Howard Fisher, Toronto Canada
The Reference Lenco, June, 2012:
Jean,
I have now spent 3 wonderful months with the Reference Lenco and will do my best to explain how it has transformed my listening room.
I previously subscribed to the common audiophile mantra that belt drive turntables are inherently superior. I have been through a succession of belt drive turntables, from a variety of unsuspended Rega and VPI tables to some higher end suspended tables from the likes of Avid ( Volvere) and, just prior to the Lenco, Oracle Delphi VI with Turbo power supply, Graham Phantom II and Ortofon A90. Although these tables were all good in their own right and I enjoyed my time with them, being one who listens to a lot of piano music I was never completely satisfied with pitch stability in particular. I was always of the opinion that piano sounded better on CD due to its relative absence of wow and flutter.
I must say, the Reference Lenco has been a revelation. The combination of high torque motor, idler wheel, absence of distensible items like belts and suspensions all contribute to a sound that is so solid, stable and dynamic that it is indeed a revelation in the capabilities of the vinyl medium. What we have here is a combination of attributes typically thought superior in digital with the traditional advantages of analogue. Now I can indeed have my cake and eat it too!
On virtually all levels this Reference Lenco is superior to all my previous belt drives. The transparency, detail and nuance are all there in spades. The macrodynamics are startling and the more subtle microdynamic shadings vividly colorful. Sonic images are so solid that they are virtually palpable. Bass is stupendous but also accurate in timbre – an acoustic bass sounding as if it right there with its strings flapping in front of me. Naturally detailed, enveloping, room-filling sound of which only top-flight analogue is capable. And through all of it the timing and pace are perfect – no doubt the result of superior pitch stability.
I want to thank you for creating this masterpiece and transforming my listening room!