Lenco L 78 Hi-Fi Record Player

Features

The Lenco L 78 Record player is a precision instrument of true Hi-Fi quality, designed to satisfy even the most demanding music lover. It supports both stereo and monophonic listening.

It offers pre-set speeds for 16⅔, 33⅓, 45, and 78 RPM, with continuous speed variation possible from 30-86 RPM.

The lightweight tonearm is a prime example of fine mechanical precision, ensuring clear, undistorted sound reproduction and maximum protection for records. Its hydraulically damped lowering device prevents damage to records or the stylus when placing the arm.

The unit has been tested and approved by SEV, DEMKO, NEMKO, SEMKO, and CSA.

Technical Description

The L 78 features a very silent 4-pole motor (44) spring-mounted onto a rigid steel baseplate. The dynamically balanced turntable is made of die-cast zinc and weighs 4 kg.

Power is transmitted from the conical motor shaft (43) via a rubber-covered idler wheel (41). Speed is adjusted by moving the idler wheel along the motor shaft.

The tonearm's miniature ball-bearings allow free sideways movement, and its knife-edge bearing minimizes friction.

An adjustable sliding weight (5) allows for precise stylus pressure setting according to the cartridge used. An automatic brake (23) engages when the turntable is switched off.

All tonearms can be fitted with an anti-skating device (3, 28, 29).

Included accessories: a centre piece for records with large centre holes, a stroboscope disc for speed setting, a stylus-adjusting gauge, shock-absorbing mounting supports, and a cut-out template (for chassis models).

Unpacking the L 78

Upon unpacking, check for any transport damage. The L 78 is thoroughly checked and tested before leaving the factory. Report any damage immediately.

Note: The upper part of the knife-edge balance is held by the arm's weight alone. A slight movement felt above the pedestal spindle when lifting the arm is normal for this bearing type and not a fault.

Preparation for Use

The L 78 is available in a wooden base or as a build-in model. The turntable is shipped separately in a cardboard sleeve to prevent spindle damage.

Wooden base models are fully assembled. Build-in models require on-site assembly following the cut-out template instructions.

The motor (44) is secured for transit with red securing screws (18) on the baseplate. These must be loosened until the motor is freely sprung.

The L 78 is designed for 220 V, 50 Hz AC mains but can be supplied with a switchable motor for 115, 145, and 225 V mains.

For optimal performance, clean important bearing and driving points (turntable spindle, turntable underside, motor shaft, idler wheel surface) with a clean, dry, non-fluffy cloth. Use methylated spirits or carbon tetrachloride sparingly for oil/grease spots (do not use benzine).

Place the turntable on the spindle, followed by the rubber mat. Push the large counterweight (1) onto the rear end (30) of the pick-up arm.

Interchangeable Plug-in Heads

The L 78 typically comes with an empty plug-in head (11) for user-selected cartridges. It includes mounting screws for standard cartridges. For playing older records (e.g., 78 RPM shellac), a separate plug-in head is recommended for each cartridge.

Assembling of the Cartridge into the Plug-in Head

Mount the cartridge onto the mounting plate using the provided material. Secure the plug-in head onto the tonearm with the knurled ring (10).

Align the semi-circular cut-out of the template with the tonearm pedestal and hole 'A' over the centre spindle.

Withdraw the tonearm from its securing clip (9), move it towards the turntable centre, and rest it gently on the cardboard.

Loosen screw (14) on the plug-in head (11). Slide the mounting plate with the cartridge into the plug-in head until the needle point aligns with the black line on the setting gauge. Tighten screw (14).

Remove the plug-in head from the tonearm and connect the pick-up leads to the cartridge. Wire colours for channels are:

• Right channel: Red
• Right earth channel: Green (GR)
• Left channel: White (L)
• Left earth channel: Blue (GL)

Reattach the plug-in head to the tonearm and secure with ring (10).

Mounting Material

• 2 screws 0.118 inches long
• 2 screws 0.314 inches long
• 2 screws 0.374 inches long
• 2 screws 0.5 inches long
• 2 distance bushes 0.137 inches long
• 2 mounting screws

Setting of Stylus Pressure

Stylus pressure is set using the two weights (1, 5) at the rear of the tonearm. The large weight (1) balances the tonearm, while the small weight (5) sets the stylus pressure.

1. Place the small weight (5) at the rear of the outrider.
2. Balance the tonearm by moving the large weight (1) along the arm until it floats parallel to the record.
3. Set the recommended stylus pressure for your cartridge using the small weight (5). Moving the weight forward from its null point increases pressure. Each notch on the outrider represents 0.5 P (pond, equivalent to grams).

