I used an ET2 for over 10 years and was very happy with the performance. I agree that it takes a good deal of patience and skill to set it up properly but it is quite stable. The most critical adjustment is the front to back level of the table. If it is not perfect the arm will tend to skate one way or the other. This is why the ET is not suitable on tables with soft suspensions. The arm moving across the record will change the the level of the suspension enough to create an imbalance. I found the best way to set this is to put the large knurled brass weight on the post behind the arm to balance it so it floats over the table. You can also use a blank disc such as the Cardas Test Record. Just make sure the table is on a very stable surface.
How many you wax spinners know ET arms?
Trying to decide on my second and hopefully last table.Have a HO Grado Sonata ready to put on a 'table and really like the folks at VPI so I am trying to decide between a 19 VI and the aries.The I have thought if the Aries maybe the 12 vs the 10 Memorial.I guess the .5's rock but big$$$.Anyway I see a number of Eminent Technology ET2's mounted on 19'sfor about $1K.I have goode performance issues from folks but it looks a bit rube goldberg to me.Noise?Upkeep?I don't want to become the Linn folks constantly tweaking.I know the tables are a big differnece in price but what will give me biggest bang for buck?