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Threaders: I finally posted a few photo's of the Maplenoll and will re-edit to other views in a few days/weeks. |
Maplenoll'ers: FYI, AG AD#1224107516 for Maplenoll Ari. Signature (70lb. platter) w/ Walker extras (NOTE : no air pump that's $400-$800 lay-out)Asking price, $3250.00 US. |
Oilmanmojo: Am I correct to believe that you purchased Greg Davis's Maplenoll that was offered on audiogon & Ebay to include a letter from Lloyd Walker outlining potential improvements to the table? If so , that letter along with Piedpiper's excellent recommendations should get you on your way. However, there is one more tweek that takes the old table to new sonic heights... But only for those who feel at ease with mechanical stuff and do not freek . Again, do not attempt unless you feel completely confident with your abilty to take things apart and put them back together again. I recommend to carefully dismantel the arm to the air bushing and inject 100% Iso-Alcohol into the bushing via the air intake port located on the under-side of the base(plith). The alcohol cleans out years of gunk build-up on the interior of the bushing and the air release holes . Make sure you have several cans of compressed air to dry the bearing once the alcohol runs clear. Do the same for the air-bearing base attached to the TT plith. Quite a messy job . Better still,remove those bearings completely from the TT base (plith) before cleaning . Returning those bearings to factory specifications by removing all the accumulated oil-crud stabilizes the air flow. It's sonically worth the effort to hear the TT as Bob Dilger /Pierre Sprey intended. Once the TT is reduced to its parts its a good idea to complete Mr. Walkers recommendations to the tone-arm & top of the TT air bearing. A change in tone-arm wiring maybe in order. Pierre Sprey recommends 40ga . I used 33 ga. Cardas via Michael Percy's web site that runs directly to the Pre-Amp capped with Bullett RCA's. Lastly, a word of caution no matter who recommends it--Do Not Burnish the Interior of the TT Air Bearing in the plith. That bearing has been "hardened" ; it can not be burnished unless re-hardened afterwards. That's too tricky for me. Other than a good cleaning and plugging the air-hole on the top plate w/ epoxy , leave the top and bottom plates alone. Cheers |
Readers: Todate, the the designer of the Friction Damping Tonearm has yet to make arraignments so that I may purchase and experiment with his tonearm. Perhaps other commitments are taking up his time. I will keep all informed. The tonearm can be viewed at www.tonearm.org. |
Sorry, the Tonearm designer has withdrawn the design from sale. So that's the end of that. |
Oilmanmojo : The information you have is light-years ahead of others. May I suggest that you contact Mr. Walker, as well as, Mr. Sprey for their recommendations regarding a air pump . Both are gentleman that give of their time and judgements w/o reservation , time permitting . I believe that you may have the finest Ariadne-- Next to mine off course . I have heard almost every incarnant of TT's on the market since the 1970's. Unless you are willing to spend Kilo bucks for a Ravin TT and Schorder tone-arm... Forget about it ! The Ariadne warts an'all comes damn close to to the SOTA but it has a lot S--- to deal with. Be happy you own one of the finest TT's ever made. |
Threaders : Problems with Air Supply Chain (ASC) :
Specialists @ GE ( thread & PVC sealants ) report that for a variety of reasons the sealants I previously applied were not designed to work with PVC & metals . GE is forwarding industrial samples to apply. GE said that their products should seal the entire chain boosting the PSI . More to come soon. |
Piedpiper : My remark was was a tad cheeky but I do feel the early tables may have more lead & perhaps were more tricked out for the reviewers. The TT I have was auditioned & purchased by Fred Kaplan who wrote an article for TAS later selling that unit to me. I believe that I may have aquired all the options including the smokey Retro Plexyglass Cover and an origional unused shipping carton. In my case I am never satified so over the years with the help of a tool&diemaker we redesigned the head-shell, the VTA adjustment screw , the trough paddle and the lower-plate center pin. The air chambers have been redesigned via the walker method and the top plate of the air bearing in the plith was epoxyed to eliminate the small air hole. The table rests on a hand made maple block. Soon I intend to put a bottom plate on the VTA adjustment bracket and redo the feet adjusters. Sometime in the future I intend to re-balance the lead platter. Kudos to you Piedpiper I enjoy reading your recomnendations. |
Piedpiper : Initially , I filled the counterweight with mortight . Later, opting to remove the mortight repacking the tube with cotton pipe cleaners. The pipe cleaners allowed for damping the tube to suit my taste -- Four trimed , densely packed pipe cleaners appeared to be just right for me. Thanks to you and oilmanmojo for sharing a mother-lode of useful information. |
Piedpiper : I found that filling the tube with mortight affected tonearm/cartridge compatibility.
