Want to go direct drive but are afraid of the expense? Lenco might have a surprise for you. Paul Rigby reviews the Lenco L-3808 (and provides a money off deal: see the end of the review)
Right, take a quick look at the price point below and then take a gander at the images and you just know that Made In China or similar is hidden somewhere within the chassis of this Lenco design. At this point the analogue snobs will lift their nose and leave the room. Still here? I’m glad, because this little turntable has a few surprises in store.
But what about that strobe light and pop-up light (for DJ use) that will immediately warn you that this might be a sad little Technics 1200 rip off? In this case, first impressions are very wrong indeed (although the turntable is recommended as an effective budget DJ tool, that’s true).
The construction is relatively solid for this price point with an all up weight of 5.4kg (the competing Dual MTR-75 weighs in at 4kg, for example).
The unit arrives with a dust cover but I would recommend removing it during play to avoid noise from its rather shaky mounting. By all means put it back, in place, when your listening session in over to protect from the dust.
The S-shaped arm looks and feels flimsy and small but it is secured well with an arm lock to prevent accidents. At the end of the arm is a removable headshell containing a standard (for this price) Audio Technica AT-3600 cartridge which Lenco asks you to run at a tracking force of 2g. Interesting because Dual, via its MTR-75 turntable, requests that you run exactly the same cartridge at around 3.25g! I know which one I’d rather place in my vinyl grooves! If you do buy yourself this deck, upgrade to a better cartridge ASAP. Something non-conical too which will enhance detail retrieval and the sonics immeasurably.
A manual turntable, beginners will be happy to see an arm lift which worked easily and well. An included moving magnet phono stage (which appears to be similar to that featured in the Dual MTR-75) is fitted within the chassis to save costs and to enable you to connect the deck to an amplifier’s line input or powered speakers. It can be switched to accept an external phono amplifier too, something that I would highly recommend as soon as you can afford one to further increase sound quality. A USB digital output is also present that can be used with the included Audacity music editing software to enable digital recording of your analogue discs. A mains cable is pre-fitted to the turntable.
IN USE
I found that, playing the turntable at 33.33, I did have to move the pitch adjustment just a tad from the default ‘0’ postion, to correct a slight speed drop.
OK, there’s no quartz control connected to the direct drive motor here, so you can’t expect nailed on speed control but it ain’t too bad once you get to grips with the pitch adjustment. The 8-pole, 2-phase design does a decent job considering the price.
Apart from that, the Lenco sprang into life without any issues.
SOUND QUALITY
I began the sound tests playing a selection of the 80s minimalist synth outfit, Bizarre Unit, combining vocals, sparse early synths with organic instruments
One of the principle failings of the budget turntable – even more so the sub-budget table – is how very much out of control it is in terms of assembling and presenting diverse frequencies to your ear. Just about everything that can go wrong normally will: blooming bass, smearing midrange and faltering stereo image with a flat soundstage and no character to any of the instruments. The Lenco addresses many of these failings from the core of one single feature: it’s direct drive motor. This single, yet essential, feature gives the turntable that one essential weapon in its sonic armoury, control. Because of the direct drive motor, there is far more focus and precision in terms of overall presentation than you would normally expect at the low, low price point.
Apart from the stereo image being rock solid and central, the bass was noticeably heavier than normal with a heft and weight that added significant presence to the entire track. Drums were meaningful and full of character, giving a foundation to the music that moved it forward at a steady pace while the midrange was, for the price, so accurate it actually created air and space in the soundstage, allowing more vocal reverb to be ‘visible’. This accuracy also infused the electric guitar with a sense of extra speed, as the transient performance improved immeasurably. The bass guitar also had more form and character. The vocals – both male and female – exuded emotion but also the delivery provided new details and nuance while the synths stopped spewing their smearing frequencies over everywhere and kept themselves to themselves. They no longer tried to mask subtle details, giving the music a richer flavour.
I then moved to the jazz vocal of Gogi Grant and the track By Myself, from the 1960 LP, Granted It’s Gogi on Living Stereo.
Grant’s wide ranging and dynamic vocal needs space and air to expand into and the Lenco, considering it’s low price point, certainly offered that. Grant fairly sparkled into a stereo image that pushed backwards as a 3D effect, allowing her big band orchestra to play around her. The focus upon her vocal allowed the ear to follow each element of her delivery with some ease.
The brass offered no brightness or stridency but, instead, had a texture through the vibrational effects of the performance giving an admirably brassy tone to this section of the backing band while keeping a measure of reverb to add energy to its effect.
Bass, from this direct drive, bounced and responded splendidly. The double bass having a notable sense of power and control on the early parts of this track. Percussion was particularly successful off this track. Partly, because the precise treble performance allowed the cymbals to offer both delicacy but also accuracy.
CONCLUSION
It’s not perfect – how can it be at £200? This is a sub-budget design so the myriad of tiny design quirks can and should be forgiven. The sound quality, meanwhile, is absolutely superb. A real shocker because it really shouldn’t be at this low, low, price. The Lenco is a solid (in plastic terms, at any rate), great sounding and easy to use turntable. A top class budget performer and a brilliant choice for anyone wanting to enter the vinyl fray.
LENCO L-3808 TURNTABLE Price: £200 Tel: 0333 1234 603 Website: www.lencouk.com TO BUY CLICK BELOW: UK - https://amzn.to/35TNWIA EUROPE - https://amzn.to/35ZtSV4
GOOD: precision, focus, ease of use, bass, price, direct drive
BAD: slight initial speed adjustment required
RATING: 9
REFERENCE
Dual MTR-75 turntable
Trichord Dino phono amplifier
Rega Brio-R amplifier
Spendor S3/5R speakers
Tellurium Q cabling
Harmonic Resolution Systems Noise Reduction Components
All vinyl was cleaned using an Audio Desk’s Ultrasonic Pro Vinyl Cleaner
234 Comments
Peter M.
16th June 2017 at 12:42 pmA nice detailed review, thanks! It looks like exactly what I am looking for. Just one question: What other cartridge you would recommend (still considering the “user-on-a-budget)?. Thanks!
Paul Rigby
17th June 2017 at 12:25 pmHi Peter – the Ortofon OM3 is one option (https://www.henleydesigns.co.uk/OM3E-p1) or even the this Audio-Technica cart: https://eu.audio-technica.com/hifi-phono/cartridges/AT95E.
Peter M.
17th June 2017 at 11:06 pmThank you! I just received my Lenco L3808, and my first impression is OK. I will use it at home. no regular DJ-ing – I think, it it is not solid enough to be dragged to gigs twice a weekend. The sound with the original cartridge seems a bit “cold” to me, but I also read that they need some time to break in, and for the sound to “open up”, as somebody described. We’ll see. It seems a good buy. Thanks for the review, once again!
Paul Rigby
17th June 2017 at 11:35 pmNo problem, Peter. Break in is important, yes and a cart upgrade will help even more. Don’t forget about where you put the deck in terms of isolation and make sure the headshel goes into the ATM correctly. Even minor ‘play’ will affect the sound. You want the stylus (not the cart’s body) absolutely vertical.
Peter M.
22nd June 2017 at 3:27 pmThanks, Paul! I read quite a few good reviews on the AT95E. One practical question: Do you know if, in this case, I would have to replace the complete cartridge, or would the stylus (more precise: the little green holder + the stylus itself) fit on the ATN3600 cartridge?
Paul Rigby
22nd June 2017 at 3:45 pmHi Peter – you’ll need to buy the AT95E itself, the complete thing.
ioannis kouzas
25th February 2020 at 6:27 pmis there any point to go to sth even better like ortofon 2m red,
or is it “too much” for this record player?
Paul Rigby
26th February 2020 at 11:14 amIt’s too much, ioannis. Yep the cash for a superior turntable.
Danny Gromfin
23rd June 2017 at 2:18 pmPaul – check out the Audio-Technica AT-LP120 which from the looks of it could have licensed their design to Lenco?
Paul Rigby
23rd June 2017 at 2:30 pmSimilarities might be more to do with the host, Thai-based, Hanpin factory than Audio Technica, Danny. Also the AT deck has interface differences as well as the arm design.
Willem Verlijsdonk
4th July 2017 at 10:02 amHello Paul, after reading your test I bought the Lenco L-3808. I must say here in The Netherlands its even cheaper . Only € 175,00 . So its a great buy.!
I very pleased with my buy, based on your revieuw, thanks for that!
Maybe you can give me an advice about a needle with a bit more quality than the standard delivered needle with came with the original turntable. It’s playing good, butt something says that there could be better? Could you advice me please. Many Kind Regards from The Netherlands……
Paul Rigby
4th July 2017 at 10:18 amNice to hear from you, Willem and glad you’re enjoying your Lenco. The issue with the cartridge is the stylus tip which is conical. This means that it doesn’t track the grooves in an exacting way. It’s cheap and cheerful but not much more. A finer tip is what you need. This cartridge from Audio Technica provides an elliptical tip which should offer superior performance: https://eu.audio-technica.com/hifi-phono/cartridges/AT95E
Willem Verlijsdonk
4th July 2017 at 11:30 amThx ! I will contact the supplyer in The Netherlands. Thanks very much indeed!
Peter M
13th July 2017 at 2:32 pmOn recommendation of Paul (and there are more reviews out there, confirming this recommendation) I just bought the AT95E for this turntable (bought some 3-4 weeks ago – also for 175 EUR) at Amazon.de for a good price (and free shipping to Belgium – so I guess to NL as well). I received it today, may have time over the weekend to swap the current styles for this new one. I am curious about the result!
Erwin
7th October 2017 at 6:47 pmIk ga dezelfde eens plaatsen….is het een vooruitgang?
Paul Rigby
9th October 2017 at 9:26 amCan you possibly ask this question in English please? The automatic translation I have here is not particularly clear. Also my language skills are little more than zero 🙂 Thanks.
NTG
15th July 2017 at 6:56 pmHello and greetings from Greece! First of thank you very much for your amazing review. It was the reason I’ve ordered the L3808! 🙂 One question please: Is it possible to replace the L3808’s cartridge with the Ortofon Concorde Pro? I can’t find any information about it on the internet. Greetings, NICK
Paul Rigby
16th July 2017 at 3:00 pmTry this link for information, NTG: https://www.henleydesigns.co.uk/assets/_managed/product/files/OrtofonDJCatalogue1.pdf
You shouldn’t have any problems with the Ortofon and the Lenco.
Here’s a useful FAQ for you to: https://www.ortofon.com/support/support-dj/faq-setup
NTG
29th July 2017 at 4:34 pmThank you very much for your answer! I received the turntable and it was exactly as you’ve described it. I’m really shocked with it’s amazing performance! I decided to order the “Ortofon 2M Blue PNP” as a replacement (and upgrade) of the cartridge. Within the next week I’ll receive it.
