This is just to document rebuilding the inexpensive Lenco 75 turntable.
I became interested in this due to Jeans thread at Audiogon. Worst case it goes to college with my son.
The first image is the restored Lenco with Decca, sitting on the refinished (original) plinth. The three images with blue backdrop are what was completed last night (Aug 8, '04). This is a solid sandwich of materials, topped with Western Red Oak finished with black lacquer.
The base surrounding the sandwich is solid Maple lumber finished with water based crystal clear (satin) poly.
Decca arm is fitted with Shure V15VxMR cartridge, stepped up by my EAR 834P phono.
As of today I am seriously considering the Goldring 1042 as the front runner cartridge choice. One of the guys in my audio group just bought the new Shure V15. That would be a nice test, putting those two against each other. Each are well regarded and economically priced.
Still no decision on phono stage, but as of tonight I'm leaning heavily toward the Seduction kit with upgrades. Still looking for a used EAR deluxe to show here at Audiogon as another possibility.
Exhibited at the US Mint long ago, there was a stack of gold bullion for tourists to view.
Everyone would ask if they can have some and one guard always amused himself by saying: "Sure, if you can lift the whole stack by yourself you can have it." On one occasion a large man took the guard at his word, lifting the stack and was actually moving it. After that, the offer was no longer made.
With that in mind, I decided not to make you the same offer of "pick up the complete Walker and you can have it." With my luck you would be on your way out the door before I could stop you. I estimate over 350 pounds, but who wants to take chances?
Gunbei, no harm in us trying these old pieces, particularly with so little investment in them.
Speaking of old pieces, I would love to restore a 1955 Chevy. New cars are smoother, quieter and more sophisticated, but boy would that old dog be fun to work on. Old pieces and old memories have great value and are particularly fun since we have our modern vehicles and stereos to return to.
There's something about the way older equipment was designed visually that's so much more elegant than the high tech looking stuff today. I think it's the use of wood.
I still have some of my Dad's gear from around circa 1970 [much thanks to Sherod!]. I've been thinking of restoring my Pop's old KLH speakers and getting a turntable like your Lenco to make things complete. I still have his 8-track and reel-to-reel players!
Thanks everyone for the kind words. Being an old car racer in my youth and enjoying projects, this was a challenge to test my restoration skills as much as actually owning the product. My son has been asking about a turntable for about a year and this is a great place to start.
TWL, thanks for the compliment. Cosmetically this looks great but I imagine no contest for your rig.
Creeper. No, not 78's only. I want to test the ability of this against my big rig and see where it stands. Jean loves these old Lenco's (you've all see his thread by now) and this was a good excuse to join in the fun. If it sounds really nice, I may buy another one so my son can have one and a keeper for me for 78's.
Ewha, see you Tuesday night. Glad the surgery I did on the Linn-Naim Aro is working so well. I must say we pulled that off with perfection.
Fatparrot. Lighting of the Lenco was with a Broncolor Hazy Light. It's a high dollar Swiss lighting firm that supplies pro photographers like myself. Here is their web site:
I have completed a good many ads for the high end audio industry. Current and previous clients include. Graham, Basis, Benz, Audioquest, Purist Audio, Music Meter, McCormack Audio, PSE, Atma-Sphere, Aria Audio, Counterpoint, White (Llano) Audio, Aesthetix, Sound Anchor, Vintage Tube Services and Soundlab to name a few.
Thanks for asking, you never know when another manufacturer is looking at threads and may consider me for a project. Nice to do pretty images and get to listen to the product before sending it back!
Albert, I might also add that your photograph of the Lenco is excellent. Seems that you also have quite an eye (as well as an ear!). How did you light this photo?
The turntable looks fantastic! You'll have to let me see it up close and personal tomorrow night.
Having witnessed (and been the beneficiary) of Albert's meticulous work firsthand, I can't wait to see the finished product. I am sure the look and sound will be totally, completely, and overwhelmingly stunning.
Great job Albert! I should do something similar for my son who is in college. I set him up with a CD based setup around a vintage Nak Cd player, Sansui au6500 integrated, and a pair of the old Advents. Something like this would be a perfect addition for him. Please keep us posted.