To me the compliance factor changed perhaps because the total effective mass had been altered. For instance, Grados did an accelerated "Grado dance" and my Aq 7000fe sounded strident ,as did my dynavector and a slew of other pickups. By changing from mortight to compressed natural fibers ( in my opinion ) gave me more options -- damping varients which returned my TT to audio-heaven . Generally, most published material on the subject suggests tonearm/cartridge resonance issues revolve around the front of the tonearm. However, when you are dealing with with an "L'-ish" styled linear tracker supported by air bearings & effectly floating on air, weight/damping issues from either the front or back maybe a problem. I took note of the fact that it appears L.Walker maybe attempting to eliminate the above by his use of a air bearing tonearm design that is in open architecture , that can be viewed/copied from web pages on the internet for diyers. Good for LLoyd.
Am I crazy ? Yes sir I plead guilty as charged. But so is Pierre , LLoyd and lots of others. As you are a friend of Pierre do you reside nearby ? Should you know the name Ejazz than you know the audio-heads that make up the crowd. Some of those Kats don't think nothing of dropping 15 to 20K in a blink and trashing the rigg if they find a "better one" . Me I'm different . I try to squeese every ounce of sound out of what I own . To that purpose I reserve a few hours everyday to read Audio stuff and having done so for 28+ years. That doesn't make me smart just ahead of the curve.
Frankly, as far as I am concerned you can spend a Kilo bucks and not get one ounce more than a tricked out 'Noll. Crazy...Yep like a fox. Oh, if your really nuts try a Shun Mook record weight. Worth every $$$$. Cheers |
Piedpiper : Now your on to something . The added weight to the tube does nothing to eliminate your pick-up problems. Damping w/o weight affords potental options . I have given some thought to drilling three 3/4 to 1" holes in the plith putting brass hardware on top & bottom to act as "tuning pegs" via Michael Green. A little twist --who knows if I shall ever get that far. Post Note:
My cousins are musicans Tony & Michael Sciuto . Steve Dorf produced Tony's first Lp. Lots of bi-coastal travel to LA & Vegas . Kevin Brubaker & Paul Reed Smith know Michael very well. He has done design work with Kevin & Ibanz. Small world. |
Does anybody know a source for brass cartridge bolts ? I have a slew of stainless but no brass.
Has anyone had any success with replacing the captive ac cord? Mapleshade sells a replacement cord for audiogear but how it works in a 'noll I do not know. |
Olimanmojo: Apparently the Ariadne TT does not travel well. A fellow id'ed as Paul had contacted me after having a similar shipping experience. I referred him to this bolg to assist the tables reconstruction. I hope he reads our threads. |
The fellow who can be contacted thru that above site is Scott Leventhal , a very nice fellow who re-wrote the Ariadne & Athea Manuals for 'Noll 15+ years ago.
Scott on occasion willingly shaires the copywrited materals on a person by person request using above web site to filter same to him . Scott also has developed a Improvment/ Tweeks page(s) for a variety of 'Nolls.
Due to his decision to distribute the materals that he has legal rights too in a manner he chooses, I feel it inapproiate w/o his permission to discuss them , however , both are valuable for 'Noll owners. So threaders contact the above site , send an e/m requesting assistence & await a response.
