Micro Max 282 vs. Exclusive EA-10

Hi all, I would like to resurrect this thread from the good ‘old days as I recently acquired an EA-10 complete with dedicated AX-6G armbase to go on my Micro RX-1500. It’s the final instalment to a quartet of arms including Audio Craft AC-4400, Micro MAX-237 and FR-64S.

My question concerns the oil damping and is directed at folks who have personal experience with this tonearm. Maybe @thuchan @rauliruegas @syntax @dover if they are still around? Or anyone else perhaps?

Before I make an effort to find the correct damping fluid I’d like to know if this is worthwhile or perhaps even necessary to get the best performance from the EA-10. I’ve learned that the use of damping is not always clear cut. While it is mandatory with the AC-4400, I definitely prefer the MAX-237 without damping.

So what is your verdict on the EA-10: to be damped or not to be damped?

@edgewear 

@downunder has been running a Pioneer P3/EA10 for some years. You might try to PM him. I found this on the web ..

Original Pioneer part is GEM1058, which is 200 000 cst. I use silicone oil from 20 000 to 50 000 cst

@dover thanks for that info.

The EA-10 came to me with EP-03 straight armpipe only. I would like to find the S-type armpipe as well, in order to make cart rolling more convenient and also to be able to use integrated headshell cartridges like SPU and FR7.

I know the S-type is much harder to find than the straight armpipes, but if any of you have a spare one lying about or know a reliable source, please let me know. Thanks!

Dear @edgewear  : Very good tonearm and the damping issue will be defined by your listening tests like with the MAX one you own.

The damping oil is a must with the Audiocraft and for the MAX/Exclusive is up to the owner.

In my case I used with damping oil and tested from 10k cst to 50k cst and obviously with the quantity too. You have to try and decide about.

The internal rewiring on those vintage tonearms is a must to do it too, made it by a good professional source and te wire could be the one from Audio Note UK.

Enjoy it,

R.

Thanks Raul, I’m gradually getting a handle on the EA-10’s sound. First trials with Benz LP are very positive, but I will try different cartridges before applying the damping fluid. The amount of damping can be adjusted or even discarded, so it’s easily disregarded if there’s no improvement.

The rewiring of the armpipes is certainly the next step. I need a reliable technician to perform this job. Not just on the EA-10, but also on the Audiocraft and the MAX.

I think Dieter Brakemeier of Acoustical Systems (and former member dertonarm) used to be the expert most referred to here. But I don’t know if he still does this kind of work, being a fully fledged manufacturer and all.

Any other specialists in Germany or at least within the EU?