Paul Rigby
29th July 2017 at 5:30 pmSounds good to me, NTG – glad you’re enjoying it.
NTG
3rd August 2017 at 5:56 pmJust one hour ago the Ortofon Blue arrived & I’m listening to the first LP now. It really blows my speakers away!! Great bass, clear high frequences and all the details are here! I really can hear every instrument very very clear, as if I bought a very expensive turntable! But the best thing is that there is no distortion on the last tracks of LP’s with many songs on each side. This was a major problem with my previous very chip cartdridge (AT 3600). Also the needle doesn’t skip anymore in some parts where the AT 3600 failed everytime I heard it. I’ve put a record which I know very well and these were problems I had, but they are not here anymore! I can’t really imagine how much better quality the Ortofon Blue will bring after 40 hours which it needs to play. I strongly recommend it!! Just one thing… I decided NOT to buy the PNP (Plug ‘n play) Ortofon, which causes serious problems because of it’s heavy weight. I bought the Ortofon 2m Blue & separately the (blue) Ortofon SH-4 Cartridge Shell
Paul Rigby
3rd August 2017 at 6:19 pmGreat stuff! Glad it’s working well for you. 🙂 Thanks for the pointers too.
Libor
14th August 2017 at 12:55 pmHello,
I would like to upgrade my cartridge as well and I thought about Ortofon 2M Red. Is it really not possible to use the PnP solution on L-3808? Why did you buy new headshell as well? Is the original not compatible or is there any other problem with it? Thank sou for answer!
Paul Rigby
20th August 2017 at 9:24 pmHi Libor
Sorry for the delay in replying – just returned from holiday: yes, you can fit the 2M Red, if you wish. I didn’t buy a new head shell. I used the one that came with the deck.
Rob
2nd August 2017 at 9:51 amNice review, I have a Soundlab TT here which is a bit beaten up with a broken tonearm, yet it sounds really rather suprisingly good! I very much suspect it has the same OEM internals 🙂
Paul Rigby
2nd August 2017 at 10:32 amHi Rob – yes, apart from a few tweaks here and there, you could be right. Thanks for the note 🙂
Rob
2nd August 2017 at 2:20 pmI’m fancinated how this compares to the Planar 1 😉
Paul Rigby
2nd August 2017 at 2:29 pmHi Rob – The Planar 1 is superior. If you have the chance, grab the Rega.
Rob
2nd August 2017 at 2:40 pmGood to hear, so to speak…
Patrik
5th September 2017 at 10:00 pmHi Paul! I would like to thank you for your detailed review. Following your advice I upgrade my cartridge to Ortofon OM3 E. Result is really amazing. Thank you once again.
Paul Rigby
6th September 2017 at 5:59 pmNo problem, Patrik – glad you’re enjoying it.
Krizia Matthews
7th October 2017 at 7:25 pmHello Paul. Thanks for the review. I would like to ask you which external amplifier you recommend to use with this turntable. I have a Yamaha HS5 speakers. Thanks,
Paul Rigby
9th October 2017 at 9:24 amHi Krizia – What budget do you have?
Emma
26th October 2017 at 4:06 pmHi Paul after reading your review this is the record player I will be buying for my husbands birthday. I’m on quite a tight budget and am getting a bit mind boggled about speakers I don’t want ones that will not do the sound justice and I will replace the bits you recommend in time. Could you recommend any please I have a budget of around £100 for now.
Thank you
Paul Rigby
26th October 2017 at 7:35 pmThese are pretty decent, Emma: https://theaudiophileman.com/roth-oli-ra1-speakers-roth-titans/
Martin
27th November 2017 at 11:55 amHi, very nice review, thank you. One question: is ot worth to spend about 50€ more in the Audio Technica LP120?
Paul Rigby
27th November 2017 at 12:19 pmThe LP120 gives you a 78rpm option, forward/reverse platter motion (good for DJs) and a better cartridge. Unless the first two are important, then stick with the Lenco and upgrade the cartridge yourself. Have you looked at the company’s current sale?
Martin
27th November 2017 at 4:33 pmThanks again! I supossed that maybe the AT motor would be better than Lenco, or maybe the built in amp, but for your words i guess they both come from the same factory, could be? For me, only the better cartridge is the main difference, so 99% i will buy Lenco.
I didn’t see tue company’s offer, i will check right now, but i live in spain and maybe it doesn’t apply here
Thanks
Martin
12th December 2017 at 3:02 pmHi again. Finally i got an offer here in Spain and i bought tje Audio Technica ATLP120 for 210€. I set it up and i’m glad with it, but yesterday i found a noise from the motor, when playing without vinyl on the plate. I found a video in YouTube with the same issue (https://youtu.be/YxVa8THzAEA) i’m planning on return the turntable and buy the lenco, do you think that noise is normal?
Paul Rigby
12th December 2017 at 3:09 pmI haven’t reviewed that one, Martin but I would say ‘no’ to the noise being normal and would recommend a return to the place of origin.
Lee Stewart
4th December 2017 at 4:03 pmHi Paul
I just purchased the Lenco L-3808 and set it up only to be quite disappointed with the sound quality. I actually was thinking it might have been the built-in pre-amplifier however after reading your review I’m wondering if it’s the supplied cartridge.
My previous turntable (sadly lost to a fire) was ultra bugdet (c £80 in 2008) and sounded much better.
You’ve given many recommendations on replacement styluses above but I’m a little lost on what is actually inferior. Do I just need to replace the stylus? Cartridge? Or the entire headshell? What’s the best way to do this without spending another fortune!
Paul Rigby
4th December 2017 at 4:14 pmHi Lee – you need to change the entire cartridge. Keep the headshell. This one would do nicely: https://eu.audio-technica.com/hifi-phono/cartridges/AT95E
I think you can pick it up on Amazon or just about any hi-fi retailer for around £36 or less. If you use an external phono amp then sound quality will rise further, yes. The Rega Fono is a nice model at around £89.
Paul Rigby
4th December 2017 at 4:16 pmThis may also be of use – depending on the quality of your shelving and isolation: https://theaudiophileman.com/elusive/
Joel
13th December 2017 at 7:30 pmNice find, Paul. Is this the same as the Reloop RP-2000-M? Lenco turntables aren’t sold in America. Thank you.
http://www.reloop.com/reloop-rp-2000m
Paul Rigby
15th December 2017 at 10:37 amHi Joel
No, the Reloop is a different kettle of fish. The Reloop offers a much more superior design. Saying that, for the money, there are better turntables out there than the Reloop.
Paul Smits
31st January 2018 at 12:27 pmHi Paul, Thank you for the thorough review, it made me choose the L-400BK (which is a black version of the L-3808 Lenco made exclusively for Media Markt) and ordered an AT95E along with it. I was wondering if the weight of the headshell + cartrigde does anything for sound quality and/or stability during playback? The headshell + cartridge of my previous turntable weigh 3 grams more than the headshell + cartridge provided by Lenco (I know I have to adjust the counterweight if I change between the two). I also find the arm on the headshell of my previous TT a bit easier to hold on to (I have rather large hands). Do you reckon I’d install the AT95E on the old headshell and keep the AT3600 on the headshell by Lenco as a spare/back-up?
Paul Rigby
31st January 2018 at 12:49 pmHi Paul – thanks for your question and well worth asking. Sound quality will rely less on actual weight (which, as you say, tends to be balanced out by the arm anyway) than the rigidity of the headshell itself. Which is why you can upgrade headshells to the likes of this: http://www.hifisound.co.uk/analogue-c49/tonearm-zone-c3/headshells-leads-tags-c37/at-lh18-occ-18g-technihard-adjustable-headshell-p1063/s1723?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=audio-technica-at-lh18-occ-18g-technihard-adjustable-headshell-at-lh18-occ&utm_campaign=product%2Blisting%2Bads&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0fS4y52C2QIVQrcbCh2_aQuxEAQYBSABEgLZmfD_BwE
or this: https://www.divineaudio.co.uk/jelco-hs25-headshell
You don’t tell me much about your older headshell but I would use the model which is the most rigid of the two. If they are the same, then just use the one you’re most comfortable with.
Paul Smits
31st January 2018 at 2:22 pmHi Paul, thank you for the swift reply. My old headshell is a Numark HS1. It is made out of metal, which I would reckon is more rigid than the plastic one that came with the Lenco.
https://imagescdn.juno.co.uk/full/IS223427-01-01-BIG.jpg
Paul Rigby
31st January 2018 at 3:17 pmHi Paul – that sounds promising. Go for that one.
Paul Smits
31st January 2018 at 4:21 pmHi Paul, will do. Thank you very much for the advice.
Jo Jacobs
3rd February 2018 at 6:05 pmHi, I am getting back into vinyl after a very long time….I have this turntable and would be grateful for some advice on speakers to get the best out of it.
Paul Rigby
3rd February 2018 at 6:22 pmWhat amp are you using Jo? And what is your budget re the speakers?
Sebastian
10th February 2018 at 10:47 pmHi Paul, I bought the Lenco L-3808 turntable after reading your review a couple of month ago. However I have the problem that the needle skips when cueing. I tried already different tracking forces from 2.5g to 4g, but this only helps a little. What do you think is right? Also I am thinking about changing the cartridge to a Shure M447, as I read they are great and hardly skip. What would you suggest? Is it just my wrong setup or should I change the whole cartridge?
Paul Rigby
10th February 2018 at 11:02 pmHi Sebastian – thanks for your question. Can I ask, have you correctly set the anti-skate?
Sebastian
11th February 2018 at 10:55 amYes, I think so, I set the anti-skate at first at the same weight as the tracking force. However I read that it should be set at 0, so the needle doesn’t skip when cueing or scratching. I tried that and it helps a little, but it still skips quite often.
Paul Rigby
11th February 2018 at 11:58 amHi Sebastian – you only need to set the anti-skate to zero when you’re initially setting the tracking force. The anti-skate employs a force upon the arm you see. Hence, setting the anti-skate to zero removes that force, stopping the tonearm being pulled about while you’re concentrating on the tracking force duties. You set the tracking force. You then set the anti-skate to the same setting as the tracking force.
A few questions for you.
How did you measure the tracking force, by the way? What tool did you use? I’d always recommend setting the tracking force with a tool rather than winging it (which Lenco likes to advise). Here’s a decent example for under a tenner: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Neoteck-Digital-Turntable-Backlight-Cartridge-Black-Black/dp/B01GJ01FGM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1518349642&sr=8-1&keywords=tracking+force
One other point, from memory (it’s been a while), Lenco asks you to put the counterweight on the rear of the arm, then to move it so that the tonearm freely balances, then you set the measuring ring on the front of the counterweight to ‘0’. Then you move the counterweight to 2g for the recommended tracking force (I think it’s 2g) This moves the front ring too, of course. That last bit, moving the counterweight to 2g, did you actually move the *counterweight* only all the way to 2g or did you only move the *ring* bit to 2g? Or did you grab both and move both the ring and counterweight with your fingers?
