Michael G., Grand Island NY
Classic Lenco MKII, 100-pound version
About a year ago this month I took possession of the greatest LP playback device I’ve ever owned, The Classic Lenco MKII TRANSCRIPTION Record Deck rebuilt by John Nantais. It has to be one of the heaviest turntables I’ve ever picked up also! It weighs in at over 100 pounds but is the finest 100 pounds of maple-and cherry-finished plinth I have ever seen assembled. It truly is a beautiful piece of music making craftsmanship.
There probably is no need here to extol the virtues of the idler wheel drive system with its huge motor and unsurpassed platter rotating torque. But, my Classic MKII has the upgraded idler wheel
designed and installed by Jean Nantais! I can tell you by every record that I’ve played on this machine so far that the idler wheel spins as true as a NASCAR dynamically balanced wheel. If you haven’t already done it I really suggest getting the upgrade it’s well worth the investment.
My tonearm is a Triplanar MKVII and after I set up my Lyra Delos cart (I use the mint tractor device) I think it really does allow you to do a meticulous job setting up the cartridge, the payback is
phenomenal. Jean told me that an RB 300 which I had would suffice for this turntable but I just went nuts because when you lay your eyes on the handiwork that John Nantais his created the beautiful paint work on the metal chassis and the beautiful darkened wood on the sides of
the plinth, that playful dolphin on the electrical plug side along with the Classic Lenco MKII plate just give you that sense of pride of ownership.
The MKII delivers MUSIC and TONE and TIMBRE as if it was a multifaceted musical instrument in its ability to faultlessly create the most scintillating crescendos of musical complexity. It will hold
a sustained piano note without so much of hint of warble. It will rock you with physical depth charges of Bass. I play Stevie Ray Vaughn LP titled ” Soul To Soul” often Epic BL40036. Drop the needle on any groove and the Axe master comes alive with his totally tight rhythm section. Chris “Whipper”Layton on drums, Tommy Shannon on bass, Reese Wynans on keys and Joe Sublett sax. The performance is vital and raw and raucous and the MKII never fails to deliver with drive and pace and consistency in presentation.
I love this Classic MKII deck Jean, thank you for creating such a masterful musical device. I am a believer in idler wheel drive and if there is someone reading this right now and you are on the fence about what TT they should buy, well let me say I wish Jean Nantais was making these beauties 20 years ago. Contact Jean by email and get one built for you yesterday!