Who knows maybe Scott may consider forwarding the materal to this thread for downloading ? |
Piedpiper: I am considering removing the a/c motor. Could you go into a little more detail on the do's and don't, perhaps a few pics. Thanks |
Piedpiper: I attempted to look at your 1/17 pic's for cues to the motor mounting. Unfortunately , some of the mounting is obscured. Do you have any recommendations for a replacement motor ? From the pic it appears the outside of your platter has been taped --Is that correct ? Have you found those brass bolts ? Lots of Q's ... All the Best |
Piedpipe : Thanks for the reply . I also have been attempting to locate acrolink internal stress free wire for a re-wire of the phono wires . So far no luck. Much thanks... Charlie |
Piedpiper: Thanks for the info & Pics... |
Threaders : A good friend suggested that the Stillpoints Universal Resonance Dampers would be a perfect match for the 'Noll . A couple days later the Stillpoints and Risers appeared for sale on the 'Gon and I purchased them.
The difference is dramatic. The table has undergone such a transformation that I'm in a state of disbelief . For the money I have never encountered such a musical change. The Stillpoints are so critical I do not feel I could part with them . In my opinion neither brass or lead can compete with the Stillpoints.
Its essential that the entire kit of risers and points be used so the table can be fully adjusted. A set of 3 risers and points will set you back $400.00 retail. Worth every penny . Check out www.stillpoints.us for the tech. details. |
The addition of the stillpoints created an abrupt change in my thinking.
Forget a change in arms...Perhaps forget a radical change to the table. JUST ... Buy the Stillpoints/w Risers ... Remember, the Raven AC comes with them @ $10K US. The AC is also an unsuspended TT.
This whole experience beyond whatever I guessed the the improvement could be , or should be. A 'Noll w/a Stillpoints Pkg. is another table.
I know that I may sound "preachy" but the experience has been mind-bending. |
Oilman, That would be a killer !! |
Piedpiper : Thank you . I will post more details soon. |
Readers: FYI some excellent pic's of a Walker Proscenium Black Diamond's air control system w/plenums and tubing configuration shown on Item, 1213341044 for the DIY crowd. |
Oilmanmojo: The exact product is The Stillpoints , Universal Resonance Damper , www.stillpoints.us , 1-800-830-1557. The Riser is actually a "threaded cup" that allows you to screw in or out the stillpoint for adjustment purposes.
What did I hear ? An entirely different soundstage; deeper 3-D effect, greater space between instruments, voices that float effortlessy in the air, the deepest bass I have ever extracted from LP's with my rig. A musical presentation that enveloped my sences , something I only experienced with TT and Tonearms costing a king's ransom .
I'm in a state of shock how MUCH MORE MUSIC that Table can produce and I have yet to implement all the tweeks suggested by Piedpiper.
As for the platter I have not yet re-balanced mine ... I would consider professional assistance to smooth out the "bump". Do you have a s.o.t.a. model airplane association in your area? I have been told that some groups have professional balancing machines for plane props. Since prop balancing is of such importance to flight I suspect several members maybe of assistence. Just an informed guess. |
Oilmanmojo: As The 'Noll Evolves.
The stillpoints are amazing . They rekindeled a passion for change. I now recognize that more air regulation--per Piedpiper recommendations (here and on the Air Pump Thread) and L. Walkers letter--should be implemented to achieve superior regulation of the TT's air supply. Hopefully the efforts will translate into more "musical-ness-ness" or something akin to that.
This is not my first A/S redo but I intend to tweek out more control than in times past. What I currently have is not shabby , but I'm moveing ahead to the land of air regulation.
To that end , I went on a buying sarfari camping @ "Harbor Tools". There I purchased ; (2) Air Pressure Regulators (0-160 PSI) , (1) inline brass in-line regulator ,(2) Oil/Water separators and (1)Charcoal-Type Filter . I also picked-up several solid brass adaptors to reduce the 1/4'' NPT Male Inlets & Female outlets on everything down to 3.17 mm (1/8''). Every purchase was on sale priced -- 50% off , then another 50% on the remaing cost. The total was $19.60. Cheep!