Did you follow the manual slowly and carefully when setting the tracking force/anti-skate?
I sense a little confusion in there somewhere.
Sebastian
11th February 2018 at 12:37 pmThanks for your quick response. I actually set the counterweight as you and the manual explained. I just tried different tracking forces from 2g recommended by Lenco, to 4g which I read is recommended for the AT 3600 cartridge. Maybe I should clarify, I don’t have any problems when just playing vinyl, only when I try to mix, moving the vinyl back and forth for finding the cue-point. Then the needle skips. So I read in some forums that for scratching anti-skate should be set to 0. That is why I thought maybe the cartridge is just not made for djing and I should buy something like the Shure M447. Sorry if it is a bit confusing, but thanks for your help so far!
Paul Rigby
11th February 2018 at 1:13 pmAhhhh, light dawns 🙂 I wouldn’t use the included cart for DJ work. Even if it was suitable, the spherical stylus itself will not get the best from your vinyl in terms of the message you’re trying to put across.
Check out the new Ortofon Concordes here https://theaudiophileman.com/concorde-mkii-cartridge-ortofon/
And the official ‘chart’ here: https://www.ortofon.com/dj/products/dj-cartridges
The Shure you mentioned is a good one too. As the company says “Skip Resistance: ultra high” 🙂
nebil kara
19th March 2018 at 3:00 pmHi Paul,
Thanks for all informations.
I bought L 3808 and not so happy with the sound.
Connected to my Yamaha Mixer with amplifier
the result is not so good. When I raise the volume, bass hums.
I want to replace my Lenco 3808 cartridge.
Can you tell me which one I should buy for best results ?
AT95E or OM3E or Shure M447
Thanks for your help
Paul Rigby
19th March 2018 at 3:51 pmHi Nebil
Difficult to tell at this distance but it shouldn’t be humming in the bass region. Not at all. A replacement cartridge won’t alter that either. Sounds like something mechanical. As such, I would advise looking at your cables and connections and checking those carefully. I wonder if you might have an earthing issues there. Also, that mixer – why do you need a mixer? Is it for DJ purposes? I wonder if the answer might lie there. In terms of fine detail, though, once the hum has been removed, you need to change the cart, as I advised in the review. The AT95E would be a good choice.
nebil kara
19th March 2018 at 4:27 pmHi Paul,
Thanks for quick reply and advices.
I will check all connections again and better change the cables.
Might the humming be depending on the room size ? Or Ohm value of speakers ?
I have big wharfedale speakers with 200 Watts power each.
I have good earthing. The mixer I use in my house is for
singing and recording (not professional).
In any case I will replace the cartridge with AT95E.
Hope to receive better sound.
Paul Rigby
19th March 2018 at 4:38 pmHi Nebil – I would say no to your suggestions. Please check the earthing re the turntable – I would remove all cables and push them back firmly. I would also look at where the turntable is cited. The cartridge might be interfering with something else. Look for other products with magnets in them, basically. Also, is the phono switch on the back of the turntable in the correct position? What is the turntable plugged into?
nebil kara
20th March 2018 at 2:23 pmHi Paul,
Thanks for reply.
There is no earthing point in lenco where I can connect a cable.
The turntable is close to TV.
The phone switch is in line mode because my mixer doesn’t have
any phone input, only line input.
I tried to connect to phono input of my Marantz Amplifier,
the sound was better but there was a small deep sound because
there is no connection place for grounding on Lenco.
Paul Rigby
20th March 2018 at 2:51 pmHi Nebil – if the switch is in Line mode, you need to connect the turntable directly to a phono amplifier, not a mixer. Have you done this? You can connect the turntable to the Marantz’s phono sockets but then you need to switch the Lenco to Phono mode.
nebil kara
20th March 2018 at 3:30 pmOh OK I understand.
When I connect the turntable to the Marantz phono sockets
while Lenco is switched to Phono Mode, the sound quality is better,
but there is disturbing dip sound when I turn on the lenco.
Paul Rigby
20th March 2018 at 3:45 pmHi Nebil – ok, so the Lenco is in Phono mode when connected to the Marantz? And you’re definitely in the amp’s Phono sockets and not elsewhere? Does the dip (when you say ‘dip’ do you mean a towering in volume?) only occur on switch on and then it’s fine from then on?
nebil kara
20th March 2018 at 4:02 pmLenco is in Phono mode and I connected definitely to amp’s phono sockets.
The small dip sound (like sizzle, bizz) is occuring when I turn on the lenco and it stays undependable
on volume increase. When I play a song und raise the volume, I hear this sizzle rarly. It stays in the back. Only when I stop playing I hear it again. Could that be due to ground connection ?
Because as I told you before, there is an earth connection socket in the back of the amp but
no place to connect it on Lenco
Paul Rigby
20th March 2018 at 4:28 pmThat might be a problem with the Marantz – how old is the amp? Do you have a phono amp? An external model? Earth problems tend to translate as a single hum, not sizzle noises affected by volume increases.
Paul Rigby
20th March 2018 at 4:30 pmIf you need an external phono amp, try this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rega-Fono-Mini-A2D-Pre-Amplifier-black/dp/B0072RZ95U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1521563393&sr=8-1&keywords=rega+phono
nebil kara
20th March 2018 at 4:03 pmIs there any earth connection point on Lenco ?
Paul Rigby
20th March 2018 at 4:26 pmNot to my knowledge…or memory 🙂
Nebil kara
20th March 2018 at 5:11 pmHi Paul
My Marantz is very old from 70’s. The best is
I buy the external phono amp you recommend. And change the cartridge.
I will buy either ortofon concorde s 120 or
Shure M44-7 complete with headshell.
Any recommandation ?
Paul Rigby
20th March 2018 at 6:15 pmGood idea – if you’re going down the DJ route, either are very good indeed. I’d lean more towards the Concorde, though.
Nebil kara
20th March 2018 at 6:54 pmHi Paul
Thanks a lot for your help and taking time.
Appreciated very much
Paul Rigby
21st March 2018 at 8:09 amNo problem, Nebil
Yugen Blake
25th March 2018 at 4:18 pmHello Paul, great article. Wonder if I could get your thoughts on something. I mainly use Ableton Live and Traktor to mix, so I need a digital format. But I’ve been buying more and more vinyl again, so need to convert to Wav/Aiff. Many small labels I’m into seem to be only pressing records nowadays. Anyway, I have a couple of 1210’s that I’ve had for 20 years +. They’re in desperate need of servicing, and probably replacing TBH. I’ve tried recording into a really cheap Maplins USB interface, just as a test. It was terrible. My decks have issues with their in-built phono leads by the sound of it. Just an awful sound. So I bought the Sony ps-hx500 last year as it’s a USB deck. All went well, the sound was OK, but I didn’t realise how much variation there is on a belt drive. When in Ableton the track’s timing is all over the place and impossible to mix with. So here I am at the Lenco. Direct Drive and USB for 200! Is it too good to be true for me? Could you tell me what you think to the qualilty when digitised? I’m assuming as it’s a direct drive, it’ll lock the speed and be usable in Live and Traktor as well? I’ve already spent a few hundred on the Sony, and really can’t justify buying new 1210’s and all the trimmings to get it right. But I do want a decent, warm vinyl sound that’ll be beefy enough against the Aiffs I buy as well. Happy to buy a decent cartridge to make the electro/techno sound as good as possible.
Any info here greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance.
Paul Rigby
25th March 2018 at 5:21 pmHi Yugen – if sound quality is very important and if a vinyl transfer has to be spot on and if you want to be safe…you will need to invest. Don’t rely on a budget buy like the Lenco which is a great budget deck, will provide a great transfer service *for the money* but may not be the answer you’re looking for. If I was you? I would look seriously at a SL1200G for £1,200 (or service your decks or even send them down to Timestep and have them upgraded to audiophile standard – which will kill 2 birds with one stone: http://www.soundhifi.com/sl1200/index.htm) and then grab a quality ADC such as the GT40. You aware of that one? – https://www.amazon.co.uk/FURUTECH-High-performance-amplifier-USB-GT40-USB-DAC/dp/B0040WYL68
Yugen Blake
25th March 2018 at 8:42 pmHi Paul, thanks for your speedy response. I had a feeling that may be your answer. There’s a 1210 servicing guy around this area that does the kit at Fabric and he’s been recommended to me. I think I’ll go and get the pair of mine cleaned up, as they’ve generally been great for a long while. That GT40 looks amazing as well, I wasn’t aware of it. I had been looking at the Presonus AudioBox USB 96, which seemed like it may be a decent USB inetrface to get from my deck to my mac. Far less than the GT40, I wonder if the sound when trasnferred is far less?
Really appreciate your feedback. Thanks for your time.
Paul Rigby
25th March 2018 at 9:32 pmGood luck Yugen – can’t help with the AudioBox I’m afraid but, in general terms, if you want good quality sounds, you will need to pay for it.
Yugen Blake
26th March 2018 at 1:44 pmCheer again Paul.
gns
17th April 2018 at 11:32 amhello paul,this is ioannis,from thessaloniki greece.thank for for your advices.i wonder if your review is with at6300 catridge,
or after the upgrate?
Paul Rigby
17th April 2018 at 12:58 pmHi Ioannis – the review was undertaken with the original cartridge, as supplied by Lenco.
gns
27th April 2018 at 12:57 pmis there a budget eliptical catridge with higher output so i can have higher volume?
i think both at6300 and at95e have Output 3.5 mV (1 kHz, 5 cm/sec.).i may say nonsense
cause truth be told i dont know much.
Paul Rigby
27th April 2018 at 1:26 pmHi gns – the volume shouldn’t, in itself, depend on the cartridge. Can you list your system please?
gns
27th April 2018 at 1:31 pmlenco l-3808 ,skytronic av-120 and the ancient tamon ex-400 speakers!. i cant even find anything about them in the net!
Paul Rigby
27th April 2018 at 1:36 pmMany thanks for that – can you tell me exactly how you’re plugging your Lenco into the amp please? Settings, cables, etc.
gns
27th April 2018 at 1:42 pmrca cable, the amp doen t have phone input,so i have the turntable to the tuner input.the other is aux for the pc and dvd for the dvd player!
Paul Rigby
27th April 2018 at 2:36 pmHi gns – have you flicked the phono switch on the rear of the Lenco to ‘Line’?
gns
27th April 2018 at 4:40 pmyes , otherwise is dead silence! its not that it cant play loud but in my opinion,not
as loud as the dvd/cd player.i have the stylus to 3,5 gr as a.t. suggests for at6300 catridge.
that s why i asked you if another catridge with higher output will help.i heard that something
with Output 5,0 mV could solve that matter.
