Cheaper alternatives to the Garrard 301/401 and Thorens TD124Lenco |
| Lenco L75 repainted in Hammertone Grey 4-layer 3/4" plywood laminate plinth Audio Technica AT1007 + SME 3012 |
Made in Switzerland with high quality main bearing and motor. Very quiet once serviced and refined sounding. Earlier models were branded Bogen in the USA.
But just like the Rek O Kuts, condition of the idler wheel is of paramount importance to ensure up to spec performance.
a.jpg) |
| Top - idler wheel from L75 on Bottom - idler wheel from Bogen B60-B62 (L70) |
In my experience the later type idler wheel (top) is very durable and have never had to have them refurbished. However the earlier type with a plastic wheel (found in earlier Bogen B60-62 models like below) has always been problematic (hardens with age) and sent them out for resurfacing.
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| Bogen B60 (L70) in original base |
I have high regard for the tonearm that came with the L70/B60-B62.
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| Bogen B61 (L70) in 4-layer plywood plinth Velvet Touch viscous damped tonearm |
This is a very refined sounding turntable!
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| Lenco B55 + Rek O Kut Gyropoise arm |
Lenco B55 (budget model) has a lighter platter but has interchangeable parts (idler wheel and motor) with the heavier platter models.
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| Bogen B50-16 |
Early budget model with light platter, no interchangeable parts with later models.
More info at Lenco Heaven
Rek O Kut
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| Rek O Kut L34 in laminated plywood plinth SME 3012 + Excel 801 |
For those who want more pace, rhythm and drive, consider a Rek O Kut. Big torquey motors and larger diameter main bearing albeit not machined to the same standards of quality as a Thorens, Garrard or even a Lenco.
See my ROK tips page.
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| Rek O Kut L37 + SME 3012 |
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| Rek O Kut B12H + Pickering 10" Argonne + 9" Velvet Touch |
This is the main front end in my mono system!  |
| Rek O Kut + ROK S160 |
Japanese Idler Turntables
Fine contenders to Bogen/Lenco and Rek O Kut, if you can find them;)
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| Shield MO 19 (Neat OEM) + Gray 212 and Grace G540 |
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| Shield MO19 + Grace G540 |
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| Realistic MKVII + Gray clone |
4-speed idler driven 10" turntable with eddy current pitch control...
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| Lafayette PK180 |
...it works, but more of a cool novelty item ;)
JE: I recently saved a Neat Shield MO-19 from being thrown into a dumpster. I saw your archive and joined www.lencoheaven.com hope t gain some insight, input and possibly contacts with someone who could help me get this table running. I posted pics on the LH site under 'other turntables' section. LH is a great site with a wonderfully enthusiastic membership.
ReplyDeleteGot ithe MO-19 running and have built a couple of arms for it. Sounds absolutely wonderful.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you're enjoying the Shield MO-19/Neat P58H!
DeleteJE