• The move to the new server is done. There are some software and database maintenance updates in process. This has us passing the hat around to help out. We appreciate any donations. Seriously, even a dollar helps. The payment page may be found here - https://www.audiokarma.org/support.html

Help needed: Lenco or Pioneer?

M

Marc Gob

New Member
A seller has two Lenco turntables and a Pioneer; he asks the same price for each one of them. The three are in perfect condition. These are: a Lenco B-52, a Lenco L-75 and a Pioneer PL600 (the original silver, not the black one). Which one should I pick? Thanks in advance!
 
Register to hide this ad
Marc Gob said:
A seller has two Lenco turntables and a Pioneer; he asks the same price for each one of them. The three are in perfect condition. These are: a Lenco B-52, a Lenco L-75 and a Pioneer PL600 (the original silver, not the black one). Which one should I pick? Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

Welcome to the AK turn table forum.

The Pioneer PL-600 is probably the most technically advance of the three. :)
http://www.vinylengine.com/library/pioneer/pl-600.shtml
 
Marc Gob said:
A seller has two Lenco turntables and a Pioneer; he asks the same price for each one of them. The three are in perfect condition. These are: a Lenco B-52, a Lenco L-75 and a Pioneer PL600 (the original silver, not the black one). Which one should I pick? Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

You kidding? The Lenco L-75 all times!
 
I know what the L-75 sounds like and I know what can be done to them so I would have to say the Lenco. But I have to confess I do not know much about the Pioneer.
 
Thanks a lot!!! So, I think I'll get the Pioneer. I'll go for a Lenco 75 next time, as a second TT (maybe for listening old 78rpm records).
 
Daunia 70 said:
The Lenco L75 is a very decent TT,but it's not quite up there with the Pioneer PL-600 DD.
Click to expand...

Are you serious ?

From HIGH-END AUDIO and Arthur Salvatore:

"LENCO L 75 IDLER-DRIVE "REFERENCE" TURNTABLE
(REBUILT BY JEAN NANTAIS)
This is the finest turntable I have ever heard. For me, the Reference Lenco was an important and unexpected development, and, accordingly, I wrote an extensive essay/review of it in May/June 2010. It was originally located here. However, the length and scope of this essay/review was such that I have now decided it should have a dedicated file: The Lenco L 75 Reference Turntable. Also included in this file are my early and recent correspondence with idler-drive (and rim-drive) enthusiasts, which were also originally located in this file. In effect, idler/rim-drives now have their own dedicated file."

I got one myself(unmodded) and it plays way better than both my Rega 3 and my SL1210
.
I got one more with a Jelco tonearm on it, and it is even better.



 
Pronto said:
Are you serious ?

From HIGH-END AUDIO and Arthur Salvatore:

"LENCO L 75 IDLER-DRIVE "REFERENCE" TURNTABLE
(REBUILT BY JEAN NANTAIS)
This is the finest turntable I have ever heard. For me, the Reference Lenco was an important and unexpected development, and, accordingly, I wrote an extensive essay/review of it in May/June 2010. It was originally located here. However, the length and scope of this essay/review was such that I have now decided it should have a dedicated file: The Lenco L 75 Reference Turntable. Also included in this file are my early and recent correspondence with idler-drive (and rim-drive) enthusiasts, which were also originally located in this file. In effect, idler/rim-drives now have their own dedicated file."

I got one myself(unmodded) and it plays way better than both my Rega 3 and my SL1210
.
I got one more with a Jelco tonearm on it, and it is even better.
Click to expand...



Yep,I'm serious! I never joke about SQ,whilst the L75 is an excellent soundin' TT (I own a mint one with original Lenco plinth) it's not as good soundin' as the Pioneer PL-600 or PL-630 DD's (the latter,really Spec gear).
I really like my L75 and wouldn't part with it,but a Pioneer PL-630 or even PL-600 are better soundin' TT's (as is the Linn Sondek LP12).
 
Probably as-is the Pioneer would be better. With work, the Lenco would be better, possibly much better (And I have three Lencos)

Not everybody has the desire/time/tools and or skills to do what is needed to be done to the Lenco.
 
Daunia 70 said:
Yep,I'm serious! I never joke about SQ,whilst the L75 is an excellent soundin' TT (I own a mint one with original Lenco plinth) it's not as good soundin' as the Pioneer PL-600 or PL-630 DD's (the latter,really Spec gear).
I really like my L75 and wouldn't part with it,but a Pioneer PL-630 or even PL-600 are better soundin' TT's (as is the Linn Sondek LP12).
Click to expand...

So you mean that a PL-600 weighing 2.8 kg and without any option, for example, to adjust the height of the tonearm is better . . . and ok, I own a Linn Sondek LP12 Ittok and it is matchless against my Lenco/Jelco. I am indeed very confused . . . ?

The PL-630 is an entirely another thing.
 
The Pioneer PL-600 (1979) weighs in at around 11-12 kg. Maybe you're thinkin' of a different one,or perhaps there was a later (cheaper) stack system model.
 
Absolutely get the Pioneer. Rim drive/idler drive turntables have rumble that can be noticeable, especially in older units. Direct drive has effectively none since it's rated at -70db or better. Also the Pioneer has much better mechanical and electrical system.
 
Listen to all 3 and let your ears decide. Different strokes for different folks. With direct drives when the electronics go south you have an expensive repair bill or an expensive doorstop. The Lencos are very simple electronically. I have a comparable DD and my modded Lenco is king of the roost.
 
Even if you do get the Pioneer, pay a visit to the Lenco Heaven website that is dedicated to heavy platter Lencos like the 75. http://www.lencoheaven.net/

If you're into DIY, you may find yourself preferring the Lenco in the end. Their biggest fans have set aside all other high end turntables in favour of modded L75s. But they need a heavy plinth and can use much better tonearms than the stock ones.
 
I was personally told by the designer of the Saskia turntable that if one wasn't going to go full out mod on a Lenco not to bother with it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom