So Jean, you're not going to give us the weight? You could at least give us a hint, like calling it the "39 cent" mod, or something like that, in line with the original "cheap" ethos of the original thread. |
Nice mod Jean. The only thought I had was that if for some reason the 'bag' of pennies starts to swing it could affect speed stability - possibly use a more solid weight and suspend it in something to 'damp' it e.g. silicone fluid? |
The pennies are for purposes of the experiment only, I thought this was clear: "After finding the weight you like best, simply hook your weight (which can be glued-together pennies, or a bolt and nuts or or or…" and "To those who want a finished kit-form TJN Mod, with threaded insert for secure bolting to the Lenco chassis with rounded lip which raises the string to the level of the arm (so pulling at a perfect 90-degree lateral angle at X-gram force) and which extends to below the motor so there is no fouling of the string/weight possible, machined brass weight with hole,..."
I am NOT pitching this kit to make money, at this price it's barely worth my while to go to the post office, it's only intended as a public service to help SERIOUSLY improve the Lenco sonics around the globe to, as I wrote, cause more Lenco fireworks/importune the competition, be it DD, belt or other idler, and again I say: heh-heh :-). I encourage those who want to roll up their sleeves and have some fun to do so, I mean really. Of course the kit will be standard in all my models, this is too fundamental and important.
Nevertheless, unless you intend on pushing it or operating it in a high wind, it will not start to swing in any physically-meaningful way. A related issue is finding the precise mass which will exert the most pressure, and so be the most difficult to move, without straying over into so much you start to wear out the wheel and cause various mechanical problems: anyone who has tried to substitute for the original, let's remember VERY delicate spring, with a stiffer one knows this simply doesn't work.
No physical system on the face of this planet is perfect, including the TJN Mod, but the EXTREMELY simple weight on a string substitution is SO much superior to the spring (and I'm talking not only mechanically but also sonically) - and, it will be found due to its extreme simplicity and effectiveness superior to any other solution - it is astonishing that in the seven years since this whole thing started, no one has thought of it. And I believe no one has because as a rule, people are far too impressed by the unnecessarily difficult, the unnecessarily complex (for this reason it's a large component in many audio manufacturers' marketing), and have forgotten about simple results, simply achieved. Effectively, it was so obvious and simple it was invisible.
This spring issue, as demonstrated to and witnessed by Salvatore (a virtual doubling of sound quality) is much more FUNDAMENTAL to the operation of the Lenco than any plinth and so on questions, which FOLLOW, not lead (i.e. it is the fundamental Lenco engineering - powerful FAST motor, flywheel-platter, idler-wheel - which makes it great, without this, the best plinths in the world & etc. applied to a belt-drive will only result in another so-so belt-drive).
So getting back to it: silicone baths and what-not are not necessary, do you see anti-bias weights on far more sensitive tonearms (in terms of importance/sensitivity to vibrations etc.) bathing in silicone fluid? Let's stick with my leading principle since forever, the KISS principle, the reason the Lenco itself is so great: Keep It Simple, Stupid. Not intended as an insult, but simply a good motto, especially in engineering.
I won't give out the precise weight/force I found optimal due to the reasons given - and already I can see all sorts of unnecessary side issues will end up dominating and eclipse the beauty of this simple solution - anyway self-respecting DIYers should embrace this chance at a fun experiment and DIYelves :-)!!
So let's get back to it: the TJN Mod is a weight on a string (KISS), and that string does not transmit vibrations, contract or expand, simple, effective, forever, and the weight, being a simple weight, will always hang with the same mass/force, steadily, since gravity does not vary on the surface of this planet, and string is not a spring. Those who implement it will have a GREAT improvement, those who don't won't.
So have fun y'all, I'll be leaving now and won't be back for quite a while, as a customer of mine always says, Roger & Out. |
Jean; Thanks for the tip on how to further improve The Mighty Lenco. As you know, I am already extremely pleased with the Lenco you rebuilt for me and my particular Lenco is just a 75 pounder (i.e. presumably no where near the performance of the massive Lenco Reference). I really did not think you could make further improvements to this design but I was clearly wrong. Well done!
