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Keep Lenco or get Thorens or Rega?

I have been struggling with my Lenco GL75 for a while, I can't get it to track properly with my Ortofon M2 Blue pickup, and the speed seems a tiny bit uneven as piano sounds are wobbling a little bit. There's also some distortion in the highs at some points. Walking around in the room is also making the needle skip very easily and I don't like that at all. (I can't force the two cats, girlfriend and visitors to walk on their toes like I do when I'm spinning records.) I have the original tonearm and original chassi. I have been told to try a different pickup that allows heavier weight, so I got a Denon 103R that I haven't tried yet but I'm not sure that will help my situation completely.

I love the sound from the Lenco but I'm having second thoughts, I don't want to spend more money on this turntable as it might not help. I've already spend quite a bit on new cables etc. Is it better to get a Thorens 125 mk2 with Grace G960 tonearm (1100 dollars) or even a Thorens 166 mk2 (300 dollars)? I use my old Rega P1 most of the time as it works fine even though the sound isn't as good. But I hate the weak motor, can't even clean the records properly without stopping the platter to spin. Maybe a new Rega P3 or P6 would be a good choice?

I think I need some advice! Thanks!
egoben

Showing 1 response by lewm

lewm
12,460 posts
 
Neither of those other two turntables has the potential of your Lenco. Keep it. You will be sorry, otherwise. Like Dave said, get rid of the stock tonearm, and that's half the battle. Here is a link to what might be a good candidate to replace the tonearm, for very reasonable bucks:

http://www.designbuildlisten.com/wand.htm

Or there are any number of fine vintage tonearms that can be had for similar expense, e.g., Victor, Sony.
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