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Getting to grips with turntables

shelly_d said:
I was just looking over the manual for the PL-740. If it comes with the original cartridge you might want to take another look. They originally came with a Pioneer PN-5 MC moving coil cartridge. I don't know how that particular cartridge measures up in the world of moving coil cartridges but having one in my Thorens I can tell you they are desirable.

Shelly_D
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Could you elaborate what you meant with this?
Is the original cartridge good?
Also, you overlooked a question of mine in one of the previous threads regarding the Stroboscope and Quartz mechanizm. To summarize my question, is a stroboscope obsolete if it's quartz-locked?

Kind regards,
TheFifthAce
 
I believe your PL-7 and the PL-740 are closely related.

Three more candidates appear:
Marantz tt 221 http://m.bolha.com/avdio-in-video/a...antz-t-t-221-1327356114.html?aclct=1506861923

RIZ ELAK GM 7606 http://m.bolha.com/avdio-in-video/a...elak-gm-7606-1327957518.html?aclct=1504778539

Does anyone have any info on this brand?

Thorena 280 se http://m.bolha.com/avdio-in-video/a...orens-280-se-1327291906.html?aclct=1507020462

Still waiting for the reply on the actual price on the Thorens

How do they compare to the Pioneer? I mean apart from vinyl engine specs, what are the companies like (only heard of Marintz and RIZ a couple of times, no feel for their quality).

Kind regards,
TheFifthAce
 
Moving Coil cartridges are well thought of. I have no experience with the PN5-MC as I stated in my post, but the popular moving coils, DL-103, DL-110 are all very well respected and my DL-300 sounds wonderful.

If the turntable is fixed speed, the strobe will confirm the speed accuracy. Up to you to decide the relevancy.

Thorens makes fine turntables, always have. Some better then others. no experience with the 280. My 150 is a real keeper. I purchased it new in 1974 and I'm still using it. The 280 is quieter and has better speed stability then my 150.

Commenting on price gets a thread moved to Dollars and Sense.

Marantz is a highly reputable maker of amps and receivers. Don't know how good their turntables were.

Never heard of Riz Elak but that one looks pretty beat up to me.

None of us can actually predict which turntable you will like the best. You are going to have to make a final decision based upon what you have read here, what you know and have learned and how much your budget will allow you to spend.

Shelly_D
 
I wouldn't overthink it too much. I would choose based on cosmetics and operating condition of a table for those prices. In my area that should get you a table that is working and often with a newer belt and/or stylus. The dustcover, hinges, feet, and mat should be there and in decent shape.

As long as it is all there and looking good you should be able to sell it if you choose to upgrade later. Fixer uppers and cosmetic basket cases sell for $5-25 depending on what they are.
 
TheFifthAce said:
Could you elaborate what you meant with this?
Is the original cartridge good?
Also, you overlooked a question of mine in one of the previous threads regarding the Stroboscope and Quartz mechanizm. To summarize my question, is a stroboscope obsolete if it's quartz-locked?

Kind regards,
TheFifthAce
Click to expand...

Not necessarily obsolete but could be considered redundant as long as the quartz lock system is working correctly.

Some tables have the provision of turning off the quartz lock so a strobe allows one a visual of speed up or down.

If quartz lock cannot be defeated a strobe is eye candy - but good eye candy.

On the other hand, it will also provide a visual for a speed variation not detected by ear - meaning something's wrong.
 
Hi guys,

had a bit of time to think and finally go out and buy something. This is the result:

20171112_093947.jpg 20171112_093941.jpg 20171112_093955.jpg

A 1979 Lenco L 833 DD with an audiotechnica stylus.

Thanks for all your help.

Kind regards,
TheFifthAce
 

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I have the sl-db20, had the rotel rp2300, just sold it yesterday. I was a bit sad to see the Rotel go, buyer seemed cool, he was looking for something to hold him over since he gave his TT to his son in law.
 
kermit z said:
That looks like a beautiful table you got. What do you think? Do you like what your hearing?
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It really is beautiful, I'm quite satisfied with my choice.

Don't really have anything to compare it to, but the feeling is great and it sound really good. Still a few things to sort out, and I've only been playing used records. Can't wait to buy and try a new one.

Kind regards,
TheFifthAce
 
Mister Pig said:
Looks like you got a nice solid turntable there, hope your are enjoying your new toy!

Regards
Mister Pig
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I am enjoying it quite much, thank you.

Got a few 30 year old records from my friends, but I intend to buy a few special ones as new, so the real fun is about to start.

I've also read that these Lenco's can be tuned to sounding a few classes better, but this is currently not a priority. Maybe a project for the future.

Kind regards,
TheFifthAce
 
Todd Dodds said:
The whole rig is nice. I'm so used to seeing everything arranged squarely that the radiused ends and angled components really look snazzy.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the compliments, the whole setup is a bit makeshift at the moment. Found a SABA set of components (receiver, amp and cassette deck) for a bargain, and they are proving themselves as quite good.

Kind regards,
TheFifthAce
 
For the sake of not starting a new thread, I'll ask a couple of questions that I have to this thread.

1. What type of head connector is this? And which heads do you recommend?
Screenshot_20171112-172813.png
I would like to get the best sound I can from my Lenco. Or is the Head I currently have a good one? See pictures below.
20171112_173031.jpg

20171112_173039.jpg

Screenshot_20171112-173521.png

2. What is the stylus model? And which do you recommend?

Thanks and kind regards,
TheFiftAce
 
Lenco turntables use their own unique headshells. I believe this headshell connector is common to L85, L133, L830, L833 and possibly a couple of other models.

The cartridge is possibly Audio-Technica AT10. Nothing special, but not bad either.
 
I had that cartridge, or at least a very similar one. No joke the pfan 629-de is a great stylus for it, and they're $15 shipped all day.
 
Voice of Music have original Audio Technica styli for $32 to $36 and the Japan-made EVG styli for same price as the pfanstiehl (which they also have).
 
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