As tempting as it is to jump right in and do the TJN Mod myself, I think I will wait for your kit. It seems to me that $60 is very reasonable (in this hobby, this is a laughably small amount) and the kit will take the hard part (getting the weight right) out of the equation.
Once again: Thanks and well done. |
I certainly would not want to argue the question of whether this new mod actually improves sound quality, which it may well do, but on the level of theory, I have a question: Why would one expect the string not to transmit vibration, as compared to a spring? Sources of vibration could be (i) the bearing of the idler wheel, (ii) irregularities in the shape of the motor drive shaft, or (iii) dirt or other on the underside of the platter that might cause the idler wheel to bounce a bit. The force applied by a spring to maintain contact between motor shaft/idler wheel/platter will vary according to Hook's Law, which says that F is a linear function of the amount of stretch of the spring. The force applied by the string to do the same would be equal to gravity less any frictional losses where the string touches anything. I don't get why (theoretically) the string would obviously be a better way to do the little bit of work (small force X a very small distance) that is required. I guess you are saying that the spring itself is a source of noise/vibration that mucks things up; yes? |
Fourth and probably most obvious source of vibration of the idler wheel: Deviation of the idler wheel from perfect round-ness and roughness at its contact surface. The spring or string may or may not be the major player in maintaining contact among drive shaft/idler wheel/platter, as idler wheel bumps along. A knowledgeable friend of mine thinks that the idler wheel is held in place primarily by the platter/drive-shaft "squeezing" effect, as both of those rotate, i.e., the spring or string is pretty much out of the picture once power is applied to the motor. Dunno about that. Still don't see how the spring can do much that is bad, once the platter is turning.
This is not to say that the whole idler wheel, idler arm, and spring set-up could not be improved upon, but I think it would require a radically different approach. Win Tinnon has done that in his Saskia, but he won't say how, and I don't blame him a bit for that. |
WARNING....Actual Ear Witness Account!
I have heard the TJN Mod at Jean's place and knew it was a hit...I also have had enough experience with Lencos of all shapes and sizes to know I have had issues with that spring. I have often tested torque by placing my hand at the edge of the platter - and then clipped the spring as a quick fix.
So Jean stopped by today with his drill, template and mod kit to de-spring my Reference Lenco. I will post some photos of the latest system and also of the mod kit in my systems page (I haven't updated that page in quite awhile!) I have been running a Reference Lenco for about 2 months and have been smitten, Fidelity Research FR64S tonearm with a 90th Anniversary SPU. I'm using a Dact Kit Phono Stage with the dual Dact Power Supplies thru an Audible Illusions 3A (with the John Curl Gold Phono board ...although that is not being used at the moment) with Fisher Model 200 Mono Amps (1962...Interstage Transformer...El34s are the Treasure Tubes) and all this plays music out of the Electro-Voice Patrician 800 Speakers - I had been very impressed with the bass from the 30" woofers since the Reference Lenco was installed... and was curious and maybe even a touch skeptical that the Mod would make THAT any better... I was in for a surprise, there wasn't a single sonic area that wasn't improved....detail, imaging, depth, highs, bass...did I miss anything??
We listened to 2 tracks, both tracks we know well and have used a million times. First was Larry Carlton's Alone/But never alone LP, its one of those guilty pleasure LPs but it sounds great and is Fun .. Next up was the 45RPM on Clarity Vinyl of Holly Cole's Temptation (we actually cheated and played the 2nd and 3 rd tracks on side A)
The Reference Sounded amazing..as it has sounded since the day it was installed!
Jean did the Mod on my living room floor in about 20 minutes, using the template to mark the hole, drilling the hole and then removing the motor to allow room for a hand to secure the string tube/lock nut and washer.
Then I fired up the Lenco and the first thing I did was test the torque, Holy Shit! I could tell immediately that the torque was a lot stronger, hard to slow the turning platter, I knew this was going to be good!
