Modified Lenco L-75 with Ortofon Tone arm

[kuruvilajacob]

When I got a mint condition Lenco L-75 some time back, I was thinking of plinth modification and another Tone arm to replace the stock arm. Fortunately for me, I managed to get back a massive Lenco plinth I had made for another Lenco L-75 earlier and sold to a FM. This FM went on to order PTP and build another plinth to suit the PTP. Now, I had a rare Ortofon tone arm which was being used as as an separate arm pod by me. Even then, I knew that this arm was a gem. It's bearings were superb. Though there was an internal break in the tonearm, this was very cleverly repaired without having to damage the tonearm. So this morning everything was put in it's right place and wow! I was blown away the way the instruments sounded when i played Al Stewart's Time passages album. The reproduction of the instrumentals were crystal clear and crisp. The player is absolutely silent as the player has not been used much and the idler wheel and and motor are as good as new. The tone arm can handle carts up to 8 grams and I think can easily match Denon DL 103 and ortofon SPU carts. I am excited . I am just listening to the best of Loving Spoonful and enjoying it to the tilt! Now for some pics View attachment 12521

 

[Record Player]

Excellent work Sir. Is this a multi layered plinth? I must say you have an excellent technician who can also fix complex damaged tone arms as well .

 

[kuruvilajacob]

It's a multi layered plinth. 5 nos 18 mm marine ply. Yes, we had fixed up the arm couple of days back but I was so disappointed when I noticed that one channel was not working. When the arm was inspected, it was noticed that there was a break inside and there was no way to open the front end. A opening had to be made in the middle underside and the tone arm wire had to be taken out through that opening to repair the damage. It was worth saving such a good arm.

 

[Selvin]

Why this table having two tonearm?

 

[Norton]

Good stuff Jacob, pays to have a good technician. I have just taken apart my L75 and the TD 125 for a complete refurbishment. Redoing the original 125 plinth and making a new plinth for the L75. Hope they turn out similar to yours......

Also wanted to share with you thoughts on using watch oil for turntable bearings- it works wonders

 

[jls001]

Why this table having two tonearm?

A good thing x 2

 

[jls001]

Also wanted to share with you thoughts on using watch oil for turntable bearings- it works wonders

More info on watch oil, please!

 

[AmitKumar]

congratulations Mr. kuruvila for acquiring another gem.

Pardon my ignorance, i was surprised to see two tonearms on one TT.

Regards

 

[kuruvilajacob]

For those who are puzzled seeing two arms on the same player. Instead of removing the stock arm and drilling additional hole near the stock arm, it is better to locate a position to fix an additional arm where you have the option of using more than one arm. It's like using one TT instead of two. Many of the modern very high end decks come with provision for up to three tonearm! The only thing to be very careful about is marking the alignment before fixing the additional arm using suitable alignment protractor.

 

[olly42]

:clapping: Excellent work Jacob:clapping:

 

[reubensm]

For those who are puzzled seeing two arms on the same player. Instead of removing the stock arm and drilling additional hole near the stock arm, it is better to locate a position to fix an additional arm where you have the option of using more than one arm. It's like using one TT instead of two. Many of the modern very high end decks come with provision for up to three tonearm! The only thing to be very careful about is marking the alignment before fixing the additional arm using suitable alignment protractor.

This is a great approach, have a simple question through, the ortofon tonearm seems to be tracking over the idler area, any pick up from the idler or motor?

 

[kuruvilajacob]

Surprisingly no feedback. In my earlier L 75, I could detect a slight feed back but fortunately no feed back now. The idler wheel of the earlier model was slightly thicker whereas this is thinner and could possibly be one reason. I am using a Shure 44-7 which i don't think is very sensitive. That could be another reason. I am quite happy with the outcome.

 

[reubensm]

Surprisingly no feedback. In my earlier L 75, I could detect a slight feed back but fortunately no feed back now. The idler wheel of the earlier model was slightly thicker whereas this is thinner and could possibly be one reason. I am using a Shure 44-7 which i don't think is very sensitive. That could be another reason. I am quite happy with the outcome.

Splendid, this is a valuable input. Also, have you dampened the idler arm?

 

[kuruvilajacob]

No. I have not dampened the idler wheel . Since it is not much used, i think it does not need dampening. My brother who has a very good ear listened to the Lenco and was impressed by the clarity and timing of the Lenco . He was using the Lenco with the stock arm before I moved it to the new plinth and ortofon arm. So he is a good person to judge the performance.