrieval and refinement that I generally hear with the double and triple springs are difficult to give up; and when the system starts to move in the direction of too lean a sound as a result of the lower compliance, I find that I can make adjustments elsewhere (VTA, slightly higher VTF, a different tube, etc.) and retain the benefits.

Frogman – What a profound post. Your experience with this ET2 tonearm, different cartridges and different I Beams just oozing out. Well maybe oozing is not the right word.

As a guideline then and remembering all our systems/rooms are different so we need to experiment and the reason we cannot call it a "silver bullet".

Summarizing this makes it clearer for me.

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.

What I am hearing going from the single to double spring supports this.

Cheers

Rebounding arm fix!

I thank the forum contributors for their suggestions.
Careful leveling has mitigated but not solved the problem. Rebound is now observed only with some records, perhaps those with runout grooves more steeply pitched.

I assume that energy is stored in the I beam spring upon inward acceleration of the arm as it encounters the more steeply pitched runout groove, then suddenly decelerates when the groove becomes circular nearest the record center, and the Ibeam with associated mass gives up its energy, pitching the arm back toward the periphery.

Bruce Thigpen offered to send me an I beam with a less compliant spring, which may solve the residual problem.

Arm setup was impaired by my inability to find my stylus pressure gauge. It is useful to know that a US dime weighs ~2.2 grams. That made it possible to jury rig a balance so that my Benz Micro Ref could be set to that pressure.

Hi Philcoffino – welcome to the thread. Interesting point about the smaller circle and built up energy ? I need to give that some thought. The smaller circle is what caused the most problems for me when I tried to convert a belt drive designed TT to thread drive. Pitch stability suffered when longer thread was used.

I will say “again” any one with an ET-2 on a suspended TT needs to pay extra attention to detail. Here are 3 additional leveling tips based on taking down and remounting the ET 2.0 / 2.5 over 20 times in the last year. 4 different tables plinths / no plinths and also 4 armpods.

These 3 techniques saved me a lot time and frustration.

I went to one of those neat hardware stores and bought a level that is as close to the same length/size as the ET2 Straightline Jig.

1) Place it on the platter in the EXACT line that your ET-2 straight line alignment jig would go – levelling this way ENSURES your platter is level in the path the arm will take.

2) The tonearm air bearing spindle is not IMO in the same exact level plane as the tonearm armpost it attaches to. It a physical connection with bolts – DON’T TRUST IT. Some of these arms are old now. Many people level the arm post. IMO - this is a mistake.

Use Blue Tac (Fun Tac) a little heavier than the cartridge on the counterweights to raise the Arm Tube and Cartridge and have the Bearing Spindle float with gravity. Adjust armpost vertical screws until it does not move either way.

3) While arm is floating (in 2) move wires around with pencil or your finger – Fix/dress the wires so they don’t affect the arm. Do this with the arm raised at the START and END of the record.

If the above three points are done the stylus "run-in" and "run-out" should be the same.

Thoughts?

Philcoffino: Your observation in regards to the runout groove being more steeply pitched is right on. Every record is different. I was curious as to what kind of damping if any, you are using? Trough, magnet, or none?

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Chris,

The cartridge that I use has medium / low compliance (15x10-6) or thereabouts.

I am using three small or one large weight and it is in the area of 5 on the beam.

I did notice a little leaner sound with the double leaf spring but found a loss in bass so I went back to the single leaf. For what it is worth I play and listen to a lot of live acoustic music (I play guitar and upright bass in a bluegrass / old time setting several times a week) and I am not a fan of the lean hard sound some folks claim is "Hi Fi".

I did change the VTA a bit but my cartridge does not seem to be terribly sensitive to VTA.

Apbiii – interesting, well the cartridge will always be the decider on the settings we use. With my higher compliance cartridge moving the lead weights from #5 on the IBeam to the end of the Ibeam changes the sound, as well as making changes to the VTA.

You’ve got me curious - are you able to get the VTF you need with two small weights – one less and stay on the IBeam ? If possible pls try this for me. I'd like to see if it makes a difference with the lower compliance cartridge. Remember those pirate movies with the plank they put people on? My weights are sitting on the end of that plank right now.