The Larry Carlton sounded great from the opening notes, I could tell immediately that my 30" woofers were a lot more controlled, those lowest HZs were a lot more tuneful, bass lines were easier to follow and up thru the midrange... the slam, oh the slam, Its the slam that I love from these Lencos (most Idler wheels!) and that power in the midrange was amazing..It was pretty damn good already but it was now clear that this little string had improved everything! Bass...Midrange but it was the highs I was most impressed with, the Larry Lp has a lot of ear candy, and it was hung out there perfectly..man this is what a Turntable is Supposed to do! OK now onto Holly Cole, this LP can sound pretty darned good, it has some astounding low bass and the Lenco controlled it and resolved it to even greater perfection. I have been struck by the fine details as never before, This whole idea
of being able to hear the subtlest breathing..smacking of lips... like someone is in the room with you, and its almost spooky...
I spent the day playing one LP after the other. Never a single disappointment.
Now, if you are building or owning a Lenco out there, TRY THIS! Its not a hard tweak to Implement (and its free) and I have been reading over on Lenco Heaven some reports from people that have actually tried it and noticed the improved TORQUE!!I think this added speed stability is really audible to these ear PLUS all the Sonic improvements that come with the Torque, try it on your ears. |
Clarification please, Johnwdt. You say the tweak is FREE. How can that be? |
Great report, Johnwdt.
Regards, |
Hi Dave,
I expect 90% of the Lenco owner's on the planet to do it themselves... according to Jean's detailed instructions and photo,
John |
But they still have to pay for the kit itself, right? |
Sorry Dave, I really just wanted to report on the mod itself, assumed most people would be trying it on their own but your right, the little kits Jean has assemble are being sold too, I guess you would have to contact him,
Cheers,
John |
I have had the TJN Mod installed in my Lenco for a few days now and I just want to add a few comments to support those of johnwdt (John). First, a little of my personal Lenco history might clarify my reaction to the TJN Mod. I bought my Lenco directly from Jean Nantais (JN) about three years ago. This decision was reached after hearing various versions of JN’s Lenco rebuilds in a few different high quality audio systems, most notably those owned by John. I could not ignore the superiorty of the Lenco, particularly in areas of pace, rhythm and timing (PRaT), over my VPI TNT and this is a decision I have never regretted.
My system now consists of the JN rebuilt Lenco to which is mounted a Graham 2.2 tonearm and an Ortofon Jubilee cartridge, feeding into a K&K Phono Stage. Preamp is the cheap but excellent Transcendent Grounded Grid (somewhat modified) and a Rogue Atlas Magnum amplifier. Speakers are the Quad 57s, with bass and treble panels rebuilt by Wayne Picquet, and a single Velodyne F1500 subwoofer.
Since my move to the Lenco a number of significant modifications have been introduced. Most notable of these was JN’s new bearing, which improved virtually all aspects of the Lenco’s performance. Now we have the TJN Mod which, in my considered opinion, is at least as significant as any modification that JN has introduced. Yes, I think the TJN Mod is at least as significant as the new bearing.
JN has explained his reason for introducing the TJN Mod (‘ that damned Lenco idler-wheel spring’) and John has mentioned how, by clipping and shortening the spring (thereby increasing the tension of the spring and torque of the rotating platter), the Lenco’s performance could be improved. It has been evident to me that this spring was the real weak spot in the Lenco design and it is reasonable to conclude that the Lenco’s performance has been degraded by the spring. By completely removing the spring, the TJN Mod simply and elegantly corrects this weakness.
John has mentioned the impact that the TJN Mod has had on the sound quality of his system and I would concur with everything he mentioned. In my system the mod has improved virtually every aspect of the sound – deeper and wider soundstage, improved clarity right across the frequency spectrum and, last but not least, even better dynamics . The degree of improvement has taken me a little by surprise and I’m still trying to come to grips with it. However, as the saying goes, this is a real ‘no brainer’.
