L-90 turntable tested as ‘excellent’ by Hifi Test
The originally Swiss brand Lenco already four decades ago wrote history with high-quality record players. In the meantime, in the hands of the STL Corporation, Lenco presents with the L-90 a highly fascinating product.
Features
With the L-90, Lenco picks up old virtues of record player design and combines it with state-of-the-art technology. The L-90’s massive base plate looks like genuine wood – and it is, even if only veneered, but still with genuine walnut wood. This classic design drive is also perfectly assembled. The completely solid and complex designed tone arm comes with befitting setting options for anti-skating and the stylus force for the pick-up. This helps if a different one than the supplied should be installed later. The RPM setting of the belt-driven metal turntable can be changed between 33 and 45 RPM by pressing a button. Also praiseworthy is the motor end stop when reaching the end groove of the vinyl. The Lenco L-90 comes with a built-in DAC and delivers digitized vinyl data straight to a PC connected via USB; the compatible processing PC software is included. For direct connection to a hi-fi amplifier an AUX input is sufficient, since a phono pre-amp is already integrated in the L-90.
Praxis
The embossed patterns on the turntable allow the L-90’s RPM control by means of a stroboscope light (even the 50 Hz flickering of a normal light bulb is sufficient). Unfortunately, it cannot be set. However, this is not necessary, since the L-90 keeps its correct RPM (33 or 45) 100% steady ex factory. The tone arm leaves a sturdy impression, stylus force and anti-skating can easily be set to the optimum values. Sound-wise the L-90 delivers surprisingly good results, despite its price class; it plays the “World Sinfonia” by Al di Meola crystal-clear, detailed and powerful. Via the USB port precise digitized data are saved on the PC.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a shipshape designed, robust and well sounding record player you will be surprised by the Lenco L-90. For fair 290 Euros it offers considerably good workmanship, a frame veneered with genuine wood, a built-in DAC plus phono pre-amp and absolutely satisfying sound.
Short & sweet
+ Frame with genuine wood veneer
+ built-in phone pre-amp
Analog sound 40% 1.2
USB sound 40% 1.3
Features 10% 1.2
Workmanship 10% 1.1
Entry level class
Price/performance ratio Rating
excellent 1.2