Paul Rigby
27th April 2018 at 5:00 pmAgain, the cart shouldn’t be the issue here. And I assume that the correct source is selected from the front-mounted controls? If you can, please check the Lenco with another amp to see if the issue is not an internal problem. Also, swop the amp leads to other sockets in case the amp has an issue. Otherwise, I suspect the issue is more with the general quality of the amp itself, rather than the Lenco. The amp is your weak spot here in the chain (the speakers would be next after that). It’s not exactly hi-fi. I’ve come across products like this in the past myself and would encourage you, if you want to get the most from your Lenco, to upgrade. A quality new model can be found for £200 but I’m sure – with *very careful* shopping – that you could buy a good one from eBay for much less. Another alternative is a pair of powered speakers which will add the advantage of lowering the footprint of your system as the amp is included within the speaker cabinets. I would also lighten the tracking force, as per my review suggestion. Increasing the tracking force to 3.5g will have no affect on volume.
gns
27th April 2018 at 9:32 pmthank you very much paul for sharring your experience.i have many vinyls from 80’s/90s and after your review i made a comeback to the analog world. i love cds , spotify is ok just to be updated but vinyl
is something else.you are right,gradually i will have to update my equipment.i want to ask you something more:
the new amps dont need grounding? (if i understand right you said something about that in another comment).
moreover if you have powered speakers you put lenco on phono or line mode?
Paul Rigby
29th April 2018 at 10:06 amHi gns – if you have powered speakers, you would have to flick the switch to Line again to use the internal phono amp. Grounding normally occurs when, say, you attach another component to the amp. It’s to stop a ‘ground loop’, the thing that causes a hum. In general terms, you only need to worry about this if the component comes with a ground wire. That wire needs then to be attached to an ‘earth’ connection on your amp or an external phono amp. I wouldn’t worry about it, though, for now. If it ever comes up in the future, send me a note.
gns
29th April 2018 at 5:52 pmthe tamon ex-400 speakers i have are 35w rms 8ohns. if i choose an amp with higher watts,
i.e. 65 W/Ch (8 Ω) is there any chance to “burn” the speakers? https://www.e-shop.gr/onkyo-a-9030-integrated-stereo-amplifier-2x65w-black-p-PER.707019. for now i made another trick,through a split
i deliver the sound of lenco to my logitech x-230 speakers so i can use the woofer.i there i chance
to cause any damage?
Paul Rigby
29th April 2018 at 5:57 pmThe Onkyo amp is a decent choice – mainly aimed at AV use, Onkyo’s amplifier modules are pretty good. As for burn out? Depends how loud you need to drive your speakers. the figures only tell you half the story in this case. Half of the reason to use a powerful amp is to drive the amp comfortably at around half power or a bit more. If you drive an amp to the end stops, it sounds stressed and strained. You’ll know yourself, if there’s an issue because the speakers will screech at you and will start to ‘clip and break up in terms of sound output.
gns
29th April 2018 at 6:10 pmthanks for your anser paul.no i dont intend to use the amp to the limits.and this purchase won t happen any time soon.any comment for this one? https://www.e-shop.gr/teac-a-r630mkii-black-p-PER.706737
Paul Rigby
29th April 2018 at 6:46 pmNot bad but I’d plump for the Onkyo.
giannis
9th May 2018 at 6:48 pmwhat s your opinion about these paul?
https://www.e-shop.gr/cambridge-audio-minx-xl-bookshelf-speakers-set-gloss-black-p-PER.707157
Paul Rigby
10th May 2018 at 10:21 amYes – pretty good speakers. They should work well for you.
giannis
11th May 2018 at 9:41 amthanks paul.something else now. why is it better(if it is) to use the phone input of your amp and not the record player,s pre-amplifier? also whats the use of the direct mode on the amp?
Paul Rigby
11th May 2018 at 10:48 amDirect mode gives a more ‘direct’ route for the music. From the source (ie turntable, Cd player, etc) to your ears. It avoids tone controls and the like, for example. Moving across the latter picks up ‘noise’ which masks fine sonic detail. Use Direct Mode when you can.
Similarly, use an external phono amp in preference to a built in mode for the same reason. Moving the phono electronics away from the main amp stops the phono bit being infected from electrical noise from the power supply, capacitors, etc. When I say ‘noise’ I don’t mean sirens and babies crying. This stuff has been tuned out by the brain. You tend to notice it when it’s gone. As I say, it masks finer detail
giannis
18th May 2018 at 3:21 pmis it true that the new speakers (and amp) need some time for the full potential?
Paul Rigby
18th May 2018 at 3:47 pmIndeed they do, yes. The time can vary depending on the brand/model.
giannis
23rd May 2018 at 10:17 amhello paul,i want to ask you this:when i have the amp to the phone mode and i have also ie
spotify open in another line when i dont play any record i seems that i hear from “distance”
the track that currently play on the pc. why this happening? would it be better when i have the
amp in phone mode to disconnect all the other sources of sound? i really dont get it.
Paul Rigby
23rd May 2018 at 10:26 amHi giannis – your deck should be connected to the Phono amp. So vinyl music will play through there. I assume that your PC/Spotify is connected to another source socket? Turn the source knob/buttons on the front of the amp to match the PC connection to hear Spotify.
giannis
23rd May 2018 at 10:48 amyes that s what i do.But when i m to phono mode (and dont play any record) and of course i have the
pc/spotify in another socket i can still hear from a “distance” the music from -say- line 1 that my pc
is connected.any explanation about this?
Paul Rigby
23rd May 2018 at 10:55 amAh, you mean there’s an sound unwanted leakage? Are you still using that original amp we talked about?
giannis
23rd May 2018 at 11:06 amno, i found on amazon italy the onkyo a-9030 in bargain price and i grabed it !
Paul Rigby
23rd May 2018 at 11:32 amI’m interested to know, if you’re playing Spotify via a PC, why you’re then listening through the Phono section and not just enjoying Spotify?
giannis
23rd May 2018 at 1:11 pmfunny question! it happened after the end of the record.the volume was half the level up
and suddenly after the pink floyd session, the prodigy emerged (that was at the moment
on the spotify playlist) but in very low volume. it took a while to realize whats going on.
i assume it has do with the amp circuit?
Paul Rigby
23rd May 2018 at 1:32 pmSounds like an isolation issue re. the amp but if you close one source down before you listen to the other then you should be fine.
Gerard
29th May 2018 at 12:47 amHola Paul! Tengo una duda, realmente esta tornamesa es la misma que la L-400bk? Acabo de comprar la L400 en bestbuy y tu reseña me ha ilusionado mucho, otra cosa, como se solucionaria el problema de que la tornamesa no cuenta con tornilmo para conectar un cable tierra cuando se utilice la salida phono? Gracias y saludos!
Paul Rigby
30th May 2018 at 10:38 amHola Gerard: creo que el ‘BK’ se refiere al color negro del chasis. No te preocupes por la tierra Si el Lenco requería conexión a tierra externa, entonces habría un cable de conexión a tierra proveniente de los cables phono. Deberías estar bien. Perdón por mi pobre español.
Jose
27th November 2018 at 4:18 pmHola Gerard perdona la intromisión, yo también tengo el L-400BK(lo acabo de comprar) y tengo problemas con el ajuste de contrapeso del brazo y el anti-skating, ya que haciendo el ajuste solo consigo que el brazo quede detenido cuando lo pongo en el 1,en posición de 2, 2,5 o más hace skating, es raro ya que es el valor recomendado. Además lo raro es que probándolo en estos valores incluso 3 o 3,5 el movimiento del brazo se produce hacía el eje y no hacía afuera, que creo sería lo normal.
En fin perdona la parrafada solo quería saber si te había pasado algo parecido. Lo estoy comentando con Paul a ver si se soluciona, aunque no se si al final lo cambiaré por otro.
Disculpa y un saludo!
ioannis
10th June 2018 at 5:39 pmhello again paul.greetings from the hot greece.hope to visit our country for a few (or better for a lot!) days
in the summer. so any solulotion for the ultimate problem: what can you do for the “noise”
in phone mode since the turntable has not grounding cable for the amp.would a good rca cable
help? or would be better to have in line mode so that to have quite sessions?
Paul Rigby
10th June 2018 at 8:28 pmHi Ioannis – the solution is simple, to use an external phono amplifier. This will lower veiling noise and improve sound quality. You will need to use decent interconnect cables to link one with the other of course.
ioannis
10th June 2018 at 9:17 pmok,i use already an external phone since my amp has a phone option and also a
grounding , but the record player doesn t have.so what can i do here?
Paul Rigby
10th June 2018 at 9:18 pmWhat phono amp are you using? Are you hearing a loud humming noise?
ioannis
10th June 2018 at 9:35 pmthe onkyo a9030.yes its annoying in the quiet parts of the record.
Paul Rigby
10th June 2018 at 9:39 pmHi Ioannis – so you’re using the phono amp included within the Onkyo?
Paul Rigby
10th June 2018 at 9:50 pmOK – if you’re using the Onkyo’s phono amp then that is classed as an ‘internal’ phono amp, not external. An external amp is a stand-alone unit, with it’s own chassis. The noise you’re hearing is probably coming from the Onkyo. This is the downside of having a phono amp share the same space as your main amp. I’d recommend an external model. If you want to go in that direction, give me a budget and I’ll do my best to help.
ioannis
11th June 2018 at 8:41 amnegative paul.i have zero budget right.something else that could posibly help?
if you have an external pre-amp then you connect with to the line socket of your amp?
Paul Rigby
11th June 2018 at 9:43 amWith an external phono amp, yes you just connect it like you would connect a CD player, for example. Rega has one for around £90, Project sell them for around £60 and you can pick up second hand examples from eBay for less. Cambridge have some nice discontinued examples. the 551P is one.
ioannis
11th June 2018 at 8:57 amhttps://technosound.gr/dynavox-tc-750-black-phono-mm/ could something cheap like that help somehow?
ioannis
12th June 2018 at 8:54 ambingo! i found the source of the “noise”.it s the air conditioner! i suppose there is nothing
i can do about it…
Paul Rigby
12th June 2018 at 9:44 amGood stuff – can you turn it off when listening to music? Is it in the listening room?
ioannis
12th June 2018 at 10:06 amyes paul,its in the living/listening room.impossible to turn it off when it s 35 degree (and its june yet!)
i suppose even an external pre-amp could not help in this case…
Paul Rigby
12th June 2018 at 10:11 amIsolation and separating components will help but I would probably target the mains supply into your hi-fi system first. As this is an invasive noise you’re receiving then a power conditioner is what you should look at. Here is one example just to show you what I mean. They do arrive in different price points, of course and, as you might expect, the more expensive they are, the better they perform: https://theaudiophileman.com/psm-156/ and here is a quick demo: https://theaudiophileman.com/sound-vision-2018-puritan-audio/ There are cheaper units available, out there.
ioannis
12th June 2018 at 10:56 amhttps://www.soundimage.gr/product/dynavox-x-6000-filtro-reymatos did i understand right,
are we talking about the same thing?