If you are considering purchasing the TJN Mod kit from JN but you are not certain of what you will get for your $60, let me assure you that this kit is seriously underpriced. The metal parts (aluminum and brass) have clearly been carefully designed and they are made by the same excellent machinist that is responsible for producing the new Lenco bearing. You’re getting real value for money here and I have no doubt that if one of the major companies (eg. Linn, VPI etc.) were marketing this mod the price would be two or three times as costly.
Terry |
I am about to diy the spring mod. I was going to wait for the all-out "MC" Lenco I have on the drawing board, but after talking to John I decided to try it on my current "MM" Lenco that is on my bench right now. I will be able to compare it to the elastic "spring" I was using.
Pics to follow.
Went to Whalemart :) yesterday to find my fishin' waits and stuff... If everything works out, I will be listenin' later today.
BTW: I have designed a ultra deluxe, shock absorbing version of this mod that we may see later... :0)
Mike |
Finally had a chance to listen to the spring mod.
Hey,
First impressions;
Using a 42 gram weight. Greater space between instruments = lower noise floor, VTA adjustments easier to hear. Improved macro dynamics, slightly wider stage, slightly better bass, improved layering.
Mike |
I am posting to describe the result of the most recent idler tension spring mod to my Jean Nantais Lenco Goldring L70. I understand that this mod is described in detail on the group, but wish to present a “fresh eyes” assessment from someone not caught up in the usual group exchanges.
I am running the 100 lb “Classic” plinth, built about 2 years ago and later mod’d with a “Reference” level Lenco main bearing and a carefully rebuild motor assembly. About 2 weeks ago, Jean installed his latest innovation; replacing the idler / speed control shaft tension spring, and mounting a custom fabricated sleeve together with a precisely constructed silk thread and bias weight combination. The theory, as I understood it, was to ensure a constant pressure on the tapered speed control shaft / idler wheel and, thus, eliminate speed fluctuations; as Jean stated it "the maximum useful pressure, constant and unvarying at all speeds, to ensure maximum and stable torque". It simply seemed too obvious to be true – I had to try it myself! I had just heard from two trusted vinyl aficionados that the difference is sound from this latest JN Lenco mod was immediately apparent. I asked no further questions as did not wish my assessment to be biased by their experience.
What I found was a radically improved and stable pitch with an overall greater sense of space and dimension in presentation of the sound stage. There was a certain quality of air and openness around the instruments and vocalists, as well as “room clues” that had not previously been noticeable. This was especially startling as I was listening to LPs that have been in my regular rotation for close to 40 years (Joni Mitchell’s Blue and Ladies of the Canyon as prime examples) and found that my sense of the recording studio environment was far enhanced.
I then went on over the next few days to several well know classical pieces and found similar results with Glenn Gould’s – Goldberg / 32 Variations and Starkers Bach Suites / Solo Cello, and on and on. As I played 6-8 albums each day, I came to realize that each listening session presented a new experience from even my most trusted and best known reference recordings. I began to compare these recording on my other tables and found them lacking. What had I done?
My experience in these matters is considerable. I have had an idler wheel table in my system since 1972. Several years ago I purchased a mint Lenco Goldring L70 in a (rather heavy) stock plinth, after hearing a Lenco L75 rebuilt by Jean Nantais. I was shocked at the results with the L75 and wanted to understand what the JN mods could do for my system. I was then running a Garrard 301 and Garrard 401, as well as a Rek-O-Kut Rondine Deluxe and a Thorens TD124. I could hear the potential in each, but none matched what I heard in the early Nantais mods.
Now, with the latest spring replacement mod, even that first impression has again been elapsed by the addition of a simple thread and weight. I know it seems remarkable and, if reading it, I would have to ask “How is this possible?” My only response can be, “You have to hear it” so I invite each of you look at your options for making such a mod or having Jean provide you with the materials to do so. |
Eleakist,
Us low-lifes "caught up in the usual group exchanges" hear the same thing as you :) As reported.