My fraternal twins killed my singing/playing career . But now I have the pleasure of hearing my daughter sing in her school jazz band, play piano and my son plays acoustic guitar. I do however play tapes at 15 ips for reference in my room. The sound is not lean/hard. It is very analog.

Cheers

Chris, I can't get the correct tracking force with only two small weights.

understand thx. Apbiii

Hi Guys – I tried my highest compliant cartridge tonight on the SP10MKII w/ET2.0 HP Manifold with a triple leaf I-Beam.

A Sonus Blue Gold Cartridge.

Frequency Response - 20Hz - 45kHz
Tracking Force - 1.0-1.5g
Mass - 5.5g
Stylus Tip - special modified line contact
Dynamic Compliance 50x10-6cm/Dyne

This was the first cartridge I bought off the MM thread. A nice enough cartridge but not in the same league as the Empire 4000 Diii. A very smooth presentation overall but not near as dynamic. I call it the Swedish Skidoo.

The triple leaf I beam with lower VTA transformed it into a very dynamic performer. I do not remember it being this lively / open.

Cheers.

Hi TheKong.

I was wondering if you made any progress with your direct couple ET 2.5 counterweight project ?

01-09-12: Thekong
Hi everyone, very interesting topic! I have obtained a used ET2 with Bruce’s upgrade 2.5 bearing, but have yet to set it up.

I am very interested in the discussion on the I-beam compliance. As far as I can tell, the arm on the Walker Proscenium turntable (which is of similar design to the ET2) has a direct couple counterweight. Since the Walker is being regarded as one of the best, I was thinking of modifying the ET2 in such manner.
I wonder what are the pros and cons to the 2 different approaches.

I have had on hand one, two ,and three leaf I beams now for a few months. I am having a lot of fun interchanging them and listening to the changes that occur with same and different cartridges. The flexibility for tuning in each of our rooms/gear that this provides is a very nice option. Thx to Frogman for turning me on to it. I would not want to give up this feature now for myself – but I am curious about making different compliant versions of a more rigid I beam - with the adjustable counterweight that just bolts on/off the spindle? This reminded me of your post back in Jan.

I keep coming back to this one. Does anyone know who the owner is ?

ET 3.0 ?

Cheers Chris

Hello fellow ET2 enthusiasts. Been a while and I hope everyone is well. Just wanted to share some very preliminary impressions of a cartridge that I have had sitting, new in the box for a few months. I know some of you follow and/or contribute to Raul's MM mega-thread. Several months ago, there was some buzz around a new-found source for the NOS Acutex 420STR. Well, I bit and bought one from the overseas vendor.

After only a few hours of play I can tell you that this is a great cartridge for the ET2. I know some other recent purchasers, while acknowledging that it is very good, were somewhat lukewarm about it overall. Perhaps
synergy plays a major role here, but I can tell you that it is a fantastically dynamic and alive sounding cartridge, with the best bass that I have yet heard from my ET. When I say best I don't mean just quantity. The bass is very powerful, and very tuneful. One of the few criticisms I have had of the ET is bass with a slight softness and lack of definition compared to a good pivoting arm. The bass now sounds as part of the same musical fabric as the rest of the frequency range. It is not a "beautiful" sounding cartridge. It is very direct sounding, with outstanding dynamic gradations,
and fine sound staging. Just wanted to share in case you come across one.

More to follow....

Hi Frogman – that 420str is a very interesting cartridge.
“It is not a "beautiful" sounding cartridge. It is very direct sounding, with outstanding dynamic gradations, and fine sound staging.”
Yes I had a similar experience. In fact when I had it on the ET2 last year, if I can remember right it forced me to move by listening chair a few feet back from the nearfield position. Did you find the angle of mounting to the ET2 armtube odd ? not much clearance for the top two cartridge clips ? Which version I Beam are you using with it – single, double or your own wooden one ?

Bass is subjective like everything else in this hobby. Personally I don’t have any issues with bass on the ET2 setups. This has been verified for me with my Studer 807. The technique I use.
I start the tape and lp going – they are within a couple of seconds of each other. All I do is switch the input back and forth on the dial and can instantly hear the differences between the two mediums playing in my room. The ET2 does “really well” against the tape - in my room. I have my own personal thoughts on the LF “bump” provided by pivots. I also have some info of Bruce’s analysis on the testing he did of pivot arms some years back – if you are interested in it I can email it to u.