A quick excursion to nearby "Home Depot" was in order where I sourced several more brass adaptors -- a must for the project @ $2.35 per item. A stop-over @ Pep Boys Auto, Small Parts Aisle for "Vacu-Tite T-Valves'"@ $1.99 ea., as well as, several "Purolator Fuel Filters" @ 3.99 ea. On the way home I couldn't resist throwing-a-line @ "Pet Smart" . The Fish Department had all sorts of goodies -- "Top Fin" air connectors, brass T's & Check-Valve/ Air Filters all 3.17 mm sized @ 1.99 each. So its over-kill: I bought'em all. Now its a numbers game ... putting #1 here and #2 there until all is completed. Oh, I didn't forget the teflon tape and pipe joint compound all ready at the Audio-Ranch.
The Ranchero holds a scad of Air Plenum's( Scott Leventhal's design ) and an additional 500' of 'Noll tubing. As I recoop from surgery I intend to tackel the air issue one foot pound at a time. Soon I'll thread back the results. Much more to come (Maybe) . |
Threaders :
A Brief Review of Maplenoll Athea : Athea AB , Athea AB MKII & MKII
Maplenoll made several versions ,noted above, of the Athea ; a air bearing , belt driven , wood / lead , spring suspended record player. Most Maplenoll's can be accurately defined as record players due to the fact they are all-an-one less the phono cartridge.
The Absolute Sound Magazine(TAS) published a 2 part article penned by Eunice Lumley, Volume 11/12, Issues 48/49, Fall 1987 that are a must for any maplenoll owner , but most importantly, Athea owners.
Eunice took 2 years to write the Article(s) using 3 Athea's that she intensly tweaked for next to no-money ($6.). Much of what she generalizes in useful tweaks can apply to other 'Noll's as well.
According to Lumely , all Athea's prior to 1986 are to be avoided due to a myrid of quality & design issues. Eunice wrote that players named "Athea" (ed.with additional designations reflecting post '86 ) are the ones to own .
Maplenoll's claim to fame for the Athea's was the price --$795 w/a alum-lead platter and clunky air pump. However, all tricked out Eunice felt the Athea was the " Value of the Century" or something like that.
Unfortunately, TAS has made a decision not to generally publish articles before Issue 122 for a myriad of potental legal/ownership problems.
Issues 48 & 49 are copyrighted materals so reprinting as a "freebe" can be dicey if not expensive (federal fines) for the publisher. But do not dispair. Thousands of #48/49 were published and most surive to show up on the used market @ $10/$15 who those who know of there value-- $2/$3 for those who do not. Good Hunting. |
OOPS: Slight correction(s); The TAS Volume 12 designation is for both Issue # 48 July/August 1987 and Issue # 49 Fall 1987. Again Happy Hunting ! |
Oh : Eunice is actually Enid Lumely --Single Malt Scotch does it to me everytime. |
Threaders: A 'Goner emailed me TAS published two additional articles on 'Nolls penned by Lumley . The articles appeared in Vol. 12 Issues 50 & 51 1987. A audio bud in the process of downsizing his Audio Library , located # 50 & 51 and is sending them to me.
A few days ago I emailed TAS inquiring if they objected to re-printing of Lumley's articles on this thread. No response yet. I'll keep you informed. |
Threaders:
Neither rain nor snow or sleet will keep Audio-Heads from their appointed rounds--In other words despite a Snow-Ice Storm here on the East Coast , my audio bud delivered TAS # 50 & 51 to the Ranch. No word from TAS yet. |
Threaders:
In response to a few of your emails I believe I may have located a replacement pump for the Maplenoll Super Quite Pump. Check out www.silentaircompressor.com , click on Silent Pumps, to Super Silent Dr-500 (Sale Price $620+S/H --Reg. $900.US) The pumps are distributed by Ernesto, 7941 Katy Freeway, Suite 320, Houston ,TX 77024. P/N 1-866-1320 8AM-6PM PST. The person I spoke to said the pumps make virtually no noise & are warranted for life. Mastercharge,Visa & American Express accepted. For those in need Check them out. |
Opus100 :
The short answer is that for years I have been looking for a replacement and the Dr-500 appears to fit the bill.
I personally came to that conclusion after speaking to Tech. Assistance with "Ernesto" ; the fellow seemed to be knowledgeable and understood that a replacement quiet pump was required to work with a TT.