Mike |
Thanks for all the reports everyone - Mike, Barry, John, Terry - and all those who have been trying it out and reporting in on various forums, I appreciate your posting all!! This is better than theorizing in the utter absence of evidence, no?
In fact a version of this very experiment was carried out and reported on by Salvatore in his initial analysis of the weak vs strong spring on his Reference Lenco: the ONLY element changed in his system was the tightness of the spring on his Reference Lenco, which, as he reported, doubled the sound quality in his system. So the ONLY conclusion that could be drawn was that the amount of force applied to marrying the wheel to the motor-platter interface was of EXTREME importance to delivering the motor's torque.
This is the whole point of an experiment: devise an experiment to prove - or disprove - a theory, and accept the results. This is why I went on and on about science and the scientific method in early days: because the then-ubiquitous belt-drivers (much less ubiquitous now :-)) would not accept evidence of the superiority of the idler-wheel drive system or the serious high-end quality of the Lenco. They dismissed any evidence as anecdotal (to those espousing ANY theory all evidence it is wrong is "anecdotal" and all evidence supporting that theory is "proof"), so I devised a way - the original thread - to give them 1000 anecdotal results, "anecdotal" THAT! Ditto the TJN Mod.
As I wrote earlier, the TJN Mod was too important to keep to myself - and too simple, effective and elegant (no complex electro-mechanical solution to this problem will ever match what this little string and weight does with utter reliability and stability for as long as Gravity operates in the Newtonian universe) and most of all IMPORTANT to keep to myself and my own work. Every Lenco owner owes it to himself, or herself, to implement this mod, as it "completes" the heart of the Lenco: its drive system (without it the Lenco is just another record player).
This also proves what I have been saying since the very beginning back when I started the original thread: it is TORQUE which makes the Lenco - and other idler-wheel drives - superior. With the TJN Mod installed torque can be felt to increase, and with an increase in torque - precisely what Salvatore reported in an experiment where the ONLY element changed was spring tightness - comes roughly a doubling of the sound quality.
So, stripping the results of the experiment down to its barest essentials: more torque - and torque stability and so speed stability - equals more information-retrieval, more detail, better separation of instruments, better soundstaging, better low frequencies (lower, tighter, more detailed) better high frequencies (more extended and at the same time more natural with less distortion) better dynamics micro and macro (greater focus, greater speed).
A cautionary note to the usual suspects who tend to equate simply running endlessly in the same direction of a pre-existing already discovered idea with true progress (200-pound platters on the way, I have a lot to say about THIS subject soon with, as always, proof, engineers seem to have forgotten grade-school physics - keep your eyes peeled all): don't start hooking up 200 HP motors to your idlers, as with the spring mod weight - which reaches maximum torque at a surprisingly low weight/mass - so the torque necessary to push the LP through stylus force drag in the better idler-wheel drives (their motors ARE relatively enormous) was accurately calculated by the '50s (and earlier) engineers, they had not forgotten their grade-school physics ;-).
So, getting back to the results of the latest experiment: More torque = clearly better sound, and what better system to deliver this torque than the idler-wheel drive system with their massive motors and decoupled wheels (which makes use of massive motors advisable), which, as Salvatore reported, given Direct Coupling, achieves low noise floors to equal top belt-drives: massive torque without sonic penalties!! Now THOSE were engineers!! If someone came up with the decoupled idler-wheel/massive motor idea NOW - against a background of direct-drives, direct rim-drives and belt-drives - the whole analogue world would be set on its ear, gasp and cry Sheer Genius!!!!
Get Ye out all Ye Lenco users and show the world what an optimized idler-wheel drive system can really do!! Vive la Lenco, Vive la Idler-Wheel!!!! Next time I'll come back (it'll be a while) with yet more fun in the world of science, physics and spinning LPs, maybe that platter mass thingy :-). |
Thanks Jean for all your efforts in promoting the mighty Lenco. Thanks to you and this thread I got myself a GL75 6 months ago. I love it. I tried your spring tweak and it worked a treat just like you said. I look forward to more of your thoughts in the future. |
Has anyone here done this mod with Peter Reinders PTP? Or are you all using the stock Lenco chassis as a basis? If done with PTP, did you have to drill a hole to accommodate the string and weight? Thanks.
