Hi, do people who have experience with these modded Lenco PTP TTs think they can compete with the likes of Goldmund Studio, upper level Brinkmann, SME 20/3, etc?
Don't know about PTP products in particular but some Lenco & Garrard tables, in the right plinth can easily outperform the above mentioned tables.
david
That's interesting, because then they become attractive entry TTs. Artisan Fidelity looks great too.
Artisan Fidelity looks stunning but also costs quite a bit too.
In Europe PTP rules at 2500 EUR. Lenco heaven forum is full of them, western electric lovers, and Schick. The PTP comes with Schick tone arm
That's interesting, because then they become attractive entry TTs. Artisan Fidelity looks great too.
Can,t beat a good Idler
Garrard 501 Transciption Turntable are about $25k & the Artisan Fidelity version about $50k
IMO you should draw the line at $10k max for these tables, there are far better alternatives above that. I like the 501 too.
david
(Edit) By these tables, I mean vintage idlers in a plinths, tweaked, modified or otherwise.
IMO you should draw the line at $10k max for these tables, there are far better alternatives above that. I like the 501 too.
david
(Edit) By these tables, I mean vintage idlers in plinths, tweaked, modified or otherwise.
I agree, but to separate the vintage idlers, I would draw the line at 4K, or less, for a Lenco based one. (less tonearm and cartridge)
If looks really matter to you...
Chris Thornton's offerings might be exceptions. His craftsmanship is impeccable. You are buying a turntable with his, but you are also buying art to a degree. Art always costs more, but down the road the value holds.
If what is does is the primary guide...
If someone builds one that is worth more than 4K, it should have an extremely elaborate speed control, or be modified to a point where it is no longer a Lenco. I haven't seen one of those, yet.
You can make your own, time permitting...
A person who has only basic, rudimentary skills and virtually no tools can build a maxxed-out slate one for maybe $2,500. This would include a new bearing, idler wheel, slate, various tweaks, waterjet time, and any other extraneous tool/labor/freight costs. Best of all, you wouldn't even need a saw. In fact, hardly more than a screwdriver would be needed. Lenco Heaven forum is filled with guys who have done it, and some are absolutely stellar.
I have built a highly modified Lenco in the past, so I am quite sure of that assessment. The Lenco can sound very nice, and it is definitely the most cost effective point of departure in a vintage turntable.
Garrards, Commonwealths, and a scant few others can soak up much more money during a good restoration or redesign.
David,
It seems we agree. My Lenco is also modified almost beyond recognition, so I cannot say that is sounds like a Lenco. It is warm and musical, but smeared and lacking detail when compared with really good top-tier turntables. This is for a variety of reasons, some of those being the artifacts of the remaining Lenco parts. The motor and platter are definitely limiting factors. If you change those, is it a Lenco? The Thornton turntable, although more extensively modified may be similar sounding in ways. Having never heard one I have no way of knowing for certain, but the platter change was probably a very good idea that took it a step beyond mine.
My take on a standard Lenco is that it is a musical turntable with a somewhat forward sound. The plinth tends to change its character more than it does on most vintage brands. Wood can make it very warm sounding, and slate can make it noticeably colder, but more detailed. I believe this is due to the Lenco top plate, or lack thereof. Regardless of the user's preference, it is a very good bang for the buck by most standards.
I haven't had them side by side and only heard Lenco tables in other people's systems but I find the Garrards more detailed and musical with no smearing. I found the same thing with the plinths, they have a direct effect on the tonality and overall balance, do you have any experience with a 301 or 401? My plinths are very industrial and they sound pretty good. I found a lead/hardwood sandwich as the best combination. I couldn't tame stone, corian, or aluminum resonance effectively and wood, even layered with various metals was colored.
david
IMO you should draw the line at $10k max for these tables, there are far better alternatives above that. I like the 501 too.
david
(Edit) By these tables, I mean vintage idlers in plinths, tweaked, modified or otherwise.
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