Hi Chris, I agree; bass quality can be a very subjective thing. I think you know how I feel about the ET2's excellence; bass included. But I am not talking about a lack in the quantity of the bass with the ET2; it is excellent by any measure. IN MY SYSTEM, the ET's bass can sound just a little bit diffuse (even with the high-pressure pump/manifold) and a little "soft". Over the years that I have used the ET2, I have also used several good pivoting arms including the SME V, Theta, and SyrinxPU3 (which I still own). None performed as well as my ET2 overall, and I agree that they can (particualrly the SME) provide an unwanted bass "bump". The only area where they had any advantage was in being able to provide bass detail of the kind one expects in the midrange; the ability to clearly hear inner texture in bass notes, and clarity of the bass notes themselves in the musical (harmonic) context. A minor issue, but real in my experience. Anyway, I have been surprised by the Acutex's ability to provide bass
quality reminescent of that of the pivoting arms. The bass is tuneful and very speedy, like a good MC. I find the overall sound a little bit dry ("not a beautiful sounding cartridge"), but it only has a few hours of play, and I suspect that it will improve with time. BTW, I am using the double leaf spring. I haven't tried the others yet.

Regards.

Well Frogman – I wasn’t “multi-springing” wth the ET2 back when listening to the 420str last year.
So am looking forward to your tweaking recommendations on it once you have had a chance to spend more time with it. Chris

Frogman,

I would love to see a pic of your wiring setup? I recently acquired an ET-2 on a Sota Sapphire. My wire is a bit worse for wear and appears to have bathed in the damping trough at some point too... I am looking for an upgrade and am intrigued by your description and experiences.

Thanks!

I will try and post some pics in the next couple of days.

Ct0517,

I have to say that I am enamored with your wiring loom!

I was close to ordering this litz wire:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/170802911043?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_3391wt_1141

but after reading this thread, it appears you folks have done the field testing, so am learning more from your solutions and opinions, and the photos are very helpful too!

Right now I have just done my own amateur re-wiring direct to the preamp, but would like something nicer like you and Frogman have in the wiring department.

Also, curious your thoughts on the magnetic damping? Effective? How did you arrive at the right number and spacing?

I reinstalled the damping trough the previous owner had removed, and got adhesive and fluid from Bruce, but there is a slight twist in the trough, but I was able to get the level I needed without spilling out the side. But, the fluid seems to leech back and drip, so am a bit disappointed with that.

Thanks for all the great info here, even though I'm late to the party.

Bh80231, if you provide your email address I would be glad to send you some pic that I just took. Luddite that I am, I can't figure out how to post pics.

I looked at the link in your post. Personally, I would purchase wire with higher pedigree; Audinote, Cardas, Discovery. The quality of the wire will make a very significant sonic difference. Wiring the ET2 with a continuous run to the preamp is not difficult, and just requires some care and common sense. Re the damping trough (which I use and like very much): make sure that the paddle just barely touches the fluid. With that in mind, you don't need so much fluid in the trough that it will spill out.

BTW, if you live in the NYC area I would be glad to loan you either a Cardas or Discovery wiring loom that I am not using. I am currently using AudioNote wire.

Good luck, and let me know if you want the pics.

Another tip re the trough: make sure that the trough itself is level. If it is not, the amount of damping will vary (decrease) as the arm travels towards the inside of the LP. The trough has a tendency (especially if the Velcro has gotten a little wet from the fluid spilling unto it) to sit lower at the end farthest from the arm. If that is the case, put a small foam square underneath the trough at the far end to prop it up as needed.

Hi BH80231 – you can’t be late for this ET2 party. Its been going on for over 20 years… This tonearm has stood the test of time – like Dertonarm likes to say

Frogman – I think a lot of people would love to see your setup. My email is bcpguy@bell.net

BH - I tend to move gear around including preamps so for now I need a portable sturdy solution. Soldering is not my forte, I can do it if need be but not like a professional. I am absolutely thrilled with that wiring loom, the creation of Gene at Take Five Audio. It was made for me. It can be reproduced by him and others I’m sure. I have no background hum at all - fingers crossed. Those WBT nextgen connectors – expensive but really nice.

