Saying that though, if the Lenco appeals to you as a first-time buyer, the L-3809 is easier to find and locate, being the newer model of the two. I wouldn’t spend time trying to locate the older L-3808, unless you’re faced with a great bargain in price terms. The sound from the L-3808 doesn’t provide any sonic advantage over the L-3809, though. Hence, given a level playing field in price terms, the L-3809 is the one to go for. REGA RP1 Bass now had a more organic and rounded structure, almost 3D in their presentation instead of the 2D, flat canvas effect from the Lenco. The L-3809 is also slightly superior to its older brethren, the L-3808 and offers superior aesthetics too. The L-3809 is the clear winner in this category. The designers of the brand did not seek good from good and gave Lenco L-3808 the instantly recognizable look of the well-known direct-drive DJ turntables that have served faithfully to amateurs and professionals for many decades. From the point of view of functional equipment, everything here is also quite traditional.

The result of the Rega vs Lenco shoot out is no surprise when sound is the only concern. But prospective Lenco owners should not despair or feel down hearted. As I mentioned above, I wouldn’t buy the Lenco for sound only anyway. You buy a Lenco L-3809 for the same reasons that you’d buy a Technics Ottawa f sound system, for the overall experience. Sound on the Lenco is just one element on the menu. It’s not the primary focus, as it is on the Rega. And there’s nothing wrong with belt drive motors, in general terms. The best turntables I’ve ever heard are based upon belt drive systems. I have many belt-drive turntables in my own collection.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.

Firstly, the name. The badge says Lenco but you know that this has nothing to do with the classic company and I know that too. Many hi-fi users become unnecessarily agitated when they see a badge with history trailing behind it, placed on products like this. This turntable might have the name Lenco on it but, for the purposes of this review, that really doesn’t matter. For all I care, the badge can have ‘Cheese On Toast™’ on the top. I’m here to review what’s in front of me, I’m not here to review a memory. ELEPHANT No.2 If you are looking for a classic turntable that you can take anywhere, the Lenco L3808 Turntable might be of interest. Even before we look at the details, you should note that it comes in a design that is easy to use and maintain. With the VM95E in place, how did the L-3809 compare to the 120x? Well, what the 120x has that the Lenco does not is attention to detail in terms of parts quality and build quality and it shows. Where the Lenco delights with its VM95E in place in upper midrange detail, the 120x takes the detail level up another rung of the ladder. Tonal realism offers the same story. The crunch and aggression from the cellos are more in evidence via the 120x while the expanded soundstage, roaming left and right, creates an epic delivery of the music as a whole. The entire organic flow from the 120x is also more naturalistic and at ease. The performers sound relaxed, they sound like they have, in short, a great time. CONCLUSIONI began by listening to ELO’s early recording of First Movement (Jumping Biz) because of the host of organic instruments roaming the mix from the lead guitar – a Spanish guitar I think – cellos, violins, percussion and more. In some ways, this review of the L-3809 is a round-about sequel to the recently published Technics Ottawa f stereo system review in that the Lenco, like the Technics Stereo System reviewed previously, is a lifestyle product. A dust cover can be fitted on top of the turntable. You even get a bright orange duster with a 75 th anniversary logo on too. A nice touch. So again, I’m here to review what’s in front of me. This review will not be coated with prejudice or unreasonable bias.