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

You could email Bruce Thigpen at Eminent Technology.

https://www.eminent-tech.com

He was the designer and owner of Mapleknoll.

Interesting, I thought Bob Dilger was the owner of Maplenoll. This post has many details on the tables and other posts in the thread may also be of interest.

Bob Dilger was the last owner for a short period before he drove the company under and went to work for Lloyd Walker.

@jpost I hate to be the purveyor of bad news, but what you have there is best described as trash:-( You might be able to get a Clearaudio magnetic bearing assembly and fit the subplatter to it, but my sense is you would be throwing good money after bad.

Thank you for confirming my fears.  I have stumbled upon a potential solution that would require me to slightly enlarge the spindle hole.  What are your thoughts on this possible solution?

Best regards,

Joel