Will post more about the damping later… Dover turned me on to this one on this thread – Dover are you out there ?

Thanks so much guys. @Frogman, yes please on pics, email is vinylryp@gmail.com. I am in Denver, but would gladly pay 2-way shipping for the chance to test drive a loom! I get to NYC 2 or 3 times a year for a customer, but it is sporadic at best.

Bruce sent me some special 3M adhesive strip rather than velcro for the trough. My paddle just barely makes contact with the surface as it should, like I mentioned, my trough has a twist, it is as straight as it can be, but is not true. I tried to true it prior to install, but... it's okay -- like you said, you don't fill it up. I think it is doing its job fine, and the leeching has stopped, maybe I jostled it at some point.

@Ct0517, would you email more specifics on how to order a loom from Gene, more detail on the build or components? Looks like he is in Canada? I'm a former bench tech (30 years ago!), so pretty comfortable with an iron, but am not above paying for expertise either.

Courtesy of Frogman

Modified ET-2.5 with AudioNote Silver Wire

Everyone,

This is an apology. Sincerely, I apologize to everyone, especially Chris. I've re-evaluated several things (personal) and I really think I can do much better.
I've evolved in good ways and my system has come along with me. I think I do have things to offer.
So I ask you, if you all will let me back in, to accept my posts as thoughtful and from my audio heart.

We all have detailed and thoughtful analysis of our systems and components. We express our thoughts on each of these and yet, we aren't focusing on a specific source!

This seems to be an obvious ommision of extreme consequense. This thread is about ET owner's experiences with this arm in our, varied systems. While our systems vary, our source doesn't have to. So, my suggestion is that we, as ET owners, discuss our experiences with this arm in our different systems with one, (agreeable) recording, (lp) in mind. To me, this makes perfect sense.

Hi Steve, welcome back. where have you been ?
We all go through stuff ….. this hobby and forum is one way that helps me to deal with it.
Look forward to hearing about your system updates.

In follow up with Frogmans comments on the 420str, I am totally enjoying the Acutex 420str the last few weeks.

Could this be Linear arm heaven for cheap ?

Dgarretson (Dave) if you see this post please let us know how it sounds on your Terminator Linear arm. I understand that the inventor of the arm purchased multiple samples from Nandric (Nikola) after hearing it the first time.

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1339746713&openflup&5&4#5

Pivot arm owners reading this - beware – this cartridge which is a little piece of nothing and costs as much as a good lunch, will give you mind and back spasms if properly set up - be assured. Most with no patience will give up on it and say it is too harsh - as I read on the MM thread.

A belated Happy Canada Day and hope my US friends here have a great 4th of July.

Cheers Chris

Steve - I must have posted just after your last post. I think an LP list for reference is an excellent idea.

Thanks Chris,

I haven't yet caught up on everything but, what I'm sensing is awesome sonics from very economical carts. I will get caught up on this. I'm glad that Dgarretson has posted, his set-up is pretty amazing! (I wonder where he has his machining done?)

I know that IMO, there must be a few lps that most of us own, (or should own) that will be easy to obtain. I'm certainly up for a new record if I don't currently own it.

I haven't yet taken the time to re-post my virtual system but I've had some interesting findings.

This should be interesting to you all, I hope it doesn't seem all about me, even though it really is.

My tt is a wall mount. Sadly, it's not on a load bearing wall. I've done my best to compensate, I have a MANA (custom) wall mount as the basis for the tt, (also a separate one for the outboard motor, thread drive), I've made a custom motor enclosure that, after hearing the positive benefits, I've already decided to construct another. I'm using a combo of Symposium platforms and BDR shelves. I use a ET 2.5, currently running 17psi @ the arm, a Dyna 17D3. (I think this cart weighs around 5 grams).

What I'm getting at is this, I've had an issue where if the cartridge is sitting in the groove, tt not spinning volume up!, I'd get a low frequency rumble. This could be several things, and I've tried several things.

I recently purchased a double leaf spring I-beam, re-read the manual and my (2) counterweights are now at the end of the I-beam. To my surprise, performing the cart in the groove test now results in NO rumble. Hallelulia! Now I'm going to play Ryan Bingham's excellent "Hallelulia"



Recently I purchased a double leaf spring I-beam