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idler wheel vs direct drive technics impressions

I just purchased on Audiogon from a great 'goner in San Jose, Kurt, the lenco l-75 idler driven turntable which had been heavily modified by Jean Natais with a beautiful cherry plinth. The tt is set with a rega rb-700 tonerarm and a shelter 501mk2 low output mc cartridge.

I can only give a very preliminary comparison of the lenco l-75 versus my other turntable the technics sl-12105mg.

I thoroughly enjoyed the technics directdrive turntable driven by a well regarded benz micro ace low output cartridge. I think in many ways its the perfect low budget table. It provides accurate speed, ample bass, easy to use, inexpensive, and provides for numerous upgrades. I upgraded mine with a tonearm dampen kit and a better turntable mat.

The lenco l-75 is using a new shelter 501 mk2 cartridge which is a highly regarded under $1,000 cartridge. Since the cartridge is still breaking in my observations are merely preliminary. The tonerarm and cartridge have only been set tentatively until the cartridge is fully broken in. At that point I will have it professionally set with proper vta and stuff like that since I am not an expert in these matters and want it done optimally.

Even at the outset one can readily tell that the Lenco is a superb sounding tt with a wonderful sense of rhythm, ease of use, with wonderful imaging and soundstaging.

Many people seem to think that you must go with belt drive or direct drive but the idler seems to me to be the perfect combination of the two. It does not have the speed issues that belts sometimes do (nor need belt replacements) but has better separation of the platter from the plinth than most budget direct drive units. The original lenco l-75 did not have the heavy plinth necessary to optimize the sound but the custom modified ones that you can buy from people like jean natais or make yourself avoids the pitfalls of the original units. The Lenco like the Garrard tt's are a less expensive logical evolution from the technics without spending a lot of bucks. Its nice to know you don't need to spend $10,000 on a tt and tonerarm to get even more analog glory than the tecnics. I would reiterate that I think the Technics is a no brainer purchase in the $1,500 and below category. I think the Technics was better than my previous $6,000 Marantz reference sa-7s1 cd player (albeit not nearly as good as my current playback designs cd player which is better than even the exalted emm labs equipment I used to own)

audiohifila
johnjc
63 posts
 
I think this is really horses for courses Both the 1210 and lenco you can upgrade a lot and turn them both into something special.
I heard a 401 and a lenco both on slatedeck with same arm and cart and I thought the 401 was better but both created great music so as I said it a case of horses for courses
I think both the verus and rim drive make excellent use of a old idea in a more modern context Using this apprach you can use a table with a better bearing and platter further increasing performance
mikeyc8
174 posts
 
Audiohifila: congrats on your new acquisition! I was actually interested in buying that table also but you snagged it just before I did. Anyways, glad it went to a good home and that you're enjoying it. After missing out on it I spent the weekend reading a copious amount of posts on Lencos and am very intrigued by the technology. I hate to buy something without actually hearing it and its hard to find one to audition but the vast majority of the posts are favourable so it may be worth a shot.
pryso
1,943 posts
 
Audiohifila, reasons to learn set up for yourself (siding with Stringreen, etc.):

1. "Professional" set up is a meaningless term. Certainly a few dealers (such as Brook Berdan in LA area) have long experience and real knowledge, but how will you know you've selected a good one?

2. Vinyl playback demands more dedication than digital. It will help you in optimizing your system if you understand the basics of the interrelationships of stylus to arm to platter to record.

3. Few systems are static. What if you need to move your turntable, of it gets accidentally bumped, or we get a good So. Cal. seismic shaker? Wouldn't you like to be able to check things out without calling your "professional" again?

4. What happens every time you want to try something different? A new cartridge? A different mat?

5. Perhaps most important of all, what about the feeling that once you learn the proper procedure, you can always have the confidence in it has been done correctly?

Now you mentioned finding an analog vet to learn from, and that is certainly a possibility. But I'll venture to say most of us "grizzled vets" learned on our own. And today that is easier than 20+ years ago when we did it. There are lots of guides available on the internet with only a little searching. Fremer has his "how to" video, something I've not seen but it has received strong recommendations. Several audio books include full instructions, such as those by Laura Dearborn or Robert Harley. And remember a little "trial and error" can be a great educational tool -- you'll learn about the differences specific changes bring about.
audiohifila OP
51 posts
 
I did not mean merely hire a professional but one that is an analog expert

The dealer I previously used elliot midwood is involved in the los angeles audio club and has hosted events and is not some crass retailer or analog neophyte....

I would not give a ferrari a tuneup but would rely on Ferrari expert. I will have elliot help me learn but want it setup neutrally and properly and then I can always tweak over time
jj2468
280 posts
 
I got one of Oregon's Lenco tables. I recently put a Graham phantom on it and a Denon 103r cartridge. Last night I lost sleep, because I could not pull myself away from it. The combination, and I've not used the Graham or the Denon on another table, was retrieving information that I've never heard before on albums (Wish You Were Here and Allman Brothers Live at Fillmore) that I've been listening to for years. My Lenco is in one of those big plinths and I hear no motor rumble or feedback or footfalls at all. YMMV. IMHO. ETC.

Supporting gear was a K and K phono stage, homemade Discovery wire phono cables unshielded, Berning microzotl headphone amp and AKG 701 headphones.

Jeff
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