Jean, in your earliest posts on this mod, you seemed to think that the benefits had a lot to do with eliminating a resonance imparted by the spring, Here you seem more to focus on the benefit of increasing the force that marries the idler wheel to the platter and motor shaft. Have you changed your mind about how the string works to improve the sonics of the table, or am I over-interpreting your last post? |
Hi Lewm,
Yes, I did it but I drilled a hole. A person at lencoheaven.net website did the mod without drilling and you can view pictures of how he did it. I also found the mod to be nice upgrade. Thanks Johnnantais! |
Thanks, Trav. I did visit Heaven and did see the photos you mention. It looks kind of crude to me in that the string is passing over two abrasive metal surfaces. I would rather go Jean's way, drill a new hole (as you evidently did do) and line it with some sort of ceramic or brass grommet so the string only passes over the smooth side of a single grommet. That's if I ever get around to trying this mod. I am impressed with the unanimously favorable reviews, but I want to know more about the why of it. That's just me. What about unscrewing the post that holds the end of the spring, and using the hole thus made available for the string to pass thru? That would be simple as simple can be, and it would preserve the factory-determined vector of the force pulling on the idler arm. Unless that hole leads to solid slate on my turntable. |
Won't work, Lew. Unless the hole is precisely positioned per Jean's template, the thread will run into stuff and the weight will not have space in which to move up and down. |
I think the reason you can't use that hole is the weight and string won't be clear of the motor. There is a small area that you can be drilled so the string and weight clear the motor. And I think the new angel of pull is good, no problem with that.
The "theories" behind why it works is a more constant pull vs. the spring and we can achieve maximum torgue. It seems 1.5oz is enough but you could experiment with different amounts of weight within that range. Just use enough weight till you get max torque. You can feel with your finger that the platter gets pretty hard to stop when max torque is achieved. All that is thought to give better speed stability and helps the turntable deal with stylus drag. And also some think the "twangy" spring resonates more noise into the platter and or plinth.
I agree you want a smooth surface for the string to slide on so drilling the hole and fitting a rod with smooth top is the way to go.
|
Correction "angel" of pull should read "angle" of pull. My spelling is awful. |
Trav, Don't you think there might be an "Angel of Pull"? And she has no doubt spoken to Jean. |
That's it!!!
Angels are pulling our legs! |
I don't think any angels are involved here, but it is possible someone is pulling are legs. I am surprised more people have not tried this yet, so simple to try. Maybe more did but couldn't hear any improvement and don't want to hurt the feelings of the folks who hear an improvement.
I am pretty sure I did hear an improvement but I was drinking the last couple times I played with my Lenco, it seems to sound better that way without any new tweaks. So my comments of hearing any improvements should be taken with a grain of salt, or something like that.
|
Correction "pulling are legs" should read "pulling our legs" again my spelling is awful. I even previewed that last post and I missed that. |
Oh, there's an improvement all right. I'm still getting a handle on it in my own system via several cartridge swaps, after installing the kit a few days ago. Main areas of improvement I've noticed are clarity/openness and dynamics and ESPECIALLY on the reissue 45 RPM jazz classics from Acoustic Sounds and Music Masters. I liken it to getting a new and better phonostage. NOT subtle. |
Dave, How much weight did you use? Thanks. |
No idea, sorry. Just used the brass weight that was in Jean's kit, and I can't remove it easily now that the TT is back in place. |
Forgot you said you used his kit. Thx anyway. I have figured out how to implement the string in the context of the PTP without drilling new holes. So I will (reluctantly) give this a try using small lead or brass weights. Does anyone know how much weight he (or she) used to achieve Nirvana? |
I used 42 g - thats about 1.5 OZ. A guy on Lenco Heaven said that he tested the original spring pull at ~35g. My system is sounding amazing with this tweak in place + direct coupling and brass feet.