Paul Rigby
12th June 2018 at 11:40 amYes, that’s the sort of thing. Although I have not tried and tested that model.
ioannis
12th June 2018 at 7:28 pmhttps://www.artsound.gr/catalog/kebo-2000-servo-mode-2000va-p-22586.html
do you know if something like that helps in this case?
Paul Rigby
13th June 2018 at 9:37 amFor more value products, I would look here: http://www.russandrews.com/russ-andrews-mains-conditioners/
Chris
19th July 2018 at 9:02 pmHi Paul, I’m completely new to getting a turntable and vinyl but am looking at getting the L-3808 after reading your review. I’ve also noticed you recommend the Roth oli Ra2 speakers (they’re a good price point for myself) – with this combo would I also need an amp or would the turntable’s preamp suffice? Any advice is greatly appreciated!
Paul Rigby
20th July 2018 at 11:51 amHi Chris – the deck features a phono amp inside so you’re sorted. The speakers feature a main amp inside there, so you’re sorted there too. All you need to do is plug and go! 🙂
Later on, if you ever want to upgrade, give me a shout.
Sjaak Hoogeland
18th September 2018 at 6:53 pmHi Paul,
your fine review made me enthousiastic to go and look for this turntable. Doing so, I also came across an Omnitronic DD-2550 USB for €165 and an Eagletone ONEONE USB for a mere €106 on Amazon.
Should I consider buying one of these, or just go for the Lenco L-3808 ?
I will not be using it for dj-ing. Only for listening my old recorrds at home and digitizing some of them.
From my early years I still own a Stanton 681EEE element. (at that time top of the bill)
I thuik its condition is still okay. Maybe I can use it to upgrade one of the above turntables?
Thanks in advance for your advice!
Paul Rigby
19th September 2018 at 1:50 pmThanks for the question, Sjaak – stick with the Lenco, at least I’ve actually reviewed that one and can vouch for it. Then seriously consider upgrading the cartridge to improve sonics further.
Sjaak Hoogeland
22nd September 2018 at 9:16 amThanks for your answer, Paul!
About upgrading the cartridge:
do you think I can use my old Stanton 681 Triple E ? (it still sonds good)
In the early days my catridge was premium class.
Right now I have no budget to buy an expensive premium catridge, so I hoped my old one might be better than for instance a modern budget type like f.i. the Audio Technica AT95E.
Or are the modern cartridges better than the old stuff?
Paul Rigby
22nd September 2018 at 11:33 amYes, Sjaak, by all means use your Stanton.
ioannis
28th September 2018 at 11:42 amhello paul.i compare the specification of at 3600 and at 95e and its pretty much the same.i wonder if it is
possible to just use an elliprical stylus on at 3600?
Paul Rigby
28th September 2018 at 5:40 pmI have yet to try it but here it is ioannis: https://www.amazon.co.uk/ELLIPTICAL-UPGRADE-Technica-ATN3600-ATN3601/dp/B01JJ73UP6
If you do try it, can you report back on your findings please?
Erik
11th November 2018 at 11:04 amDoes the anti skating actually work? Youtube is full of videos of the AT120 (another Hanpin product) showing how the spring in the anti-scating mechanism is so long/weak that is has almost no effect at all.
Paul Rigby
11th November 2018 at 11:42 amHi Erik – it did for me. I never had an issue with it.
Jose
16th November 2018 at 11:25 amHi Paul,i am a beginer in the world of turntables and naturally have some doubts.I want to buy one and i’m yet to decide,i’ve been researching for some (sub-budget) options and finally have three candidates. 1- Sherwod PM-9805 (found on sale for 139€ on a website,179€ at amazon), 2- Lenco L-3808, 3- Dual DTJ 301.1 USB. All have similar prices and generally very good reviews for its range, i have to make a final decision and would be great to read your impressions and suggestions. Thank you so much and sorry for my english, greetings from Spain!
Paul Rigby
16th November 2018 at 11:49 amHi Jose
Thanks for your question. The Sherwood looks like a typical Chinese belt drive build while the Dual looks exactly like the Lenco. For Chinese built models at this price point, I find that direct drive turntables offer better stability and focus. Because I have not seen the Dual up close and cannot say if there are any minor changes good or bad, I would recommend the Lenco. At least I’ve looked carefully at it and can vouch for that model. I hope that helps.
Jose
16th November 2018 at 2:27 pmThank you so much as been a great help!
Paul Rigby
18th November 2018 at 12:08 pmMt pleasure Jose 🙂
Jose
24th November 2018 at 4:19 pmHi Paul, finally i buyed the Lenco L-400 BK wich is the same model in black. But i have a problem adjusting the anti-skate, i set the same value as the stylus pressure (2) but the tonearm doesn’t remains still and moves to the centre. I change the value but nothing changes, i think i’m doing something wrong (i don’t know if this has to do because the stylus pressure adjustment isn’t right, sliding and screwing counterweight onto the tonearm operation is wrong). I’m really a novice on this so i hope having your help.Thank you!
Paul Rigby
25th November 2018 at 12:53 pmHi Jose – thanks for your question. The possibility is that the anti-skate is faulty which will require you calling your supplier for a new turntable. Before you do that, though check a few things.
Firstly, double check the tracking force on the cartridge and make sure that it’s correct. In fact, what is that figure and what is the anti-skate figure?
Is the stylus absolutely clean? A dirty stylus can lift out of the groove and ‘skate’ across the vinyl.
Is the turntable on an absolutely level surface?
Might sound silly but you might try turning there anti-skate all the way to its end stop clockwise, then anti-clockwise, then repeat two to three times. Sometimes this can help the anti-skate to catch but we’re talking long shots if you get down to this option.
There is one more long shot and it’s this: I reviewed the L-3808 and found that 2g tracing force was best. The L-400 is basically the same deck but there may be minor changes in terms of tooling which might affect the tracking force. Firstly, what cartridge type is used on the L400? Can you find out? That might have changed. It might be an idea to up the tracking force. I can get this effect even on expensive carts where the cart really needs a greater tracking force. So, increase the tracking to 2.2g, the 2.4g…and so on. Take it to 3g as a max. Hopefully, it’s will sit in the groove before you get to 3g.
Jose
26th November 2018 at 3:58 pmHi Paul after a few attempts(using a cd) finally seems i got it, the thing is that the tonearm remains still almost to value 1(both stylus pressure and anti-skate).During some attemp, when it is stopped after place it on the cd suddenly moves a little way to the center( never did it to the outside even trying all the values, is it normal? ) but inmediatly it stops, i hope is not a relevant thing.
The cartridge is an AT3600L and the recommended value is 2g, is it strange that it works for me on value 1?.
Excuse me if it’s a silly question but should i repeat the operation when i place the turntable on it’s own table? I hope the stylus won’t skate across the vinyl.
Thank you for your patience and sorry for my english!
Paul Rigby
26th November 2018 at 5:21 pmYou’ve got me a little bit confused with your CD references Jose. Do you mean that you’ve placed the stylus on top of a CD to test the anti-skate? If so, that test is a new one on me 🙂
I’m pretty sure that the 3600 has a sweet spot tracking force of 3g. You might want to try that. When I tested the 3808, I found the best tracking force was 2g. These things are not set in stone and are pretty flexible. As I say, I wonder if the turntable has received any minor build changes which has affected this area in its change to a 400 model. Try the tracking force in gradations up to 3g and go to 3.5g if necessary, the cartridge design can handle it. then get back to me (do you have a tracking force gauge?). I wonder if the issue is less the anti-skate and more cartridge mis-tracking.
Jose
27th November 2018 at 3:53 pmHi Paul, i watched the cd method on YouTube searching for the turntable set up, as a novice as i am on this i thought this was common! 🤔😁.
Ok i tested the values from 2 up to 3,5 and the tonearm clearly skates. Furthermore it moves to the centre when it should go to the outside as higuer is the value, is this right?.
As i told you the value i found that the tonearm doesn’t move is 1, is that really an issue? Given that the usual is that generally works on 2 or high.
Should i go ahead and try to play a vinyl or is this to risky?.
Ah! I haven’t a tracking force gauge, should this help some in this case?.
Thank you!
Paul Rigby
28th November 2018 at 10:54 amHi Jose – ok, if you don’t have a gauge then you’re blind. You don’t know what tracking force you’re using, basically. You can guess using traditional manual methods. You may have seen these methods on YouTube. Slips or mistakes can happen during the set-up, though. Especially if you’re not used to this sort of thing. Get yourself a low cost digital gauge such as this one first, before you do anything else. You need a reliable tracking force measurement before you start blaming the turntable for its apparent faults: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Neoteck-Digital-Turntable-Backlight-Cartridge-Black-Black/dp/B01GJ01FGM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1543402676&sr=8-1&keywords=turntable+tracking+gauge
There’s other similar gauges out there – this is just one example. Grab one of those and then repeat the installation sequence, do the tests *on vinyl* not on a CD and then get back to me if there remains an issue.
Jose
29th November 2018 at 3:30 pmThank you for your answer Paul, i have already bought the gauge. I’m looking forward to test it to see what actually happens.
Manos Varvarigos
23rd January 2019 at 9:54 pmHello Paul!
Hope you are fine!
I m really glad that I have read the review for Lenco 3808. It is very helpful as I have a dilemma to choose between LP 120 and 3808. This review came…into the right time! I have found 3808 at the price of 170 euros (150 GBP) in Greece (Athens). Prices of LP120 start from 288 euros. You have mentioned that a change of cartridge would be proper for 3808. This is additional and improves the quality of sound. I feel ok with this.
So, to get into the point I saw a video on you tube that gives the information that you can avoid using an amplifier, as 3808 has a pre-amp built in, thus you may use active speakers, directly. What ‘s your opinion about using them, without amplifier? Could the result be proper with the sound? To be honest, I m interested in Edifier speakers, I don’t want to exaggerate…the budget.
I will really appreciate your opinion, thanks for your time!
Paul Rigby
24th January 2019 at 11:19 amThanks for your comments and question Manos – it comes down to money, really. If cash or space is tight then get powered speakers because you can save money (and space) with these 2-in-1 products (i.e. you have the amplifier built into the speakers). Then again, if sound is an absolute priority and you have the cash, buy a separate amplifier.
james b
4th February 2019 at 6:14 pmHi Paul,
Complete newbie to turntables and I’ve got the LENCO L-3808, apologies for the following stupid questions. I have set up the turntable but because I didn’t know I had to buy speakers (and from the comments it seems I need an amp as well?). Is this the case? Or because the LENCO L-3808 has a preamp I dont need an amp? Any you would recommend? Thanks so much and sorry for the ridiculous questions.
