Custom Lenco L75 vs Technics 1200's


I have been thinking of buying maybe a 1200 GR2 or 1300G but not sure it will give me better sound. I have a  Lenco built by Jean Nantais and singing pretty good with Dynavector 20 X2 MC Low output. I am using Rega 300 B Tonearm. Anybody ever compare these tables and what are your thoughts?

romad

@romad I know the Lenco GL 75 TT, through ownership of the GL 75 and through hearing it in use in multiple design through being very socially active as a Lenco Heaven Member and having friends who were doing substantial work to the GL 75 models. I have no doubts that I have been demoed designs for GL 75 mechanics and very will thought through Plinth designs, that will comfortably be equivalents or even surpass the designs put in to the market by the individuals who have exposure for the marketed goods.

After all the experiences had of both the GL 75 and prior to this the Garrard 401, I was to eventually becoming an owner of a PTP Solid 9 > Upgrade Bearing > Custom Speed Controller. I was to learn the PTP Solid 9 with the added supporting ancillaries is the best of the GL 75's I was demoed, which was the deal maker for me. 

In today's money the PTP Upgrade Bearing adds nearly $400, and the bought in Speed Controller adds nearly $1.6K as a further cost. A 20% reduction will be nearer the prices I paid.

I enjoyed the PTP Solid 9 for many years, and still do own it, but is certainly a Superseded TT.

For less than what I paid for the PTP Bearing I acquired a Japanese Vintage Model DD TT, being a SP10 MkII and this purchase extended into making purchases of a selection of different brands of JVDDTT's.

The SP10 MkII became the model of interest to be first to get the full overhaul.

The MkII has been fully overhauled electronically, has a custom design Speed Control and has had the main bearing modified as a design. Where all works undertaken has been by one of the UK's most renowned overhaulers of JVDDTT's with the SP10 MkII being there model of real interest.

The same TT over time ended up mounted on a Panzerholz Plinth.

This experience of the MkII and the extremely good impression made constantly, was instrumental in my seeking out and learning about the SP10 Mk II Kaneta design, of which I own a model today, albeit being out on a long-term loan. This design also ended up in a Panzerholz Plinth.

I can now sell on the PTP Solid 9 and the Speed Controller to reimburse funds outlaid and still have a nice-sized wad of £'s left to play with.  

Through being socially active with my audio interest, I also get the chance to hear the SP10 R in use regular.

The SP10 R owner owned a Linn LP12 and a very well-designed Lenco GL 75 prior to purchasing the R. The GL 75 was supported by my Speed Controller when the R was compared to the already-owned TTs. The R superseded the GL 75, and the R and LP12 still remain today.

Today, the LP12 has a Custom design Speed Control, a later design bearing, and a custom-produced keel.   

The Linn LP12 with a custom-produced keel, which, since being in use, has encouraged claims to be made stating the LP12 is notable for being very attractive as a TT. There is plenty being mentioned as a result of demos that suggest the R, has a competitor not looking to be needy. 

Buying a Speed Controller is an expensive option, especially when a TT can be purchased for less money, and when overhauled and re-plinthed, will possibly still be cheaper than the Speed Controller's new purchase price. 

Whether one feels the alternate Drive to an Idler Drive is their preferred experience is one I can't comment on, but my experience regarding the subject is indelible and very easy to produce a report on. 

    

I had a Classic Lenco by Jean Nantais and sold it 7 years ago with no regrets. It was several levels better than the Technics SL-1200 that I had, but it was not as good as my Technics SP10 Mk3. However, my Mk3 is in a custom plinth and I use a Reed tonearm. What I really liked about the Lenco was its sense of weight and scale, but the Mk3 is its equal there. The Mk3 is more refined, quiet, and realistic sounding imo. Perhaps the 1300G would provide a similar upgrade?

Probably best to compare an apple to at least another fruit.  The Mk3, like the SP10R, is in another league from the G series Technics of more modern origin. So those two ought not to be in the discussion.  I only brought up the Mk3 to say I own a Technics. Before that I owned two different SP10 Mk2s, each in a custom plinth. I feel confident that your Lenco, particularly if you add a motor controller, can more than hold its own with a Mk2. Likewise, any G series is superior to any of the offspring of the original SL1200. So comments about the old SL1200/1300, etc, are not relevant. You asked about comparing a G series to your Nantais Lenco.  I think it's a sideways move, and so far as reliability and longevity go, Jean rebuilds his motors and installs many new parts.  The basic Lenco design is at least as old as Direct Drive.  Lenco has a huge and loyal following and there is a plethora of information and help available at Lenco Heaven. So there is nothing to gain as far as reliability by going over to the G series Technics.  As to cost, does not a new Nantais Lenco cost more than even a brand new top line G series?  i would think it compares to any Technics below the SP10R or SL1000R, for cost. 

Sometimes we get a bee in the bonnet to just buy something new. If that is the case here, then you need not ask for advice.  Just go for it.

I appreciate all the good advice here. My Lenco is one of the first Jean built over 15 years ago and I just oil the felt washer and has been going for a long time. The sound is amazing but I like to consider other tables that might not need too much maintenance in the future. That's why I asked how a good Technics would compare. Like someone commented it's good to have more than one table. I am leaning towards a 1300G and keep both to compare. Others mention changing arm and a speed controller but I like the way it sounds now. It's one of the best tables I have heard and I have heard tables and cart. over 40K.

Good that you like the way your Lenco sounds, but a proper motor controller will dramatically enhance speed stability, which you are not monitoring, and that effect I have found to be extremely audible and beneficial, on at least two occasions and in both cases with TTs that I thought were performing well before adding a motor controller.  The Phoenix Engineering gear is no longer manufactured, but you might keep an eye out for a pre-owned example. As Pindac intimated, there may be good ones endorsed by the guys at Lenco Heaven, too. (I am a member but do not keep up with the threads.) And yes, you cannot go wrong by adding a 1300G; I was only saying that it would not necessarily outperform a good Lenco with motor control.