I was kind of dumbfounded at first - waiting for a downside that hasnt appeared.
Mike |
I am still breaking in the Jeremy bearing plus clamp, so any improvement due to the string might be hard to decipher, if I added it at this point. I will do some listening to the Jeremy this weekend and then maybe do the string next week. But I will say that my Lenco already competes with, if not beats, some other expensive stuff I have lying around here, so I can only wonder at the superlatives I read above as regards the string and weight deal. |
String Theory. The factory installed idler arm spring pulls the idler arm not only up toward the bottom of the platter but also exerts a force slightly biased toward the spindle side. I guess this is because the idler arm actually describes an arc with a radius equal to the distance from the rim of the idler wheel to the fulcrum of the idler arm. In replacing the spring with string, have you guys mimicked the angle of pull of the spring, or have you (or does Jean's kit) mount the string so that it pulls with a force in parallel to the rim of the idler wheel? Thanks. |
Lewm,
I installed the bushing so it actually sits higher than the original spring post to try to mimic the slight upward pull of the spring.
Since the bushing is further away than the spring post the bushing sits maybe 3/16-1/4 higher to mimic the same angle of pull.Seems to be the way to go as far as I'm concerned.
OMR |
Hi all, I am using a stock Lenco L75 with a Rega RB300 tonearm and a Denon DL-103 cartridge thru a Denon AU300 step up transformer. I am blown away by this setup, especially the Denon cartridge with its conical stylus. I have ordered the TJN mod from Jean and I am waiting to get it. Question for anyone, is it that difficult to install?
Also, I am curious about the bearing upgrade that Jean sells for $190, what kinds of sonic improvements could I expect from that?
thanks! Michael |
Re installing Jean's TJN mod kit, I did it by myself in a few hours, and I'm almost 82. A little tricky in spots, but I don't see why you would have any trouble. Good luck, Dave |
Also, I am curious about the bearing upgrade that Jean sells for $190, what kinds of sonic improvements could I expect from that?
Hello from France, Michael, i wait for my TJN from J Nantais but have heard nothing about the bearing upgrade.Where have you seen this as i am interested in an upgrade for bearing? |
Hi, I asked Jean about the bearing upgrade and he quoted me at $190. |
Well another belt drive bites the dust, a victim of the mighty lenco idler drive. My sister & brother inlaw decided to get a lenco when they heard my lightly modded original plinth rb300 gl75 up against their lp12 which we had all held in high regard for many years. My lenco bested it by a large margin. Anyway they just received a fine example of a stock gl75 with lenco g800e cartridge. It has a very very quiet motor (better than mine). Just tested it against the lp12 and once again no contest. The linn will be sold to someone who doesn't know any better for a handsome profit compared to the cost of the lenco and the happy new owners will get more enjoyment from their vinyl. Once again Jean thanks for all your efforts in letting the world know about the incredible lenco. It's almost too good to be true but fortunately it is. |
Many thanks to Jean Nantais for this quite cheap tweak,this is not subtle, better bass, better definition,and openness. My lenco begin to sound as a high end table and my pink pt too is on sale now (and before i settle the TJN)
However the quest goes on , i test the achromat mat and it's seem to work quite well (i got it today). So more later. |
Sounds great.Just got back into vinyl.Going to refurb Bogen Lenco b61.Thanks. Joe |
My Biggest upgrade yet: the Panasonic Strain Gauge cartridge with a custom made gain stage.
It's a new world. The studer doesn't spin nearly as much tape as it used to.
I'm trying to find a new reengineered idler wheel and bearing. I'd like to start giving the Lenco a bit of attention again.
Cheers! |
Finally found a spinner that beats the lenco!!
A studer 1/4" 2 track with master tape copies!
Of course, I can't find 15ips tapes in the dollar bin! |
