Description

Reaching for audio nirvana. Mostly prefer analog, especially how the Lenco can make vinyl purr or roar like a tiger.

The room is built behind the garage, separated from the house, which allows me to turn it up when I feel like it. Especially fun in the winter when the rain seems to enjoy the music as well.

My musical preference is Jazz, Rock, Bluegrass, Soul, some country swing (Bob Wills & Playloys), some Classical.

Enjoy sharing with fellow audiophiles in my hometown, guys I met through this great site.

Thanks to all the folks who answered my inquiries and continue to provide encouragement through Audiogon.

I am always hoping for feedback so please don't hesitate.
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Components Toggle details

    • Lenco L75
    The Lencos in my stable are purchased and rebuilt, cleaned throughout, greased, oiled and adjusted. I normally do not repaint. After 4 plinths, I found my woodworking skills lacked the perfection these fine vintage tables deserve. Therefore, I've asked an expert wood craftsman to build various plinths using different types of wood. The recipe for the plinth is the best I know of as discussed on the Audiogon thread by the Lenco crazies- 5 layers of Baltic Birch ply, with 2 layers of MDF. Like a true crazy, I agree that this layering is best for absorbing any vibration from the powerful, high RPM Lenco power house, i.e., the motor. It's always fun to stalk the various lumber stores up here in Orygun with my builder/craftsman. He knows the wood like the Salmon know water; how it will cut, color variations and striations, density (armboards) and grain matching properties. I hope you enjoy looking at these fine tables and that you will someday realize that not only are they pieces of art, but glorious machines as well.
    • Lenco L75
    This one is my personal table. Like the other one above, the sides are Peruvian Walnut with a Lacewood inlay. Armboards are Ebony and top is Bidseye Maple veneer.
    • Lenco L75
    This beauty has Australian Fishtal sides and armboards. Like the Lacewood, the texture of this fine wood seems to move, as if it is traveling around the plinth. Of course, with the right music and smoke this phenomena can be enhanced. The top is Walnut Swirl veneer.
    • Photo My mind
    audio head
    • Big Horn Sheep Ram- Big Horn Sheep
    Curly is one of the best objects in my room- other than stereo equipment.

Comments 49

Cool system and I really dig your interior decorating motif. Looks comfy and inviting as hell. I just started streaming and ran across Madison Cunningham album is Revealer. Sharing music always makes the bourbon taste better. God bless.

jmalen123

Michael, I haven't talked to you in a long time, I hope you Susan are doing well in the era we are currently living in. I talk to George from time to time, and I always ask how you are doing. I thought I'd do that myself, this time.

I hope you aren't exposed to too much Covid 19 at work but I expect they don't do surgical procedures on sick people.

Weather has improved considerably lately, so music listening won't get as much attention as it does in the winter time. Anyway, I hope you are still enjoying your great system.

Best regards, stay well
Dan

islandmandan

Hey Michael, you need to post photos of the new Transrotor Fat Bob, with the new arm and cart! Or PM me with 'em!

Congratulations!
Dan

islandmandan

Hi,

No change yet, waiting on the boxes from Frank in Pa. to get them to me. They will have the same Sapele veneer on them as the speakers. Been playing with the Scout, I just got a TTW solid copper turntable mat on auction, it was shipped today. I'll have to set VTA again when the new mat is on, I'm hoping it will make a nice difference. The mat weighs around four pounds, that should do something, I think. Anything new for you?

Cheers,
Dan

islandmandan

Owner
Hey Dan!
How the Tannoys coming along?
M

oregon

Amen to that, my friend!
Dan

islandmandan

Owner
System edited: Audio Physic Virgos have been replaced by Verity Parsifals, Makore finish. VAC 80/80 amp replaced Joule Heavens Gates. Thor 2000 preamp with phono stage remains. So does the Meridian CD. Lenco workhorse remains for vinyl duty with Rega 300/Dynavector 17D III cart. The Veritys bring the music to remarkable levels- clear tonal balance, articulate/defined bass, crystal clear voices, mids and highs. The Virgos are very good speakers. But the Veritys are world class.

oregon

Yes, my silence in The Joint was due to reverently listening with closed eyes, and getting every drop, as it were. Just an incredible collection of music and equipment that makes your listening venue a memorable experience.