The Tech. recommended the Dr-500 because he felt from the limited tech.information I had that this pump would deliver inspades. The gentleman asked me a series of questions concerning the TT and seemed satisified the 500 was right for the application.
Unfortunately, Bob Dilger did not provide any specifications before dissappearing from the scene. I know that Scott Leventhal , an ardent Maplenoll TT supporter, is organizating an effort to search out replacement pumps. I E/M him the same information posted for his review.
I have been a Maplenoll owner for 17+ years. In a community as small as ours, some owners reach out for assistance to dogged problems. The air pumps are a headache.
Personally, I would not purchase a 'Noll unless it came with a operating Quite Pump due to cost constrants. Cost was of equal importance . The Dr-500 is on sale an MAYBE an answer . As always its buyer be awaire . Should you have any further interest in a Quiet Pump please contact Ernesto. |
Threaders:
Over the years I have aquired recommendations for pump maintance which I summarize :
1. Those who understand our air pumps emphasize that having oil in the Maplenoll Super Quiet Pump is essental. The Manual calls for Mobil 1 synthetic (SAE 5-30) as the perfered lubricant.
2. The pump should be no more than 3/4 full of lubricant. Apparently, the lubricant evaporates with usage and must be checked every 180 days (6 mon.) to assure the pump will properly operate. Never over-fill. Over-filling may cause pump failure.
3. The two small air plenums and any other plenums you have should be vacated of water when servicing the pump. The reason is that the water from the two small internal plenums can back-up into the pump causing failure of the unit. Clear the others to keep water vapor from becomming a problem.
4. Change the intake filter on the pump yearly. I use a automoblie gas filter -- Works like a charm.
For further details , please request a copy of the Signature Ariadne Manual developed by Mr. leventhal, as posted earlier in the thread. |
Opus100:
Thank you for the reply. The questions you pose should most likely be answered by Ernesto , would you consider contacting them and post the results ?
Opus: Do you own a airbearing TT and if so what model. Please share your experiences with the TT and air pump to enhanse the information on the thread. |
Opus100 :
Regarding the upper platter bearing grease , a subtitute that appears to similar is the Merril " Black Bearing Oil" sold on the Vinyl Nirvan Web site for $15.00 US a pop. Different , but with plenty of the black stuff.
I mix a dab of teflon firearm lube inside the bearing itself with existing black oil lodged in the top of the bearing interior w/ a tooth pick as a mixer. |
Threaders : I am in the middle of a revision of my table beyond what has already been discussed. I will summarize the results when revisions are completed and tested. |
Threaders: I located a source of information on the Web relating to air bearing tonearms. Go to www.EminentTechnology.com and download the manual for their Tonearm. Lots of good stuff including maintenance and other issues related to air bearing tonearms. Some interpertation to our situation required but all things considered a excellent addition to anyone's library...And besides its free. |
Threaders: ]
The E.T.Manual recommends a particular air filter the Motor Guard Model D-13. This filter is a superior replacement to the white paper filter Maplenoll included with the Tables. Its specifications are: Pipe Size 1/4" NPT (needs 1/4 x 1/8 barbs) , Max. Floor @ 80 PSI 1800 SCFH, Max Pressure 100 PSI, Max Temp 175 F , Removal Rating (norm) .01 microns, Size 21/2x3". Price on www.weilerwelding.com reg.$7.05 sale $5.84 + shipping .
According to the Manuals, the filter is a must to keep gunk from clogging the Tonearm's Air Bearing Sleve. The filter should to be installed before or after the last plenium that feeds the air supply. Some reviewers recommend placeing the filter close to the pump. Take your pick of options. An alternative is a china made knock-off at Harbor Tools, Inc 2 for $2.99 on sale. No specs available. |
Threaders: Quite Pump Care (QP)
If you own a Maplenoll Quite Pump like is understandable you want to extend the life of the QP as long as possible.
Scott Leventhal includes some upgrade hose and fittings recommendations on his Tweak Sheet. Fotunately, the hoses and fittings on my QP are in excellent condition; The work been apparently done at the factory long ago.
