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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
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 

@jpost Do you have a drill press? You can not just enlarge the hole with any old hand held drill, VERY inaccurate. You chuck up a drill exactly the same size as the hole. You lower the drill into the hole and lock the press in place. Then you clamp the part down so it can not move, raise the drill, remove that drill and replace it with one the size you want and drill the hole. You have used the press to accurately locate the hole. 

@lewm IMHO the Walker Proscenium is the audio Rube Goldberg device of all time. You might strangle yourself in all the hoses.

lewm
12,995 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.

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