Old AR XA, New old tonearm

[Pootybear]

I finally found a tonearm for the AR XA. I bought an NOS JH Formula 4 tonearm from an auction site, for more than I could really afford. Drilled some holes and presto...

 

[marcmorin]

Had that arm on my KD 500. which grado are you running in that?

 

[Pootybear]

Just the Black for now. I have a V15 III and IV with SAS's that I want to try, but I want to get everything fine tuned and paint the top plate. Just got it set up and playing earlier today. It does sound really good for what it is. Maybe I can sell a kidney and try a wood body on it.

 

[marcmorin]

Just the Black for now. I have a V15 III and IV with SAS's that I want to try, but I want to get everything fine tuned and paint the top plate. Just got it set up and playing earlier today. It does sound really good for what it is. Maybe I can sell a kidney and try a wood body on it.

you need to locate an F-1, G1, G2 stylus if you can. Those were 35cu (although VE data base says 45) The arm will prefer a higher compliance stylus.

 

[Pootybear]

Thanks for the suggestions. What did you think about your Formula 4. I like the design, but the materials and finish could have been much better.

 

[mech986]

You might consider adding a little damping to the T-bar or extension plate, or possibly some edge angle bonded on for stiffness and damping.

 

[marcmorin]

Thanks for the suggestions. What did you think about your Formula 4. I like the design, but the materials and finish could have been much better.

I liked mine, The wife hated it......or actually hated trying to use it. So I bought her her own table to play. I was running a Signature 4 on it, and that too was a 35cu stylus. I had also used a MA2002, and a Sonus Blue. The arm went with the table when I sold them about 12 years ago.

 

[Pootybear]

Just got the Grado aligned perfectly and that made a world of difference. I think I'll give it a few weeks before I break it down to paint. These AR's just have a something special. It's hard to stop listening.

 

[Shaun21]

Here is my AR XA with Mayware Formula 4 tone arm. Pretty fantastic soundin!

 

[Grbluen]

Here is my AR XA with Mayware Formula 4 tone arm. Pretty fantastic soundin!

View attachment 3417332

That looks really nice!