Paul Rigby
4th February 2019 at 6:22 pmThanks for the questions, James and there’s no such thing as “stupid questions” so don’t you worry about it 🙂 There is an amplifier in the Lenco but it’s a specialist gizmo. It’s there to amplify the tiny, tiny signal from the stylus. A basic amp can’t do this job. This is work for a Phono amp. That’s what is in the Lenco. From that point on yes, you need an amp. Then from there, speakers. There’s two ways you can go: either a separate amp and separate speakers or a powered set of speakers (which features an amp inside the speakers). The latter can be a cheaper option with a smaller footprint. The former takes more space, tends to be more costly but sounds better.
james b
9th February 2019 at 7:07 pmThank you very much Paul this has been very helpful! What amp would you recommend? And speakers with a moderate budget?
Paul Rigby
10th February 2019 at 11:40 amNo problem, James – what budget are you looking at?
James b
12th February 2019 at 11:21 amA low to medium budget is ideal.
Paul Rigby
12th February 2019 at 12:21 pmDo you have a figure, James? “low” and “medium” are all relative, you see 🙂
james b
12th February 2019 at 12:36 pmhaha, I’d like to keep everything below £300.
Paul Rigby
12th February 2019 at 1:28 pmOkey dokey – for the amp, I’d look at a Cambridge Topaz AM10 which includes a phono amp: https://www.cambridgeaudio.com/gbr/en/products/hifi-and-home-cinema/topaz-am10
Now, the best type of phono amp is an external one and you can buy one from Amazon for around £50 from Pro-Ject. If cash is tight, it’s better to use one in an amp than an a turntable. Push it as far from the stylus as possible to keep infecting electronic noise down.
Speakers? These are excellent: https://theaudiophileman.com/3020i-q-acoustics-speakers-review/
But you may be able to find the older 3020 models (without the ‘i’) for less if you shop around.
james b
13th February 2019 at 11:21 pmThanks Paul but everything together slightly too pricey I think for me – anything for a smaller budget that you’d recommend? Thanks again!
Paul Rigby
14th February 2019 at 8:27 amHi James – in terms of importance, the turntable is the most important, then the amp and then the speakers so spend more on the amp: stick with the Cambridge and then possibly look at these speakers. You can use the phono amp in the amp for now.
Graham Wood
11th February 2019 at 9:46 amHi Paul – I bought one of these based on your review for a budget 2nd system in the living room, my main spinner is a classic Lenco GL78 and I wasn’t really expecting much to be honest but for £150 on Amazon at the time I thought why not. I have to say I genuinely love it, I’ve put a spare AT440-MLA Cartridge on it and it really sings on this Lenco, annoyingly I’m now starting to look at a better amp / phone amp and speakers because I think this table deserves it!
Love the website by the way
Cheers
Graham
Paul Rigby
11th February 2019 at 1:26 pmLovely! Very nice to hear that you’re getting along so well with the Lenco. The cartridge upgrade was a good idea too. And thanks for the kind words 🙂
Twickeree.
26th February 2019 at 9:53 pmHello Paul. – l bought a L-3808 recently and upgraded the cart. to a AT-VM95E, which replaces the AT95E, even before l started looking at a suitable matching amp & speaker setup, which is enough to make any novice’s head spin. So l hope you can help me, with any recommendations. Being a budget deck, l would like the amp & speaker to be budget, also.
But l am still looking for good sound quality. And at my age, l won’t be upgrading, from whatever l end up buying.
l was thinking of between about, £200/250 for each of them. But sometimes, it pays to spend a little bit more, to get a better, more superior item. l don’t mind also getting a seperate pre-amp, as you’ve said it would be better. l think a non pre-amp amplifier, and passive speakers would be best. l hope l’m not asking too much.
l’ve picked up a lot of useful information from your website, but some of your colourful descriptions of musical tones/sounds, has me scratching my head. lol
Paul Rigby
27th February 2019 at 11:05 amHi Twickeree, thanks for your question. The Cambridge Topaz AM10 is a decent amplifier for £200: https://www.cambridgeaudio.com/gbr/en/products/hifi-and-home-cinema/topaz-am10.
If you want to enhance the sound, an external phono amplifier (that sits in between the deck and the amp) would be recommended: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rega-Fono-Mini-A2D-Pre-Amplifier-black/dp/B0072RZ95U/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1551265342&sr=8-1&keywords=rega+fono. That might be an added cost for you and one you want might to consider as a slightly later upgrade. If so, the amplifier has a built in phono amplifier you could use for now.
Try these speakers too – great value for money: https://theaudiophileman.com/3020i-q-acoustics-speakers-review/
As for my colourful descriptions? Well, it’s sometimes tough to try to explain a sound. As it might be difficult to try to explain the Mona Lisa in words only. If you’re ever confused about something I’ve said, though, just ask and I’ll try and put things another way.
Koen van Amersfoort
27th March 2019 at 2:59 pmHi Twickeree, did you place the AT-VM95E out of the box or did you adjust it; overhang, alignment, etc? I bought one too and I am not sure what to do best.
Twickree
28th February 2019 at 3:12 pmHi Paul. Thank you for your reply and recommendations, which l’ve considered before, as you’ve recommended them to others on here. Are those 3020i.s, passive? because l’m wondering, the deck, separate pre-amp and Topaz AM10, that’s 3 pre-amps, before the speakers. ls that too many pre-amps?, only that’s why l mentioned – “l think a non pre-amp (Main) amplifier and passive speakers would be best”- thinking that powered speakers also has a pre-amp.???
l chose the L-3808 to get my records on digital using the USB port, but l see they are also on amps and speakers (if l choose those ones). Does it matter which one (hypothetically) l connect my computer to?
l hope you won’t mind, l have a 3rd. question. l probably need suitable headphones. (neighbour does shift work). l have a Bluetooth set, that l use with my laptop when watching DVDs, but they probably wouldn’t work on the HiFi. Can you help, please?
Paul Rigby
28th February 2019 at 4:57 pmHi Twickree – yes the 3020i speakers are passive.
Re the amp question, to successfully hear noise from the groove on your record you need a phono amplifier. The signal is boosted just enough to then enter the main amp (the phono amp’s job is a specialist one – the main amp can’t cope with that job). Then the signal goes out to the speakers.
In your case, there is a phono amplifier in the turntable and there’s also one in the main Topaz amplifier and you can also buy an external model. The best sounding choice is the external model. When hi-fi kit is forced to sit alongside each other there’s a risk of electronic noise contamination which results in veiling noise lowering sound quality. To isolate the signal is the best choice. An external phono amp puts physical distance between it, the turntable and the main amp. Next best is the phono amp built into the Topaz. You only use this if you plug the turntable into the Topaz’s phono sockets. The worst choice is the phono amp in the Lenco because the phono amp is very close to the stylus. Contaminating noise from the Lenco’s phono amp will find its way directly to the stylus. Not a great idea but ok if cash is a problem and you have no choice.
Same with the vinyl ripping, an external ADC with an external connection is best. The Lenco’s option is not as good but acceptable if you’re on a low budget.
For Bluetooth headphones, you need a device that will send out a Bluetooth signal to be captured by your headphones. The Topaz doesn’t have one built in although you can buy a cheapo module from Amazon. Better quality sonics are to be had from wired headphones but, again, this depends on your budget.
Twickeree
28th February 2019 at 6:27 pmHi Paul. That was a quick reply. Thank you. l know how it all works, from your previous posts. l just have some specific queries that l’m not sure of. ie. l will definately buy a separate pre-amp.- (but for that, would l need to, and/or could l, then turn off the deck’s pre-amp, to use the separate pre-amp. lf so, how?), and, as l said before, can you have too many pre-amps in the system? What (non pre-amp) MAIN amplifier would you recommend, to follow on from the separate pre-amp? l say non pre-amp MAIN amplifier, because you said it produces a better sound. Also, do amps and speakers have Bluetooth connections? If not, what wired headphones would you recommend?
l don’t have a budget, as such, only what l was going to set myself, seeing that the L-3808 is a budget deck. l’m sold on the 3020i speakers and the Rega-Fono-A2Ds, not so much the Topaz AM10, mainly because it has that extra pre-amp in it. l hope l’ve explained myself to you ok, Paul.
Paul Rigby
1st March 2019 at 10:42 amHi Twickeree – as you can see on P.9 of the manual here: https://www.lenco.com/uk_en/amfile/file/download/file_id/4121/product_id/2866/
you turn off the Lenco’s internal phono amplifier by flicking the rear Phono/Line switch to Phono.
Phono amps are sometimes bundled in turntables, amps and nowadays even in powered speakers. Ideally, if you have enough cash, you should buy components without a phono amplifier built in because, without bundled components, noise is lowered and sound quality improves. The fact that you have one in the Lenco is ideal for those on a low budget who cannot afford a separate phono amp. The same goes for a phono amp in an integrated amplifier like the Topaz.
In your situation, though, don’t worry about it, you can still create a good quality sound output. If you’re going to buy an external model, the Fono is a good buy, then switch off the Lenco’s internal phono amp and just don’t use the Topaz’s phono amp. The signal will be routed through the Fono and all will be well.
The Topaz, incidentally, is already a ‘main’ amplifier. There may be some confusion here. The thing that amplifies the stylus signal ready for use by an amplifier is a phono amplifier. That’s not a pre-amp. Some people call it that but that’s a recipe for confusion 🙂 The Topaz is known as an integrated amplifier. It’s called ‘integrated’ because it is a combination of two things: a pre-amp and a power amp The pre-amp essentially features the knobs, buttons on the front and most of the sockets on the rear. The power amp bit features the speaker sockets on the rear and lots of power supply bits and pieces inside the chassis. So, the Topaz is an integrated amplifier. In addition, it also comes with a ‘free’ phono amplifier, as an included accessory – signified by the Phono sockets you can see on the rear.
Some amplifiers and powered (not passive) speakers have Bluetooth – not all. For headphones, what budget are you looking at? I’ll need a figure to target specific models.
Twickeree
1st March 2019 at 12:08 pmHi Paul. Thanks for your information. At last, the fog is clearing. After spending a lot of time reading about this stuff on line and in magazines, l came to the conclusion that a phono-amp and a pre-amp was one and the same thing. Which made page 9, a contradiction. You’re the first to say that they are not. And l thank you for that. l’ll have to look at it all again, in a different light, now. But, most of my last two posts, still apply. So l won’t repeat myself. The Topaz seems to be clogged up, with stuff. So it’s only a non-intergrated amp that l need now, pref. with Bluetooth. But if not, what wired headphones would you suggest? For the budget, can l say, what are the cheapest, that will give a good sound, and do he rest of my set-up, juistice.
