How good is the Artisan Fidelity Lenco 75??

Those should both be superb components.  My only hesitation would be the price.  Since AF turntables are costly, I assume your friend would like to recoup a large fraction of his investment, which is completely understandable.  On the other hand, AF turntables are always gorgeous to look at.  So, if you value the appearance and can pay the price, I'd say go for it.  The Lenco is a wonderful turntable.  I own one that I personally modified, extensively.  It competes with many great turntables.

thanks - He wants $6k for the table and arm- He said it only has around 100 hrs- the black case(?) looks like it was done at a high end auto paint shop-
the joule electra is around $2k-ish he said -Is that a fair deal?? He said it is a friends deal??????????????

6k is way too much. You can get the PTP Lenco for half the price - google it - its well reviewed and currently in Stereophles Class A turntable list. I have no relationship with PTP.

I do own a slate plinth L75 Lenco I rebuilt with the PTP top plate. Its a great sounding turntable and has proven to be very reliable and low maintenance in the five years I have been using it.

IMO, $6000 for a Artisan Fidelity Lenco 75 with the Origin Live Conqueror MK3 tonearm is a fair asking price.  Artisan Fidelity tables are works of art and there is a premium price associated with that level of fit and finish. 

guys thanks- I think I am going to get it- So what cart. in the used $2000 area would you rec.- also what about the Joule Electra OPS-1 is that a good phono stage - thanks

My favorite LOMC is the ZYX UNIverse in any of its many versions.  I think you can buy a low mileage UNIverse II for around $2K to $3K.  But I also like many vintage MM and MI cartridges that cost quite a bit less.  I am currently running an Audio Technica ART7 on my Lenco.  Love that too, and it's a bit less than $1000, brand new.

Good for you on your decision.  I'm sure you'll be happy.

Sorry.  I am not directly familiar with the Joule OPS-1, but I have great respect for the designer.  And it has a good rep.  You might easily check on the value by searching for others that are for sale on the internet.  That's what I would do before asking us here.

You could do a lot better than the Joule for a phono stage, especially at the asking price. Take a look at K&K Audio.

How would the Viva Fono be saw one for sale- viva products seem to get great reviews?- thanks

wawa2020

You can get the PTP Lenco for half the price  -

Well that is because the PTP Lenco is built using far inferior parts that most Artisan Fidelity Lenco models, plain and simple.

Example:

PTP Lenco - Aluminum Chassis and Motor Mount

Artisan Fidelity Lenco - Non magnetic Stainless Steel Chassis Plate and Non magnetic Stainless Steel Motor Mount (except DCHM).

PTP Lenco - thin Corian Plinth (Kitchen countertop material) very inexpensive.

Artisan Fidelity Lenco - Constrained Layer Damped Panzerholz and Multilaminated hardwood composite.  Very expensive material and labor intensive to build.  Solid Aluminum Magnesium Alloy for ~ 110lbs. Achates SE Lenco based idler drive plinth.

PTP Lenco - Finish - Average at best.

Artisan Fidelity Lenco - Finish - World Class.

PTP Lenco - Stainless Steel Main bearing housing and thrust pad and stock vintage Lenco Spindle.

Artisan Fidelity Lenco - Stainless Steel Main bearing housing and thrust cap with large bore hardened steel cnc ground main spindle with Sapphire bearing and ultra low friction copolymer thrust pad.  They even manufacture their own oil sintered bronze sleeve bushings with the correct viscosity oil for low rpm applications. 

PTP Lenco = Entry level aftermarket based Lenco of decent quality.

Artisan Fidelity = Depending on the model (DCHM, Achates, Achates SE) and custom builds, anything from entry level restored Lenco to end of the road world class level Lenco based idler drive models.   

bopper, you should ask the seller of the used $6k Artisan Fidelity Lenco (DCHM?), and OL arm what kind of custom options the table has.  ie., stainless steel sapphire bearing, stainless steel non magnetic main platter, Stillpoints, plinth type (Panzerholz), ect.  These are all important factors which you have not shared. 

I own the exact Artisan Fidelity Lenco 75. I have owned it for 3 years with a SME arm and it is a end game table for me.  I added the copper platter option after about a year and it was a dramatic change for the better. I have the Piano Black finish and it looks world class.  The price you are being offered is very fair. This will play with 20k tables. Enjoy it!

Bob thks- the one I got is also the piano black it to has the copper platter option- what cart. are you using- thks

Ortofon credenza black.

I agree on the Credenza Black recommendation. Currently using one on my Origin Live Illustrious mk3c tonearm.  Excellent match.