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Advice on a recently purchased Maplenoll Athena

I recently purchased a Maplenoll Athena from an Audiogon seller and need some advice.

I have uploaded 3 pictures that I hope will better communicate what the issue is.  The photo sub-platter shows the sub-platter and when the sub-platter is removed the plate is visible (plate).  In the middle of the plate is a spindle that attaches to the sub-platter and prevents the sub-platter from moving around.

After unpacking the turntable, I noted that the sub-platter was not in a fixed state (it was easily moved), so I removed the sub-platter to investigate further.  I noted that the spindle was just slightly above the plate and was not protruding enough to connect with the sub-platter.  I connected the air hose thinking that maybe the spindle needed air to raise to the correct height, however this wasn't the case.  I gently pushed down on the spindle, and it dropped below the plate.

I removed the plate and realized what the issue is:  if you review the photo entitled spindle there are two areas of the interest.  To the left of the motor is the spindle, and directly below is the hole where the spindle is to be placed.

The hole is larger than the spindle and when inserted the spindle drops through the plinth and the bottom of the table finally landing on the piece of furniture the turntable is currently placed upon.

Can someone clarify for me if this turntable is missing a sleeve or a ring of some sort in which the spindle is inserted to hold it in place?  If so, does anyone know of a replacement part that would work?

Thank you for your time and as always, best regards.

Joel  
 

jpost
lewm
13,030 posts
 

Mijo, The hoses are because the Proscenium has an air bearing platter and an air bearing tonearm, which is an homage to Maple Knoll, even also including the lead platter, albeit the Proscenium platter is gigantic in size and mass compared to any Maple Knoll.  When the Proscenium was introduced, there were those who accused Walker of copycat-ism.  Nevertheless, it is a great sounding TT.

pryso
1,928 posts
 

When current, I bought a new Maplenoll Athena.  For the first month or possibly 6 weeks it was one of the best table/arms I've heard.  Then it stopped working normally.  I waited weeks for my dealer to make repairs but he gave up and refunded my purchase.  Some time later I read that proper filtration on the air lines to the arm and platter were critical.  Apparently that was missing from my version.

Years later there were articles in TAS (Enid Lumley?) on maintenance and optimizing the Athena.  Probably worthwhile if found by any current owners.

winerocks
1 posts
 

Not intending to hijack the thread, just popping my head in go say “hi”.  
i recently bought a Maplenoll, that is a bit of a fixer-upper.  Looking for a support group of sorts to help each other solve issues like yours, along with others that pop up.  

jpost OP
2 posts
 

I was able to finally get the turntable up and running, though it does have a steep learning curve.  I solved the platter spindle problem using a drill press and a 20-cent drywall anchor.  The original air pump died so I spent a fair amount of time researching replacements, until it dawned on me to take apart the pump box, find the model number of the pump, and use various internet search engines.  I was able to locate 2 separate pumps from the same manufacturer, one was the original 7 psi, and the second one is 12 psi.  Each one cost around $100.   I also built a new box for the air pump and was able to lower the pump DB from 68 to 41.  I shortened the air hose from ~100 feet to ~30, removed the tonearm air bearing and pumped 90% isopropyl alcohol through it to clean and did the same treatment to the shortened air hose.  I have 3 additional projects: complete replacing the power switch to the table; resolve an issue where the turntable motor will run backwards when it has been running for the length of a record (most likely caused by a bad capacitor); add a filter for moisture removal. 

I don't regret the purchase, and it performs just as I remember when I first experienced this turntable, some 35 years ago.

I am more than willing to assist you in your project, though I am far from an expert.

Best regards,

Joel

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