Lenco L75 Carbon Cocobolo Origin Live Illustrious Mk3c

Exquisitely and extensively modified Lenco L75 direct coupled high mass Swiss idler drive by Artisan Fidelity. Features Sapphire bearing finished in Porsche Carbon Black, package includes new 9" Origin Live Illustrious Mk3c (Cartridge shown not included), (3) Solid Lignum Vitae or Cocobolo armboards, Stillpoints Ultra OEM footers, Titanium idler wheel, precision billet aluminum record clamp, completely rebuilt highly modified Sapphire Lenco bearing and carefully restored Lenco cogless dynamically balanced shaded pole motor. Price includes new Origin Live Illustrious Mk3c tonearm. (Price without tonearm $4995.00)

Our goal over the course of the last several years, while busy working with the Lenco L75, was simply to develop a forward thinking design which extols the virtues of the well known Swiss made idler drive. A fundamental principal to our approach involves using only the finest materials available, whether it be air or kiln dried select imported hardwoods, specially milled aircraft aluminum for substructure support, or premium automotive paints and new premium quality replacement parts engineered to exceed OEM factory parts (where applicable). The first phase, a full frame off restoration down to the very last nut and bolt, is merely the starting point and represents only a small fraction of the work performed. The numerous modifications and upgrades were extensive and time consuming, however, the results have enabled the Lenco to now perform at a level that is truly exceptional.

The initial phase, the restoration process, involves each and every component in the L75's being carefully disassembled, inspected, cleaned, lubricated and in certain areas completely re-designed and modified for absolute fidelity and longevity. For our latest Lenco design, an all new direct coupled high mass plinth was developed for use with (1) 9"-10" tonearm and (1) 12" tonearm and the goal of maximizing the already high potential of the heavy platter Lenco idler drive.

The directly coupled high mass plinth is carefully constructed using layers of Russian Birch plywood and aircraft aluminum implemented together using constrained layer dampening. Prior to finishing, the entire plinth is seal coated using high grade synthetic phenolic resins. By seal coating, we are able to prevent any unwanted shifting of inner structural layers with the added benefit of locking environmental moisture and humidity out, thus resulting in a stiffer internal structure with higher rigidity which adds additional strength.

Addressing motor vibrations, another goal of ours, entails the incorporation of a drain cavity extending from the bottom of the motor running through the entirety of the plinth to minimize any possibility of unwanted mechanical vibrations. Fortunately the precision Lenco Swiss motor was built well enough that the level of inherent vibration is quite small, a testament to its engineering quality and high tolerances.

During the final stages of construction and just prior to the Porsche Carbon paint finish application, the prepped and sanded plinth is carefully and thoroughly inspected to ensure the base layers are ready for a long lasting and smooth finish worthy of any showroom or home. Finally, after multiple spray painted coats, multiple acrylic clear coating layers are applied and allowed to cure for at least 24 hours prior to the final wet-sanding and buffing stages.

The tonearm boards are made from solid Lignum Vitae, Brazilian Rosewood or Cocobolo hardwood. These exotic hardwoods were chosen for their specific density and acoustical characteristics. For mechanical/acoustical vibration (3) Stillpoints Ultra OEM's are coupled directly to the plinth bottom. After many hours of listening trials using various materials, we have chosen Stillpoints based strictly on their sonic merits.

Another feat and a critical element for our design goal, was to completely rebuild the original bearing using the finest materials available: new high tolerance oil impregnated powder metal spindle bushings, laboratory grade precision synthetic Sapphire bearings with a nearly perfect sphericity tolerance of .00062 mm, which is far less than a micron! A new advanced ultra low friction thermoplastic PTFE thrust plate with low center porosity rests just below. Prior to spindle insertion, all sleeve linings are coated with a synthetic base oil lubricant to ensure frictionless contact with the spindle. By improving tolerances and reducing bearing friction to a bare minimum, we are able to push the performance limits of an already surprisingly competent stock design.

Even our Lenco L75 motors are disassembled down to core parts, cleaned, lubricated, re-aligned and inspected prior to reassembly and testing to ensure the mechanical operating condition is flawless. Any parts not meeting strict requirements are disregarded. The factory Lenco idler wheels, if showing signs of wear or mechanical failure, are disregarded and replaced with new Titanium idler wheels with newly resurfaced rubber outer rims. A new component IEC AC inlet from Schurter is mounted on the rear along with a commercial grade Stainless Steel on/off switch. Rounding off the design, and sitting atop the finished table, is a new TT Weights CNC milled aluminum record clamp with bubble level.

As many are well aware, a Lenco L75 properly implemented and modified may indeed achieve reference status among the finest analog front ends. For us, accomplishing this feat was easier said than done of course, as with all similar worthy contenders at this level. It is here, however, where we can state with utmost confidence that this design offers the highest performance we have heard to date in the areas of dynamics and drive and is one that will easily satisfy the demands of any serious audiophile or music aficionado.

Various packages are available which include different tonearms or tonearm/cartridge combinations which include setup prior to delivery. Or, if you already have a preferred tonearm and cartridge combination you would like to use, we can mount them for you at no additional cost prior to delivery.

Safe shipping is a high priority of ours and one we take seriously. We securely crate and pack our Lenco L75's to ensure safe shipping anywhere in the world. ISPM-15 certified international shipping crates available for international orders.

Our hand built plinths are warrantied for one full year from date of purchase for any structural defects.

Classified ad for display purposes, individual build time varies due to the hand built nature and depending upon current work orders, please call or email for a current accurate time frame.

Please contact us directly at 219.933.8115 or [email protected] with questions or inquires.

Sincerely,
Christoper Thornton
Artisan Fidelity
Hand Crafted Analog Designs www.artisanfidelity.com