considering a Maplenoll

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

Alexthe :
I have owned a Maplenoll Ariadne for over 17 years and I agree with oilman and piedpiper's comments.

Should you really have a burning interest to own one of these table's a few words of advice:

1. Build a library of information from paper and internet sources so the issues/problems encountered by others and for the most part resolved are readly available.

2. The Maplenoll has only about 21 parts but for your sanity learn the mechanics of the table. If you can't make that kind of commitment don't buy the 'Nolls --They can drive you crazy. You will be surprized how a slight adjustment can turn the sound from muck to beauty.

3. Besides the proper setup , building a air control system is essential. Keep in mind that a quite air pump is costly and they all require some maintance. For lots more information/advice check out "New Maplenoll Ariadne Owner Needing Advice".

4. Do all the above and more and for a fraction of the cost you will be a owner of one of the finest playback systems in Analog. If all of this sounds too much buy a "plug 'an play" -- Lots to choose from.

Wish you all the best.