New Maplenoll Ariadne owner needing advice

you've inspired me to rethink my arm as well. I'm thinking of reversing the direction of the arm and make it very short ala the rare Maplenoll Apollo but mounting it on a separate plinth with a VTA adjustment dial on the back end in the form of the third cone support. the only vulnerability of this design is that warped records change VTA because of the short arm but rigidity is greatly enhanced. I'll draw a picture and post a picture.

This sounds similar to the tritium table arm. It is an air bearing arm that is very short to resemble the actual cutting head. Love to see your concept. I still want to build the separate motor plinth similar to your table but i do not have the tools necessary to craft the device. By the way, you were right about the thinner wire. I finally got a good connection and it is working better than the 0.008 wire.

Oilmanmojo: How is the arm & oil paddel combo now working ?

Crem1; the table sounds great. i recently purchased the universe cartridge and think I am close to optimizing the vta and vtf. The cartridge had about 100 hours on it so its probably not fully broken in but the cartridge, arm, table combination is fantastic and far superior to anything i have ever heard on my system. I still need to upgrade my phono stage but the resolution of this combination is pretty impressive. I am currently running the vta with cartridge body close to level and the vtf near 1.7 grams. I am using the technique DougDeacon highlighted recently with the universe and the last couple of tweaks have opened up the resolution dramatically. The dampening system is finished and I think it is a resounding success. I will post a pic tommorrow on my system pics showing the dampening system. So much easier than the stock dampening system since I do not have to swing it over the record anymore. I am using a heavyweight oil with a tapered pin instead of the paddle. I think you will like the mods. I also mounted the armlift on the righthand side of the air bearing spindle. Currently I am just chilling out listening to music and waiting for the universe to fully break in. Not sure though the sound can get any better. I am working on a 2000 record deal so it looks like i will be cleaing a few records instead of tweaking with the table. Have you had a chance to build the carbon fiber arm? You will not regret it. By the way, thanks for the bullet plugs. Much better than the radioshack plugs I was using. I may need to call you up to discuss steam cleaning. I really have enjoyed that thread and ready to take the plunge with the steam

Oilman: Sorry for the late response. Lots to mention but due to the medical detour no changes yet on the 'Noll front. As timing would have it, I also aquired a LP collection ( 1960's rock LPs) - So far I have 200, several hundred supposely on the way ; many UK and German pressings @ 1967, significant J. Hendricks ,those are all mint - US pressings. Lots of gatefolds and alternate covers. But No Beatles. Oil, call anytime for a chat on steaming or anything I can assist you with.

Today, I'm attending a "East Coast Audiophile Society " gathering. Many audio designers and friends are coming several fresh from the CES. Frank Schroder, the tonearm designer, is scheduled to be in the group as is Peter of Soundsmith and Pierre Spray of 'ol Maplenoll fame along with others.

Should the moment present itself , I'll smooze over your arm which appears to me to be a impressive step forward.

Chat Soon, Charlie