Mayware formula 4 tonearm

[Daz55]

Hi Guys.

I just obtained one of these arms and was wondering if anyone had experience of them.

what I need to know is what silicone fluid I need for the pivot, and what viscosity,  also where I could get some in the UK.

cheers in advance for your help.

[ken13]

Hi Darrell,

 When i got my one it came with some 100,000 cst Silicone Damping Fluid from, turntablebasics.com

 I dont know if this is the correct fluid or not but it seemed to work ok , it dont say what fluid in the paperwork for the Formula 4 mk III.

 You could try audio origami, Jonny is s very helpfull guy.

 I did find a, installation instructions on the net, i think from vinyl engine,, but if you need any help with anything let my know.

[Daz55]

Cheers Ken, I'll check out your ideas

[ken13]

Hi Darrell,
Have you got the instructions, you dont get a lot , but i could copy what i have and send them to you in the post , if its any help.

[Daz55]

Thanks for that Ken I just got the fluid from turntable basics, not bad $14 posted to the uk.
I found the manual online Ken but thank's very much anyway.
your a gent.

[mred]

I had one of those and they are really good with light cartridges.
One tip is to start with no damping fluid, then add small amount and listen for a couple days, add again. Unfortunately you will have to beyond the sweet spot to find it, then remove some.

Cheers
Ed

[ken13]

Hi Darrell,

 One thing that may help, it says spindle to pivot, 211.75 mm, it also says  [ i think  ] you can use 219mm, by sliding the headshell along the arm.

 My one has a metel headshell but some have plastic, and can break easy, be carefull if yours is plastic.
 
 And i agree with what Ed says,,,,you got in before me,,, .

 PS, i have used a Denon 103 on my one, with plastic body, with extra weight on the counterweight, not to bad.

[Daz55]

I was hoping to fit a 103 at some point, in the meantime I have a choice of a Denon DL160 and a Nagaoka MP30, when My fluid arrives I'll try them both out.

I'm hoping it'll be better than my super duper modded rega 250.

any opinions on the Mayware will be appreciated.

[Sk8Ter]

In the past I have used RC car silicone diff lube like in this link below.......its the same as the expensive stuff the guru's sell for much more money!!
you can purchase different viscosity's for experimentation and any/most hobbies shops carry it 
 

http://cgi.ebay.com/100000-100-000-CPS-Silicone-Diff-Oil-Differential-Gear-/250667452670?pt=UK_ToysGames_RadioControlled_JN&hash=item3a5cf1c8fe

[ken13]

Hi Darrell,
 If you try a 103, slide the arm weight along the arm to behind the headshell, i found it adds weight to the denon and it sounds better.
 Also try it without fluid, i did and found it to be ok, sometimes damping damps it to much, lots of things to try, good luck.

[Daz55]

Thank's guys, I have set the arm up using lithium grease, just to wet the bearing an it sounds fine to me.

I have ordered some silicone already and hope it was worth it.

I have tried both my denon dl160 and nagaoka mp30, both sound much better than on my rega. More air and dimensionality, in fact bottom to top is better in all respects.

set up is also easier than you may think, I can't see why anyone disses these arms, I wish I'd bought one years ago instead of messing around with rega's.

I can't afford big money on hi-fi, this really is a treat.

In the last month or so I've gone from a a belt drive to a lenco much modded with new plinth, nice arm great sound, and spent much less than in the past on linn's, thorens, technics and the like.

Once again thanks for a brilliant forum and unbiased help.

[richardz]

any opinions on the Mayware will be appreciated.

About 32 years ago I had a Fons CQ30 TT with a SME3009II improved arm and a Shure M95ED. I changed the arm to the mark 3 Formula Four. I can't remember the first record I played but my reaction was "where the f**k did all that bass come from?".

Going from a lowly Garrard SP25 to the Fons/SME had really been a giant step upwards, but my records lost that oommphhh that I was used to and sounded, well, a little anaemic.

The Mayware restored all that and remained in place until the next upgrade, a Linn LVX. I should have kept the Mayware.

Sadly it met with an accident whilst in storage, but the armtube is to rise again in a modded Numark PT01.

[Daz55]

Yes, I'm astounded really, I never thought my vinyl could sound so good on a tight budget.

I used to be happy until I met a new friend with a Avid Acutus TT and a sme IV  with a shelter cart playing through a ear 834 into a huge Krell amp and ribbon speakers.

After that I just thought well if I haven't got at least 10 grand I may as well not bother with records at all.

This experience has changed my view entirely, I haven't  really played a cd since.

I'm not saying it's in the same league as my friends system but it is heading in the right direction.

[Mario_b]

Darrell,
Sorry I missed this - The Mayware/Sonus specs call for 60,000 centistoke. If you're getting the 100,000, you can probably get it to spec by mixing in some 20,000 cSt silicon in a 1:1 ratio.
- Mario

[Daz55]

Oh Heck, more expense,