Classic Lenco (Plain & Simple), built for two tonearms;
John C., Switzerland
May 2016
Dear Jean,
On the back of my ‘table, the High mass King: SME Model 3012-R with Ortofon SPU CLASSIC GM E MKII. On the Right, the low mass prince: SME Series III with ortofon SME 30H (a Concord integrated in the carrying arm). On the left, waiting to be mounted on the original Series III carrying arm: ortofon 2M Mono SE.
It took me some time to organize my thoughts about my new Classic LENCO, but here it is:
When I got it installed, with both tonearms set up, I was in a hurry and only took the time to listen a little to it, just to verify rapidly the sound quality. I decided it was very good, and better thank my old trusty Thorens TD 521.
Then, at multiple times, I did listen to LPs without thinking to judge the table. In restrospect, I was listening to the particular vinyl, with those qualities / shortcomings, but not to the table.
Then, I took the time to see what was about this PRAT thing…
I decided I had to listen to something HUGE, … And after keeping the pace through Back in Black and Bacchanale from “Samson & Delilah” I was enlightened:
As far as I remember, when things were getting very loud, I had to mentally “help” the music to keep the pace… NOT THIS TIME !!! Thanks to the LENCO the music was free to run !!!
Otherwise said, the LENCO advantage is not a quality it has, but rather a lack of a shortcoming: the restraint plaguing the belt drive turntables…
Little did I know…
Many thanks for doing what you did.