New Maplenoll Ariadne owner needing advice

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

I have added two recent pics on my system pics showing the trial oil dampening system. The oil trough is the stock trough that I mounted directly under the air bearing spindle. I attached a pin to the arm clamp and it protrudes down into the oil trough. I am using a fixed level at this time in lieu of an adjustable level in the oil trough. The oil is a heavy weigh lubricating oil with a high viscosity. I have experimented with various levels and viscosities to optimize the dampening for most circumstances. The final touch will be an adjustable level to compliment the tapered pin thus creating the ability to adjust dampening on the fly.
The results are subtle. I did find the stock paddle was too much dampening and tended to kill out the highs (particularly the delicate highs like crystal bells etc.) The dampening tends to help with running a little lower vtf. Following the thread on the universe cartridge, i currently have the cartridge vtf set at 1.68 grams and it is sounding great. VTA is near level with the tail just slightly up on the cartridge. Thanks again for the inspiration from various contributors to this forum.

Olimanmojo : Impressive and innovating ; you win the "brass ring" . Great work

charlie
thanks for the kind words. its guys like you who help the novices like me get the encouragement to try new things.