For those new to vintage sound, Lenco has a large selection of turntables in the name price range. For different tastes, sizes, shapes and configurations.
But at the same time, they have basic pickups, non-standard sounds and a careful attitude towards the records themselves. But it is one of the main and, as a rule, the most expensive components of the entire system.
Therefore, for those who want an inexpensive player with high-quality sound and the security for higher quality, the choice is much more difficult.
Below we will get acquainted with the new product LENKO LBT-345WAwhich solves this problem.
Unlike most models, here comes an expensive needle from the famous manufacturer Ortofon, and with a diamond, which was sharpened differently than in most other players from our review. And thus he solved two problems: sound purity and maintaining the quality of the records.
How else the models differ and, as you know, do they sound better, find out in this review.
Characteristics. Entering the middle class
Before us is a middle-class player that has just stepped beyond the entry-level one.
Under a plastic cover to protect from dust there is a motor that supports two speeds: 33 1/3 and 45 rpm.
On the top panel of the LENCO LBT-345WA, two verniers provide rotation speed and network activation. The power button is hidden behind the tonearm and also provides Bluetooth connectivity.
Before starting, you should pay attention to the following important side of the player:
Feet with a rubber base are adjustable in height and, in addition, dampen unwanted vibrations.
The records are placed on a cork slipmat, and the set also includes a weighty and nice clamp for records, which even better stabilizes the rotation, removes noise, and thereby helps the sound of household devices to be cleaner.
Although there are no built-in acoustics here, like most other high-quality players, there are both separate and wireless connectivity options. With a bonus.
Wireless speaker compatibility
This appearance of the miniature is also due to the fact that the player does not have built-in speakers. Therefore, there are many connectivity options here.
LENCO LBT-345WA operates on the basis of modern Bluetooth 5.2, thanks to which music can be played on different acoustic systems and with a stable connection: either on headphones or on speakers.
Wired connections include two RCA ports for right and left outputs.
Also on the rear panel there is a switch for the built-in audio amplifier. If you have your own, you can hook it up to the player.
To digitize music using the Audacity application, you can connect to the player through the USB-PC A/D converter port.
Separately, I would like to pay attention to external sources and materials from which the player is made.
Classic meets style. The design has strict minimalism
Like any good turntable, the LENCO LBT-345WA uses wood, aluminum, carbon fiber and diamond in its construction.
The body is made of dense wooden MDF, so it looks solid not only visually, but also tactilely.
The thick impact platter allows the records to spin stably.
Carbon fiber tonearm
Counterweight at the end of the tonearm with graduations
Verniers provide rotation speed and microphone activation.
Carbon fiber is used in the tone knob, making it easier to break down and more durable than the plastic used in cheaper models. This property of the mix has less effect on disc vibration and thus provides more accurate sound.
There’s a weight scale on the back of the tonearm for fine-tuning if you decide to figure out how turntable needles work.
And if you don’t understand, the handle can be quickly adjusted according to the included course. But this should only be done if you change the pickup cartridge, since, judging by the asymmetrical arrangement of the rifle, everything is already as it should be at the factory.
And when we talk about the needle, let’s get stuck on it. A special sharpening and a big name on the example of showing yourself.
Oval diamond on the needle illuminates high frequency
Cartridge with 2M Red needle from Ortofon
The LENCO LBT-345WA comes with a middle-class Ortofon 2M Red needle.
Founded more than a century ago, the Danish company Ortofon is one of the leaders in the production of vinyl turntables. Its cheapest options start from 55 euros, the most expensive cartridges made of solid diamond and titanium case cost up to 8999 euros, and production involves a manual approach.
On the company’s official website, the Ortofon 2M Red cartridge costs 99 euros, that is, in our case it is almost a quarter of the entire cost of the player.
Since the price is above the position, but is in the affordable segment of the diamond, it is not solid, but is only in the tip. However, what does he have?
Spherical sharpening usually comes with the cheapest needles. The higher it is, the more difficult it is to process the diamond.
The crystal is imprisoned in elliptical shape, this gives it more grip over a wider contact angle than cheap round tip needles. Elliptical styli have a wider frequency coverage, primarily towards high tones.
Thanks to these characteristics, the voiced instruments are very clean and clear. Emphasizing the highs also “pulls up” the mid-volume, filling out the vocals. Also, the elliptical tip made the bass more elastic and full, without distortion into a dull rumble.
Overall, the Ortofon 2M Red does its job better than the good, but still cheap ATN3600 from Audio-Technica, which is used in most basic cranks.
Inexpensive player is head and shoulders above the rest
It comes with a nice plastic clasp for better quality.
The key thing about the LENCO LBT-345WA’s real appearance is its Ortofon 2M Red needle. Thanks to this cartridge, the player produces wide, full, spatial sound with palpable texture.
The elliptical shape of the tip will not only protect the condition of the record over the years, but will also pull out details on those vintage discs where round stylus from cheap models can no longer cope.
Such a turntable will look stylish at home, and its vintage design does not repel, but attracts with aesthetic features that are reminiscent of the times. I’m talking dark wood covering, simple strict lines, a laconic silhouette and a thin profile.
All the material here is, as Jony Ive said, unabashedly catchy. The impact of the support plate immediately hints at the vibration-free stability of the phone. The lightweight carbon fiber tonearm makes it clear that this is not a basic model. Dense natural MDF from which the body is made gives stability to the entire structure.
A nice addition to this player is the ability to connect Bluetooth speakers to one instrument and digitize records using the USB-PC port and the Audacity application.
Elegant, high-quality needle, rich sound, beautiful pressure and made of the wrong materials, LENKO LBT-345WA costs 49,990 rubles.
For this money, you are truly a model head and shoulders above any budget employee, which takes listening to even old records to a new level, and looks like a real premium player. Music lovers will definitely appreciate it.
📸 All photos in the article:
Source: Iphones RU
I am a professional journalist and content creator with extensive experience writing for news websites. I currently work as an author at Gadget Onus, where I specialize in covering hot news topics. My written pieces have been published on some of the biggest media outlets around the world, including The Guardian and BBC News.