Paul Rigby
1st March 2019 at 12:46 pmIt’s a question of money, Twickeree – the more you spend, the more chance you have of losing that ‘stuff’. In fact, for an integrated amplifier, the Topaz has less in it than a lot in its price point. Others include DACs, Bluetooth, etc in the same chassis. If you spend a lot more then you have a greater choice. As it stands, the Topaz will provide good value for money. Basic but good wired headphones? Try the AKG K72 headphones.
You can buy an integrated amplifier with Bluetooth, if you wish but you’ll need to spend more.
Twickeree
2nd March 2019 at 12:26 pmWell then, Paul, if there’s a lot of integrated amplifiers out there for the same money as the Topaz, that also has DACs and Bluetooth included in them, then that’s the headphones sorted. Although, l do like the AKG K52. And better still, the AKG K92.
Thank you, for all your help, Paul. l really appreciated it. l’ve enjoyed our little “chats”. And glad we got there, in the end.
Paul Rigby
3rd March 2019 at 10:16 amGlad I could be of help – good luck with your purchases.
MANOS VARVARIGOS
4th March 2019 at 7:45 pmHello Paul!!
How are you?
So I bought the turntable. It costs 200 euros,in grey colour. It s a little difficult to find this one. The majority of this turntable is in white colour in stock in Athens,, but personally speaking I prefer the grey one. Just a matter of taste!
So I have connected it directly to Edifier speakers (R1800T)…and the job is done! These speakers have really good sound. The fact is that you have the capacity to connect them to the turntable and in a laptop simultaneously.
The result? I heard the “scratches” of vinyl records again! Nothing more, nothing less! For the time being I am happy and satisfied. Ok there is always a chance for an upgrade, but I recommend this simple system to someone as a quite cheap and reliable entry to the vinyl world. The only minor disadvantage: you have to put the tone arm in the starting
position by yourself. I don;t mind it ;s just a part of the ritual for me.
Cheers mate!
Paul Rigby
5th March 2019 at 11:19 amHi Manos – thanks for the report and the recommendation. Glad to hear the you’re having fun! 🙂
Twickeree
4th March 2019 at 9:18 pmHi Paul. Just a thought. Although l said l am sold on those 3020i,s you recommmended, l’ve just seen that their Concept 20,s are reduced from £375 to £275. Not a lot more than the 3020i,s are now. l read your glowing review on them, and wondered, do you think the Concept 20,s are the better speakers of the two, and therefore, the best ones to buy?
Paul Rigby
5th March 2019 at 11:18 amGo for the Concepts, if you can grab a deal.
Twickeree
12th March 2019 at 3:10 pmHi, Paul. Don’t laugh, l saw the Q-Acoustics 3020i s for £199. So l went and bought them after all. Plus the QED XT25 cables. l also got the Rega Fono Mini A2D mk.2, but plumped for the Onkyo A-9010 Amp. (£190), which l pick up in 2 days time. Then l’m ready to (Rock &) roll. Oh ! and l got the AKG K92s, to replace my old Sony DR-9s. (Neighbour works shifts). Let me say, once again, Thank You, for all your valuable help. lt is very much appreciated. l’ve learned a lot over the last few of weeks. And that’s only the beginning.
Paul Rigby
12th March 2019 at 3:20 pmSounds like a nice system you’ve got there. I’m sure you will have hours of pleasure from it. Happy to help 🙂
Koen van Amersfoort
27th March 2019 at 3:04 pmHi Paul, I just bought myself a AT-VM95E/H Combo (cartridge mounted on headshell). Do I need to adjust things or can I mount it out of the box, just plug and play?
Paul Rigby
27th March 2019 at 4:20 pmHi Koen – I would direct you to my colleagues over at Audio Technica for a guide: https://audio-technica.com.au/how-to/align-turntable-cartridge/
Here’s a free alignment protractor to use while following the guidelines: https://audio-technica.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/0406_2904_00_cartridge_headshell_alignment_sheet.pdf
Koen van Amersfoort
28th March 2019 at 10:49 amThanks Paul, this is very helpful!
Paul Rigby
28th March 2019 at 2:37 pmNot a problem, Koen.
Chris
11th July 2019 at 9:02 pmHi Paul, I currently have the L3808 and Roth RA1 speakers, I think the only thing I’m missing is an amp for between the two if you could offer any recommendations? Not too sure on a price but preferably under £100 would be great! Any advice is much appreciated!
Paul Rigby
12th July 2019 at 9:30 amHi Chris – ordinarily, I would say that there are amplifiers out there for under £100 but I wouldn’t want to recommend them to you. The quality is not great at that price. That said, you’re in luck (kinda). Cambridge Audio has discounted its entry-level amplifier which you can now pick up for £120. You can find it here: https://www.cambridgeaudio.com/gbr/en/products/hifi-and-home-cinema/topaz-am5. You’ll need to use the phono amplifier in the Lenco turntable.
Later on, I urge you to upgrade and buy yourself an external phono amplifier to improve the sound. No rush, as and when, etc 🙂 If you get to that point, give me a shout and I’ll give you some suggestions.
Kyle Robertson
16th August 2019 at 12:48 pmHi Paul,
I recently purchased a Lenco L-3808 along with 2 KRK Rokit RP5 G4 Professional Active Powered Monitors. They are connected with XLR/RCA cables directly into the record player. I believe this requires the record player to be set to LINE. Bear with me because this is my first time owning any of this stuff. I am afraid that I’ve missed out something important!
The monitors’ volume is just not that loud. Don’t get me wrong, the sound is clear and crisp, but turning my monitors up to max is only just loud enough – i.e. the woofers don’t even move. I’m wondering if I’m doing something wrong here because I would assume with KRKs that I am able to take the volume way past what is deemed reasonable volume.
I don’t want to have to return anything so I would rather find some other kind of solution – if there is one?
To top that off, I have to manually adjust both monitors’ volume rather than at the same time. Can you recommend a monitor controller that would work in this situation?
Thanks!
Paul Rigby
19th August 2019 at 11:11 amHi Kyle – yes, the Line option is correct on the Lenco.
Re your low volume issues? Hmmm. I don’t know these speakers at all and I wonder about them. There is a DSP module in each isn’t there? Is that engaged in any way? That is, can the DSP change the volume depending on the settings? If so, disengage this option entirely. In fact, any room EQ will degrade sound quality. Fine for TV, not for hifi sound quality. The only other thing I can think of is your cables. An impedance issue perhaps? Tell me about the cables, who made them? Where did you get them from?
Try the DSP and think about the cables. The final straw, if all else fails, would be to to change the speakers for something a little more hi-fi like in design and direction. Let me know your thoughts on that.
For the monitors, I would just set each speaker at the same volume. I would not encourage you to add another pre-amp layer in between the turntable and the speakers because that will only degrade the sound.
George Robertson
23rd April 2020 at 6:07 pmHi there,
I’m new to all this, we love listening to vinyl in our local pub so bough a Lenco-3808
I noted you recommended Roth oli Ra2 speakers, but these are no longer available to buy. Are there others you would recommend, these are just for home use
Thanks
Paul Rigby
24th April 2020 at 9:59 amBe glad to help, George – what’s your budget?
George Robertson
24th April 2020 at 11:37 amThank you for your help, budget around £100
Paul Rigby
24th April 2020 at 11:41 amHi George – so you’re looking at powered speakers? I forgot to ask, sorry. That is, you want to plug your Lenco directly into the speakers and anyway you go?
I haven’t tested anything else in the price point that I actually recommend. That said, these Edifier speakers *may* be what you’re looking for. They’re not amazing or wonderful and I haven’t heard them in a critical situation, as it where, just casually at a show so take from that what you may 🙂 Nevertheless, these speakers remain a cut above some of the frightening Chinese models I seen out there: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Edifier-R1280T-Bookshelf-Speaker-Control/dp/B00GBN50SC/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=powered+speakers&qid=1587724750&sr=8-3
George Robertson
24th April 2020 at 11:45 amThanks again, do I need with our without Bluetooth and digital inputs?
Paul Rigby
24th April 2020 at 11:50 amIf you’re priority is vinyl, then no. Both of those will only add high frequency noise to your vinyl output. If you need Bluetooth and digital sockets then there is another Edifier model priced, somewhere around, £120 which adds all of that.
George Robertson
24th April 2020 at 11:54 amWhich model is that, r1280DB?
Paul Rigby
24th April 2020 at 12:11 pmYep
George Robertson
24th April 2020 at 11:57 amI have ordered the R1280T previously but when connected could not get any sound out at all so returned them, hence why I came on here asking questions
Paul Rigby
24th April 2020 at 12:12 pmHi George – Did you remember to turn on the internal phono amp on the Lenco? I’m not a fan of the speaker connections on this speaker, by the way.
George Robertson
24th April 2020 at 12:36 pmNot sure on that, I will order these again now then without the Bluetooth etc.
Paul Rigby
24th April 2020 at 12:48 pmBefore you do that – I ask you to consider this. If you saved a bit and grabbed a pair of these at £99: https://www.qacoustics.co.uk/q-acoustics-3010-compact-bookshelf-speakers-pair.html
And this amp from Richer Sounds for £99: https://www.richersounds.com/hi-fi/amplifiers-receivers/cambridge-topaz-am1-blk.html
…then you would have a much more fulfilling vinyl experience. I feel uncomfortable directing you towards Edifier speakers that feature those horrible speaker connections and a weedy internal amp 🙂
Dan
30th April 2020 at 4:27 pmHi Paul,
I have the Lenco 3808 turntable and looking to upgrade the headshell, stylus and cartridge. I have read different options but just wondered if you could suggest an idea of what would be best x3 together?
Not looking to spend a fortune just a decent all round upgrade.
Many thanks
Dan
Paul Rigby
1st May 2020 at 9:50 amHi Dan – I’d go as far as a VM-95E cartridge (which includes the stylus) for around £40. After that? I’d look at upgrading the turntable.
Dan
5th May 2020 at 8:16 amMany thanks Paul, I will.look into the VM-95e cartridge./stylus.
Cheers
Chris
11th June 2020 at 9:37 pmHi again Paul, I have the L3808 and passive RA1 speakers and you previously recommended the CA AM5 amplifier which I believe is now discontinued. Would the Cambridge AM1 also work for my setup or is there any other roughly equivalent entry-level ones to check out? Thanks
Paul Rigby
12th June 2020 at 8:36 amHi Chris – yes, the AM1 or the company’s slightly more expensive AXA25 would be fine.
