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.
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.
System edited: Audio Physic Virgos have been replaced by Verity Parsifals, Makore finish.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.
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
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
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!
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.
Miguel y Lucy in the sky con Diamonds! Muchas gracias. Me encanta las Lunas. Before I purchased the Pl 7s, reviewers in both Absolute Sound and Hi Fi gave very positve and enthusiastic thumbs up. Curiously, they both tried tube rolling and eagerly included the EL 34s. After some time, they both said the PL7s had better sonics with the original stock 88s. I really love these little beasts. At 70 watts per they handle my Avalons with ease, never a problem. Great bloom, deep articulate bass, beautiful midrange. If you like tubes, you ought to give them a try. They are VERY well built. I listen to 90% vinyl. I don't care for CDs because they seem harsh in the upper frequencies, especially with SS electronics. BTW, de donde eres?
System edited: Just completed my second Lenco Rebuild- The Black Tiger! Like the Golden, she roars and purrs when appropriate. Blackie is a gift for a friend who has over 2K Lps almost evrey one in mint condition. He desrves a Lenco! A Rega RB300 with a Denon 103 will be mounted. Table will be delivered this Friday. Thanks to all Lenco lovers for their advise and support.
Per Kims request, I will describe my Lenco 75. After several emails to the lenco Masta, and to a few of his disciples, I set out to find a specimen which would meet the proper criteria for achieving what has been described as excellent, ass-kicking, (or better yet, multithousand-dollar-costing beltdrive, ass-whooping), turntable. I was skeptical, but my desire is to reach sonic nirvana. Therefore, I took a chance. Within a few weeks, I had a Lenco in my hands and on the card table. Camera at my side, I disassembled and made notes. Quite simple in design, it is the fine machinery and solidly built motor that most impressed me- just as the Masta had promised. First I cut out the upper right corner, easily done with a metal cutting blade on the hand held jig saw. I placed masking tape on top and underneath the metal base and drew my cutting lines. It was easy. Lightly filed the edges. Piece of cake. Masked the chrome plate, lightly sanded the grey base and found my sons can of gold spray paint. Maybe Ill call her Goldy? Found a good buy on a Rega 300 arm and a Denon 103. Searched for a template on the web. Found it easier to just make my cuts, leaving as much Baltic Birch plywood as possible to stay true to the Masta plan. Jig saw, hand drill and router and good light was all I needed. One trip to use a table saw to get clean straight sides after gluing 5 layers of ply and one sheet of drywall. The table base fit well, the motor hanging proud and loose. Oh yeah, I did adjust the motor with the set screw, after I cleaned and repacked with grease. It all looked good, but I couldnt just leave her with the chipped ply on her sides, so I looked for a solution. The tables on Lencoheaven.com were definitely a source of inspiration. To my surprise, I found someone near me with LOTS of exotic veneer. Beautiful patterns. I settled on Goya for the sides and Birdseye Maple for the top. I first glued the veneer to a flat thin board, sanded, varnished, sanded, varnished XXX, then cut to fit the sides of the plinth. I was warned by 4yanks, that veneer would likely be brittle and a problem in that it chips easily. He is right. At times all I had to do was look at it and it chipped. My nephew, who has a way with words, suggested I call her Chippy. That was after I referred to his house, which is being remodeled, as the Golden Arches. But he hits below the belt. I am almost over it. I must remind myself that he has 3 young children, and I dont want to raise them. His life is spared. Anyway, barely able to see through my tears, I managed to cut out a few armboards out of oak. Setting up an arm and cart was new to me. Advise was sought from the disciples. All along I was encouraged to do everything myself. This proved to be good advise. The table measures 18X16.5X4 inches. It is incredibly quiet between tracks and sweet when it supposed to purr. But she growls and roars when called upon. Sends me and my audiophile buds tapping our feet, bobbing and weeving when the bass and drums lock it in. Vocals sound like real people, with feelings. Right now, Otis Redding is telling me to try a little tenderness. I got to remember that. For more info about my system, you know where to look. The rebuilt took about 2 months. I like to go slow, and methodically. It is fun, economical, enlightening, a sonic jewel, and, bragging rights are priceless. My only regret, and needless to say, TREMENDOUS guilt, is that friends should not let friends drive their tables with belts. I am guilty. Some of my friends have Basis with Graham arms, Nottingham Spacedecks, Regas, VPIs oh! The shame I feel in the morning after a listening session at their houses! Only to come home to my listening room, turn on my preamp, amps, turn the switch that sets that well balanced, 9 pounds of gentle fury spinning, lay a favorite black vinyl disc, drop the stylus, and hear beautiful music.
Jean, Going to the library of HOLY LENCOS immediately to search for every book/reference and periodical and video on belt-drive (yuk) excorcism. As soon as I get his/her/its address, the jet will be on its way to pick you up for the demon cleansing, brain rinsing, craniotomy. Happy to know that you are up to the task. Let's not forget the Rega tonearm rattles. The only thing we have to fear is fear itself!!!