However, besides implementing the QP recommendations mentioned earlier , I did a homework regarding the pump lubericant. The factory recommendated MOBIL 1 (5-30 SAE). Another synthetic alternative to Mobil 1 is AMSOIL 5W-30 SAE. The product has been extensively tested in racing circles and reportly outperforms all other syn. oils. I have used the product in my car for years so I decided to use the AMSOIL in the pump. After, the VERY messy job of clearing the pump of who's knows what via 17 years of faithful service;I replaced the oil, cleaned the pump, and replaced the filter. I then rechecked the pump for air leaks and gently retightened the clamps. The result ? A consistent air flow of not less than 45 PSI, a cooler and less noisey pump in operation. As always my results may not be your own , so you take your chances but for me no problems. |
Air Supply Control:
Threaders; Using "hit an miss" , I have setteled upon a professional-type Air Control Unit I use to deliver a clean, oil free air supply from the Maplenoll Quiet Pump. The product , manufactured by Central Pneumatic, available at Harbor Freight , on-line or in their stores, # SKU 1118, consists of a air regulator, air control and filter unit. The specifications are ; operating pressure 160 PSI (Max.), Inlet size 1/2"NPT , Oultet size 1/4"NPT ( adapters/barbs required) , re-useable/ replaceable filter , Dimensions 11-3/4" Tall x 3-7/8" Dia. x 8-3/4" Deep , Weight 5-1/2 lbs., Filter up to 40 microns and Max.Capacity 21 C.F.M. @ 90 PSI. Sale Price $29.99. The Unit enters the air supply chain a few feet from the air output of the QT.
After the Air Control Unit, I follow-up with a secondary oil/water separator, a replaceable air filter , a charcole filter, a plenum (6"x41") that sends pressurized air to room where the 'Noll sits. At the 'Noll, all Walker Recommendations were implemented exactly as written with additional plenums/charcole filtering followed by 100' of tubing dedicated to the tone-arm . With the exception of a tweak here and there, the air supply chain is complete. More to come later. |
Threaders: Air Supply Chain(ASC):
A odd thing happened following my last thread, the ASC started to spring leaks in places that already had been checked were ok. This is more challenging than I initially expected. Everthing in the air chain is going to be re-tested. I will keep you informed. |
Threaders : Momentive Performance Materals (formerly GE) , an industral raw materials supplier , forwarded several additional sample batches of bonders for experimentation with the air supply control (ASC) system. Hopefully , some of these compounds will seal the ASC . Before I can report sucess or ---, I'm taking a slight medical detour . CYS |
Threaders: I'm back from the medical detour . While on the mend I came upon a packet of Maplenoll info that Bob D. mailed to me in '91 that had been opened but largely unread. The packet contained lots of stuff ; pic's, reprints , 'Noll annoucements and reprints from Audio Clubs and Mags, etc .
A useful bit of info from the packet . Have you ever noticed that when you attempt adjust the cartridge sometimes the stylus maybe "on the money" on the outer edges of a Lp and "off" on the Ctr. or last portions of the groove. The arm manifold maybe slightly-off. The fix ? Just loosen the two bolts on the underside that hold the air manifold in place and adjust the arm until it's prefectly square. Great idea. No more repeaters or jumps on certian pressings. Good for all 'Nolls and similar AB Arms.
|
Piedpiper :
According to George M. Graves , "Stereophile", Vol 9, #2, issue 80, he believed that all Maplenoll's (leaving the factory) should be dealer installed .
It was Graves belief that most times fine-tuning was incomplete at the time of manufacture ,therefore, either the buyer or the dealer must complete the job. Graves remarks suggest that the AB Arm on the 'Noll is sometimes not square (in a construction-sence) of the word.
Essentally, the arm is a L configuration , that is supposed to be in tangent ( @ 90* ) to the center of the lower-bearing plate hole. The Air Manifold itself secures the L portion of the arm in the proper position (tangent) as to be square . The Air Manifold is secured to the table by two oversized holes . Under the table are two bolt heads. Those bolts actually run thru the oversized holes screwing into the manifold. Should the manifold be ever so slightly "cocked" either to the left or right , the tangency and adjustments you mentioned are affected.
