considering a Maplenoll

The air pump issue is the main one with the maplenoll ariadne series. I do not have the full signature model but the table itself is built like a tank. Once set up properly, i have found I need to do very little with the table except play my records. I think I have found the solution to the pump issue and that is using a JunAir compressor for the arm (very quiet, very rugged air compressor) and a separate pump for the platter (actually an aquarium air pump). JunAir is used by Pluto audio on their signature table and is also widely used in the dental field. Since I have this setup, I have not really had to tinker with the air system at all.

I had an Athena a while back. When it was set up correctly it sounded quite good, but my biggest gripe, and there were many, was water oxidation in the tube that would make it all the way to the tone arm....I bought the plenum...that was supposed to solve the problem but no go. Basically, I decided it was a cheap application of generally expensive technology. I'm much happier with my Well Tempered Classic Table, silicone and all. Yah, I went and got another unusual turntable! They both sound really good. I think my Athena (a lot of lead) is collecting dust at my brothers house. Sorry I couldn't be more enthusiastic.

Redcarerra,

Amazing, but you are following the same path I have been on. I had a Mapenoll for about three months before I got rid of it. I got a Well Tempered too. It is pretty much a foolproof table, except, I had a few flying insects attracted to the dampening fluid that sank in the fluid and were preserved at the bottom of the cup (a mini La Brea tar pit). This is a very good table/arm combination.

I went on to a VPI HW-14 with a Graham arm (can't say it was an improvement), and I currently have a Basis Debut/Vector arm combination (best table I have ever owned).

As good sounding as the Athenas were, their build quality was more like a high school science project tahn a professional product. You haven't experienced what a Maplenoll can be like until you've seen the better/later models.

I'm really glad I posted this Question , or am I ? I find the Maplenoll a fascinating table . I even like very much the look's ( Athena ) . It is very highly regarded by Arthur Salvatore a master . But a lot of you seem to find the TT too much of a bother to keep using, for very long . I would like a vintage or used table really great and for the long run ( Classical Music about or under $1000 . A latter Maplenoll might be the answer ? There Is one other table I am fascinated with a Townshend cransfeild rock .
Thank you all ! and would love to hear more .
Alex