Lenco L78: Call me crazy

[El Hefe]

I have just got my hands on a 40 years old refurbished Lenco L78 unit... original parts except for the plinth...

.... and the sound is just so beautiful that I may put my Clearaudio Concept to rest....

http://notanotherhifiblog.blogspot.com/2014/05/another-vintage-vs-new.html?m=1

 

[Al ears]

OK, you're crazy....

No, really, nothing wrong with old Lenco's. I had a 75 for a while. What cartridge were you using on it?

 

[El Hefe]

Cant get enough from this lenco at the moment...

Using a Shure M25C cart...

 

[lindsayt]

Congratulations on finding a very cost effective upgrade. And one that you could upgrade even further with different arms, cartridges and modifications, should you ever wish to do so. I like Lencos a lot.

 

[El Hefe]

My impression of this Lenco L78...

 

[MajorFubar]

You're not crazy. Lenco GL75/78 are a fine pair of idler-drive turntables compromised only by their plasticky arm.

EDIT great blog too, well done.

 

[MrReaper182]

My impression of this Lenco L78...

Great write up.

 

[MajorFubar]

You're not crazy. Lenco GL75/78 are a fine pair of idler-drive turntables compromised only by their plasticky arm.

Just realised that sounded a bit harsh and lacked a proper explanation. To be specific, their main weakness are the V-blocks that the arm-tube pivots on vertically. They wear with use allowing the arm to twist. Finding new V-blocks is impossible (or at least it was when I tried 25+ years ago) but with a bit of care it's possible to make inserts to restore their operation. Should you need to know how for future reference, there's a great how-too guide here.

 

[El Hefe]

Thanks MajorFubar, MrReaper...

No.. you are right... the arms is a bit plasticky... and light... too light for my shaky hands...

But thats just proof there is no perfect TT.... but I am just astonished by the SQ of a 40 years old TT....