A perfectly squared tone-arm means that when installing a cartridge the stylus tip should run perfectly in the center of the line located on the overhang adjustment guide. Often that is not the case for the entire line of 'Noll Tables. Should that key factory setting be a faction of a fraction of a degree off, it contributes to phono "dancing/wobbeling" in the grooves. Graves solution was to loosen the bolts readjust the manifold and WHA-La!
Have I made my explanation more clearly understood or am I missing something ?
Piedpiper, my appology for not providing a fuller explanation. I have aquired stacks of doctuments that dribbel out gem after gem of info . My problem is figuring how to release the gems and not the slush. My attempt was to be brief not vague. |
The use of terms is whats mudding up the water. So lets drop them all . What Graves was relaying is simply:
What adjustments you make at the end of the tone-arm are dependent on on weither the manifold is square to the table. A fraction of a degree off presents significant challenges. Graves is one of many reviewers who made similar observations.
Thanks for your input. Perhaps I would do better to put out a E-Book complete with pics, history , reprints , manuals, Q&A, etc. and of course input from folks like you--What do you think ? The only problem is that so few 'Nolls were manufactured. Mr. D is quoted @ 1,700+ about 18 months before production stopped I doubt the effort is worth it. |
Piedpiper :
Lets re-think.
For visuals look at your owners manual page 7 , fig 6. , Tonearm/Spindle Layout. All Graves reported is that if your air manifold that holds the spindle is ever so slightly cocked to the "northerly" ( to the top of the page) or southerly ( to the bottom of the page) , the Tonearm/Spindle's relationship to the alignment guide has changed.
In a cocked position , the tonearm's relationship to the fixed position of the alignment guide is off, thereby, all other adjustment's are subject to error. Bring the manifold into proper square in relationship to the plith changes the tonearm's-headleshell's relationship via the fixed position of the alignment pin, thereby, all headshell cartridge adjustments made are now more accurate with less a chance for error.
Less error , less distortion, less cartridge wiggel more music. A fraction of a degree change in the position of the arm manifold ( ie squared) is the key to extracting the last ioda of sound from the 'Noll.
Graves noted that this and other adjustments need to be re-checked. A protractor/ruler or a T a square make the job a breeze. One can even "eyeball" the adjustment.
The challenge is getting access to the bolt-heads on the underside of the plith that usually means breaking the table down to make the adjustment easier to complete, re-assembleing the table before the other adjustments pages 8-15 can be completed. |
Piedpiper : The benefit is that we now have two options , rather than one . Thanks for the input. |
Threaders: After weeks of "trial an'error" , today I had a flawless 5 hr test run of the air control system (ACS).
To summarize, the system produced 41 PSI running to the arm manifold and 2-3 PSI to the 50lb. lead platter . Its dead quiet with all pleniums, oil-water separators , air regulator/filter/control mech. and filters working so the end product is clean, dry air w/almost no oil smell and no air pulse-sations. The home-made airfilters were filled with carbon & zeolite granules capped under and over w/"aquia-Pure" 100 percent polyester fiber filter cut to size.
My estimate is the whole-shee-bang cost me $200 but what an improvement. Lots more to come . Today was only a test. Lots more to do with the table/arm and possible big surprizes w/cartridge.
In the future I intend to post pics after I master the use of a digital camera. |
Piedpiper : Have you checked your air control system , ACS( pleniums , filters and air/water seperators , hoses ,etc.) for leaks ? At 35 PSI that's 10 under what the super quite pump produces. Give 3 PSI for the platter than there is a 7 PSI lost somewhere. My experience has been that air leaks occurr with more frequency as the ACS expands. To assist in locating those leaks , Kano Labs sells an superior leak finder,Bubleak, for about $14 delivered (www.kanolabs.com.)
Case in point> a homemade air filter sprang a leak (again) ; the air regulator displayed a 4 PSI dropp in pressure to the arm manifold. I replaced the air filter and the pressure was back to 41 PSI.
Oilman : Have you tried placing a fan nearby the air pump ? The running fan can reduce the temp of the pump. |
