Jean Nantais Reference Lenco Mk2 vs Mk3

To add to Zd542's remark, keep in mind that the Lenco L75 and Garrard 301, while they are both top quality idlers, do sound at least a little different and are very different from one another in terms of design and topology of the drive system. Personally, I prefer the Lenco, but many others prefer the Garrard. Both will give you that idler liveliness, but in different ways. Even with Garrard alone, there are grease bearing and oil bearing types between which to choose. You may want to audition a Lenco, if possible, before assuming that the Lenco will give you whatever it was that captured your fancy when you heard the Garrard. (Again, I do think you would like the Lenco at least as much as the Garrard, but that's only my opinion.)

Beyond that, it is probably not a good idea to decide between the Mk2 and Mk3 versions of JN's current plinths by asking a bunch of strangers for their opinions. I guess the one that costs more is supposed to sound better. I'm sure you've figured that out.

Lenco site forum may be better for you...

Sure, will post this thread on Lenco Heaven

Pani - The MKIII changes are described on Jean's website.

couple points taken from there.

But, my new chassis is indeed now separated into two parts: the business end of the chassis (bottom where the main bearing, idler-wheel and motor are fixed) is a self-contained single unit, completely separate from the aesthetic part of the chassis which sits above it.

I furthermore had the top decorative/speed part machined from solid, so eliminating the need to pour glass-epoxy into the voids of the original [very good sounding] chassis to further reduce resonances, while improving on it again. The exterior part is made from non-magnetic aluminium, another improvement on the original ferrous/magnetic chassis in terms of safety for the very magnetic phono cartridges.

As far as impressions I do own a JN table (a unique one) See my system page. If you would like more info feel free to pm or contact me there.

Cheers

Lenco heaven is for diy, and I don't think there are people who know the Nantais mkII or mk III. I personally build mine after reading the famous review by Salvatore on highendaudio.
I think J Nantais has such an experience now (the finish of the first one was not really very good) that it may be hard to build the equivalent of Nantais last ones.
The best way I think is to ask on lencoheaven if someone lives in his area to listen to a lenco with dedicated plinth.