nice turntable that plays 78s

Thanks for suggesting that too, Albert! Hi Lousyreeds1, let me put it this way, no one up here who has actually heard one hasn't gone out to buy one, the most recent convert being the erstwhile owner of a Sota Star Sapphire with vacuum hold-down equipped with a SME IV, who recently moved on to the Technics SP10 MKII equipped with a Rega (which he considered a major upgrade), and now having heard it is looking for a Lenco. It's a classic big idler-wheel sound (characteristic against a belt-drive context: slam, PRaT, bass, attack, focus) in the Garrard 301/401 mold, and very refined to boot, with a very fluid unstoppable sound. Many have sold their high-end belt-drives after getting into the project (and this continues), but it does require some elbow grease, unless you buy the plinth currently on sale here on Audiogon. You should set it up with a replacement tonearm to boot, as the stock tonearm seriously compromises the possibilities, which means more intervention/elbow grease. If you're looking for plug'n play, look elsewere, the other suggestions on this thread are all very good.

Hi john, thanks for the info. I'm very interested but still a bit confused. I don't quite understand what the 'Lenco project' is. I see the plinth available for sale but what else would be necessary if I bought that?

Thanks!

Lousyreeds1,

My comments are posted at the Lenco thread, finding it may be difficult as it is now over 2000 posts.

Basically, the Lenco is a very capable turntable and enormous fun to build and listen to. I found mine at EBAY for less than $100.00. The table was in perfect running order and came with tonearm, Shure cartridge, tone arm wire, walnut base and dust cover.

There are very few products in high end audio that cost $100.00 and fewer still that are fun to listen to. My Lenco was a blast to play and even with custom base, Decca arm and new super Shure V15VMXR, I still had less invested than most of us spend on a high end power cord. Below is a link to my Lenco project, complete with images.

Albert's Lenco

Hi again Albert,

Thanks for the link, my feeble mind is beginning to catch up now! I'm definitely considering buying the plinth that's on the 'Gon right now. Looks to be exactly what I need...

Hi Lousyreeds, great to see someone getting enthusiastic! Albert is very definitely the greatest expert on setting up that particular plinth, but if you need any help in setting it up with a tonearm & etc. then don't hesitate to contact me. I've actually never even tried one of my Lencos on 78, and I've had them for more than a decade, ever since they blew away my high-end belt-drives, *sniff*! But I bought some mint-conditon 78 LPs and will try them soon.