Thanks again,
Dan

islandmandan

Owner
Dan the Islandman!
Thanks for taking the time to come down south for a visit to The Joint.
Really enjoyed listening to music and sharing with a fellow audophile. I hope your silence when the music played was an indication that you found the music to be true and engrossing.
(Personally, I find it annoying when folks chit-chat instead of listening. Tells me they either don't appreciate the music, or the system is not reproducing correctly.)
Islandmandan is a pleasure to have in any listening room.
Give my regards to your beautiful wife and and son.
Hope to see you again.
M

oregon

Michael,

What a great week-end at your place! Your hospitality was beyond compare, and the music! Who could ask for more? The joint is a great place to hear/see beautiful music/equipment. I can't thank you enough, I hope a return visit is in the offing soon, and please, do come back to see us, and have another listening session up North!

islandmandan

Michael, (and George),

Waiting with some anticipation for next weekend. I am going to love to play in someone else's sandbox for a change. There's so many approaches to great sound, I'll be very interested in seeing how you have done it, I know it's going to be great.

Thanks,
Dan

islandmandan

Owner
Dan,
Would love to have you over.
Your system is superb. Excellent set up by a true audiophile- from cart/table, to DIY world class speakers. Seldom have I heard music in all genres sound like MUSIC and coming from one system.
I hope you can share/show off your work with more fanatics like us.
Best to you and your lovely wife,
Michael

oregon

Hi Oregon,

I am anxious to have a go at listening to your system, as you did mine recently. I know I won't be disappointed! I'm licking my lips to get to see/hear those beautiful Lenco's you plinth so nicely. Hope to see you and Gjrad soon!

My very best regards,
Dan

islandmandan

Thanks for all your help

musicfile

Owner
All my tables have had solid sides and at least 2 layers of MDF (4-6 birch ply.

oregon

I agree with you
I was thinking of adding 4 layers of baltic birch to the recipe
Painting it might look shodddy though

Have you experimented with a full out birch ply table

musicfile

Owner
Musicfile,
My approach has been strictly cosmetic with regards to the sides. I have never A/B for comparison. You pose a good question.
However, I doubt they make a difference in sound.
Having looked at your table, if it's just mass you'd like to add, would it be easier to add 2 or 3 layers of Baltic Birch underneath? You might be able to paint the edges black so it's not obvious. Of course, if you wanted to change the look of the plinth, then sides would be a consideration.
IMO, your table looks nice and cool- the Black Panther!

oregon

Oregon
Did you find a solid wood for the Lenco sides that performed better then the others I see you've experimented with a few ..any one that truly stands out

I'm in the processs of adding a bit more mass to my Lenco table and now looking at different materials for the sides
Any thoughts input appreciated

musicfile

Owner
Rains wayyy too much!

oregon

i'm live in N. Central Fla but regularly visit one of my best friends in Hood River to ride motorcycles & tour the wonderful area & see live music in Portland. Dr. E was a nice locally grown produce that I have sampled from the incredible assortement of other fruits, vegetables, etc. it must have something to do with the volcanic rich content of the soil? truly god's country....enjoy!

pehare

Owner
Pehare,
Don't tell anybody!!!
Where are you located and what's "DR"? Da Rain???

oregon

i love it cause i know where you live that wonderful state of mind from what i've seen cascades, hood river, portland, coast, it's all wonderful esp. DR. e

pehare

Owner
Musicfile,
Yes, all my ideas have been stolen from da thread, especially, Jean.

oregon

Hey Oregon
Those Lenco's you build look real nice are they similar in design to the ideas on da thread

musicfile

Owner
System edited: This winter I finally carpeted the room. Found a good buy on wool carpet which tamed some nasty reflections, allowing for a more natural sound- deeper, defined bass, deeper, more defined soundstage. More comfortable room. The Audio Physic Virgos are excellent speakers for the $. The Joule amps can power most speakers effortlessly. The Thor 2000 preamp with phono is the brain of the system. Sources are: Lenco table with Dynavector 17D3, or Denon 103 carts. Meridian CD Nakamichi cassette. I'd like to upgrade the cart to a Dynavector VS-1 or Micro Ruby.

oregon

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