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Jean Nantais Reference Lenco Mk2 vs Mk3

Friends,
I am contemplating buying an Idler drive turntable to my system. I already have a good belt drive (Verdier) and this is for a change of taste. I listened to a Garrard and it was doing definitely something that I havent heard any belt drive TTs do. It wasnt as nuanced as my Verdier though. I have been exchanging emails with Jean Nantais. He said he could build me either a Garrard or a Lenco. Since his Lenco recipe has been very popular I decided to go with his Reference Lenco. However, there are two versions that I have to choose from, Mk2 and Mk3. The price difference is close to $2500. Will appreciate some advice on choosing between the two. If anyone has heard these versions it will be really helpful to get an opinion on their sonic signature.
pani
zd542
5,339 posts
 
How do you know what you heard is because of the drive mechanism, and not something else?
lewm
12,537 posts
 
To add to Zd542's remark, keep in mind that the Lenco L75 and Garrard 301, while they are both top quality idlers, do sound at least a little different and are very different from one another in terms of design and topology of the drive system. Personally, I prefer the Lenco, but many others prefer the Garrard. Both will give you that idler liveliness, but in different ways. Even with Garrard alone, there are grease bearing and oil bearing types between which to choose. You may want to audition a Lenco, if possible, before assuming that the Lenco will give you whatever it was that captured your fancy when you heard the Garrard. (Again, I do think you would like the Lenco at least as much as the Garrard, but that's only my opinion.)

Beyond that, it is probably not a good idea to decide between the Mk2 and Mk3 versions of JN's current plinths by asking a bunch of strangers for their opinions. I guess the one that costs more is supposed to sound better. I'm sure you've figured that out.
prcinka
366 posts
 
Lenco site forum may be better for you...
pani OP
1,214 posts
 
Sure, will post this thread on Lenco Heaven
ct0517's avatar
ct0517
2,041 posts
 
Pani - The MKIII changes are described on Jean's website.

couple points taken from there.

But, my new chassis is indeed now separated into two parts: the business end of the chassis (bottom where the main bearing, idler-wheel and motor are fixed) is a self-contained single unit, completely separate from the aesthetic part of the chassis which sits above it.

I furthermore had the top decorative/speed part machined from solid, so eliminating the need to pour glass-epoxy into the voids of the original [very good sounding] chassis to further reduce resonances, while improving on it again. The exterior part is made from non-magnetic aluminium, another improvement on the original ferrous/magnetic chassis in terms of safety for the very magnetic phono cartridges.

As far as impressions I do own a JN table (a unique one) See my system page. If you would like more info feel free to pm or contact me there.

Cheers
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