Maurice vd Mark
19th July 2020 at 4:09 pmHi Paul,
Your article on the Lenco L3808 convinced me to buy this table. Took some effort to get the correct needle pressure, but enjoying the turntable from the start. No problems at all in combination with Onkyo amplifier and Audio Physic speakers. After two months bought the AT95E element, and sound got even better! Since then just buying more records and just having more fun!
Best regards,
Maurice
Paul Rigby
20th July 2020 at 10:41 amGood stuff, Maurice – thanks for the feedback.
Al
23rd December 2020 at 4:37 pmHi Paul, thinking of picking this up. I’m on a budget atm and space is also a factor, so I wondering what powered speakers you would recommend (if any) to go with it. Around £150-max. Thanks.
Paul Rigby
30th December 2020 at 5:15 pmHi Al – check out the Wharfedale DS2 speakers.
Al
7th January 2021 at 9:34 pmHey, thanks for the suggestion, they’re perfect for my requirements.
Elise
24th December 2020 at 5:47 pmHi Paul,
I’ve caught up early with this post, haven’t I 😛
Anyway I purchased 2 x Lenco L-3808 and 1 x Numark M101 USB the other day, to start seeing what it feels like to scratch 🙂 I’m quite happy up to now, yet again I’m a super beginner.
The only problem I have is the sound coming out of my speakers, it’s really bad. It’s not to do with the Lenco’s, since we connected them up to another speaker with a preamp and it sounded as good as you described above.
So either mixer, speakers or some wrong connection could be the culprit? Speakers are AKAI RPM3, nothing special, but also connected to my Mac they sound good.
Would appreciate some feedback :)))
Thank you so much!
Paul Rigby
30th December 2020 at 4:53 pmHi Elise, what sort of “bad” sound are you hearing?
I’m not familiar with the other items but try and isolate each item with duplicates, if you can. To see if the issue remains. Also, unplug all cables and start again by carefully following each manual.
Elise
12th January 2021 at 8:42 pmHi Paul,
Sorry for the delay, I never got the email that you had replied, hehe.
So the “bad” was mainly the fact that I was amplifing the signal from the pickup twice, because I had it all switched to phono. Have since switched everything to line, and things have improved.
I’m still not mad about the sound quality though. I’m going go for new cartridges first, i’ll be keeping my Numark mixer & my AKAI speakers.
I hear often that AT95E is a great sound upgrade, but that Concorde’s are better for beginner DJ’s like myself. I wonder if you know if there’s any truth in that, and if so, what you think about this one: https://www.thomann.de/de/ortofon_om_5e.htm
One other thing: does sound quality depend on how well a record has been pressed as well, right? Most of mine are second hand and have significant sound differences between each other.
Finally, something else I saw was people removing the pre-amps and buying an external amplifier, or switching the pre-amp off somehow, to use the phono inputs instead. Is there really a switch somewhere that I may not have seen?
Ahhhh thank you so much again!
Paul Rigby
13th January 2021 at 12:45 pmHi Elise – I wouldn’t use a hifi cart in a DJ situation because they can’t take the punishment! Ortofon have a series of specialist DJ carts which are ideal for that task and I would urge you to look at those.
As for sound quality? It depends on about 500 variables 🙂 There is no one thing that serves as a magic bullet. Hifi is a tweaker’s paradise. That includes the vinyl itself, how it was mastered, cut, pressed, recorded, etc. So yes, you will hear differences in sound. One tiny example? In the 60s, producers ordered mastering engineers to enhance the upper midrange and treble on all chart singles (giving them an almost brittle and edgy sound). Why? Because the public would be listening to those chart singles on tinny, poor quality transistor radios and Dansette turntables. If the sound quality was too good, these basic devices couldn’t cope and you wouldn’t be able to hear the music properly. So sales would ultimately suffer.Hence, these singles were tweaked appropriately, to suit.
There’s a million stories like this.
And yes, an external phono amplifier is preferable to an internal model in sonic terms. Your Lenco’s instructions covers using its internal model or an external option.
Elise
30th January 2021 at 1:23 pmDear Paul,
I hope all is well! In the end, i bought 1 atvm95-e cartridge to replace.
It’s the first time I’ve obviously replaced a cartridge:took some time to remove the wires, so I am scared i mucked something up 🙂
Anyway, I made a couple of tests with my new cartridge (tracks were skipping, so i repeated process to find the right tracking forces, seems thats resolved now)
But – does it take some time for that superior sound to kick in? So far, the original Lenco supplied me with sounds better?! (weird, i. know. i’ve got two Lenco’s, one plays with the original cartridge, the other with the new).
I read somewhere you just need to give it some time to “kick in”.. or, maybe I’ve made a mess of the headshell (I really don’t think so).
Any advice, appreciated.
Thank you 🙂
Paul Rigby
2nd February 2021 at 11:48 amYou should be hearing improvements immediately, I reckon. It’s difficult to diagnose your issues at this distance but I would double check your installation, the tracking force, wiring, etc. Are the Lencos the same model? Apart from the cart, are there any other difference between them?
Bob
8th January 2021 at 3:29 pmHello Peter, thanks for your review and advice. I bought the Lenco L-3808 and replaced the cartridge for an AT95E and set the counterweight at 2,2 gr. I am very happy with it. I do have two questions. It was not very easy finding the AT95E, it seems they are taking them out of production and replace them with ATN95E and AT-VM95E. For future replacements, do you have an opinion on these two new models, are they better or worse than the AT95E? The other question I have is about the installment of the AT95E, in a forum I read that the effective armlength and overhang are not correctly mentioned in the Lenco user manual and that it is best to place the cartridge as much to the back of the arm as possible. I made a picture as an example but can’t seem to upload it here in the comments. I followed this advice, do you agree to this? Thanks and best wishes, Bob
Bob
8th January 2021 at 3:30 pmSorry! Peter = Paul
Paul Rigby
11th January 2021 at 3:46 pmHi Bob – the VM95E is the AT95E’s replacement and a good one it is – it is sonically superior.
And yes, the cart is difficult to set correctly. Pushing the cart as far back as it will go in the headshell is almost but not quite there. If you look at a typical stylus gauge – look at the image here for example: https://audio-technica.com.au/latest-news/how-to/align-turntable-cartridge/. I’m using this illustration as a general guide, nothing specific, just to vaguely illustrate my note here – the Lenco has the stylus tip one line ahead of the ideal place. One line to the left of the central dot.
I haven’t addressed that because I haven’t done a modding type feature on the Lenco. I’ve just reviewed what you get. Also, to buy a headshell that may improve matters pushes the budget so out of kilter with the basic cost of the turntable that I question it’s worth.
Hence, I would push the cart as far back in the headshell as you can. Use the gauge to make sure that it’s straight and level and go for that. The basic sound will still sound good.
EVANGELOS KOTTAS
18th January 2021 at 1:42 pmHi Paul , greetings from Greece , after reading your post i ordered and im waiting to receive Lenco L – 3808 as a replacement to my previous Numark TTUSB that i have since 2010 ! No complains with this tt i just wanted something new and better . You said in your post that at 33 speed you notice a small slowdown is that correct ? Will i see the same? You adjusted the pitch how much ? If i adjust i should leave it there for ever ? Thx !!!
Paul Rigby
18th January 2021 at 4:07 pmThanks for your question – there’s no guarantee that you’ll see the same speed shifts that I did. Yours might be fine but you can check via the strobe on the outer rim of the platter. If you do need to change the pitch slider, use that strobe again to gauge how much you need to move the slider.
EVANGELOS
18th January 2021 at 7:03 pmI have no experience to see and adjust the speed via strobe ,it is that easy Paul ? What do you think if i change the cartridge with the ortofon om 5e ? Or AudioTechnica AT-85EP which needs lower tracking force ? Thx for the quick reply Paul !!
Paul Rigby
19th January 2021 at 10:31 amPlease check out the manual for more information but, in use, you will see one of the the illuminated strobe lines (those dots painted on the side of the platter will be lit by the turntable’s built-in light source) remain optically still at 33.33rpm and another strobe line will remain still at 45rpm. If the line tends to wander to the left or right then you’ll know that there are speed variations at play which will require slight adjustments to the pitch slider.
EVANGELOS
19th January 2021 at 11:09 amThx Paul ,last question for cartridge . Ortofon OM 5E or AufioTechnika AT – 85EP ? Ortofon has recommended tracing force 1.5 to 2 grams and Audiotechnika has 1 to 1,5 grams .
Paul Rigby
19th January 2021 at 2:05 pmHi Evangelos – is there any particular reason why you short-listed a P-mount cartridge?
EVANGELOS
19th January 2021 at 3:33 pmSorry Paul my mistake ,what do you recommend between Ortofon OM 5E , AUDIO TECHNICA AT95E and Audio Technica AT-VM95E ?
Paul Rigby
19th January 2021 at 3:36 pmI’d go for the VM95E, Evangelos.
EVANGELOS
19th January 2021 at 3:40 pmHow is AufioTechnika AT – 85EP ? I just found it with an adaptor !!
Arie
2nd December 2021 at 8:30 pmHello Paul, a great review of the Lenco L3808. This is one of the many reviews that made me decide to buy this tt for my vintage B&O set. That is not my primary set, but the B&O have I bought from different places on the internet for less than 120,– euros. Only the Beovox speakers are mine since the first part of the seventies. Since that time I have had several different cartridges, and some of those I still have. One of those is an Ortofon X-1MC HOMC cartridge, which I have placed on the Lenco. I use the Lenco built-in phono-amp amd I must say the sq is really, really great. I never thought that this would be possible with this type of tt. My advice to others would be, if you have an old high output mc-cartridge then try it on this tt. I would not buy a new HOMC because that is to costly for this Lenco, but if you have a spare, just try it. You will be surprised.
Thanks for the good review, and perhaps you could try this in a future setup.
Greetings, Arie
Aleks
16th December 2021 at 7:27 pmHello Paul!
There is a big problem on this player (but for some reason no one writes about it) – The difficulty of setting the parallelism of the tonearm tube to the table plane. In other words, setting up a VTA. To properly install the VTA, you need to lower the tonearm. And this is impossible. Therefore, the only way out is additional slipmats.I installed a regular felt slipmat (about 3 mm thick) on top of another rubber slipmat (5 mm thick) and only then the tonearm became parallel to the table and the VTA angle became correct. But in this case, the height of the spindle axis becomes small. And thick vinyl falls on the slipmat (spindle axis) with almost no margin.
What do you think about installing a VTA angle?
Thanks.
Paul Rigby
17th December 2021 at 12:50 pmHi Aleks – I sympathise with your predicament but the Lenco isn’t aimed at people who are that concerned about turntable set up. It’s more of a plug-and-go design for users who care about music sure but…not *that* much about installation and tweaking. If VTA is a concern – and you’re right to be concerned, I agree – then a more tweakable design should really be your goal.