To minimize distortion, avoid excessively low stylus pressures, which can cause stylus rattle and record wear. It is recommended to set pressure about 20% below the manufacturer's maximum recommendation. Extremely low pressures should also be avoided to prevent record wear.

Table 1 (referenced in the original document, but not provided in full here) details recommended stylus pressures and stylus dimensions for various cartridges.

To set the Arm Lifting Device

1. Place a record on the turntable.
2. Gently move the tonearm until the stylus is just above the first groove.
3. Move the arm-lifting device (8) forward.
4. Turn screw (25) on the arm-lifting device until the gap between it and the rubber nipple on the tonearm is approximately 2 mm.
5. Place the pick-up arm on the pick-up rest (9). Ensure the stylus does not touch the ON/OFF switch (12). Adjust the pick-up rest height by loosening the screw at its base if necessary.

Electrical Connection

The shielded pick-up cable (37) has a standard plug for connection to a loudspeaker or radio, often marked with terminals like "GRAMMO", "TA", "PICK-UK", or "Q".

Later European amplifiers may have a standard socket compatible with the L 78. For other or older models, a shielded intermediate cable may be required.

Once connected (38) to the mains, the unit is ready for use.

Anti-Skating Device

Due to geometrical design, a force (skating force) pulls the stylus towards the centre of the record. This can cause the stylus to jump grooves, especially at low pressures, and introduce distortion.

The L 78 includes an anti-skating device to compensate for this force, preventing distortion and stylus jumping.

Setting of the Anti-Skating Device

Ensure the tonearm is correctly set before adjusting anti-skating. The correct force depends on stylus pressure and stylus tip radius.

Two anti-skating weights (1g and 4g) are supplied. Refer to Table 2 for settings based on stylus pressure and tip radius.

Example: For a cartridge with 1.5 pond stylus pressure and an 18 µm (.0007") tip radius, use the 1g weight on Notch 6. Hang the 1g weight (28) over Notch 6, passing the thread through the hollow in the cork-screw (29) so it hangs freely.

Table 2: Cartridge Anti-Skating Settings

Note: The table on page 9 and 10 provides a more extensive list of settings for various cartridges.

Playing of Records

1. Set the speed change lever to the desired speed and confirm it is engaged. Long playing records indicate their speed (33⅓ or 45 RPM).
2. Turn the ON/OFF knob (12) from OFF to ON. The turntable will start rotating.
3. Place the pick-up arm on the lifting arm so the stylus is just above the record's run-in groove.
4. Move the arm lift lever (8) forward to lower the pick-up arm onto the record. Use the supplied adaptor for records with large centre holes.
5. The L 78 features an automatic stop and pick-up lift at the end of the record when the rear knob is set to 'automatic'.
6. For manual operation (e.g., language courses), set the knob to 'MAN' (manual). At the end of the record, move the arm lift lever (8) backward to lift the pick-up. Turn the ON/OFF knob (12) from ON to OFF to stop the unit.

Return the pick-up arm to its rest. To interrupt playback, follow step 6.

Checking and Adjusting the Turntable Speed

1. Place the provided stroboscope disc (with dark and light stripes) on the turntable.
2. Start the motor and illuminate the stroboscope with a mains-connected lamp. Dimming the room lights helps.
3. If the speed is correct, the dark lines on the stroboscope ring will appear stationary. If they move, the speed setting needs adjustment.
4. Lift the speed control lever slightly out of its catch and move it left or right to correct the speed. Re-engage the lever when correct.
5. For intentional speed deviations (e.g., matching instrument pitch), adjust the lever as described.
6. To reset a speed catch: Loosen the screw at the side of the catch (max. two turns). Set the speed lever into the catch, adjust speed, then carefully lift the lever out without changing the catch position, and retighten the screw.

Maintenance of Your Record Player

The unit's bearings are self-lubricating and require no further attention.

Keep the stylus clean of fluff and dust; a small brush is recommended. Brush only in one direction, from the rear edge of the cartridge to the front, to avoid damaging the stylus system. The LENCOCLEAN system can help maintain stylus cleanliness.

Periodically (approx. yearly), inspect the stylus under a microscope. Worn or damaged styli cause distorted reproduction, noise, and record damage.

Mounting the Record Cleaning Device LENCOCLEAN

The LENCOCLEAN system is designed for the L 78 to maintain records and ensure optimum reproduction.

Remove the left-hand back corner screw and install the supplied spindle 'C' for the LENCOCLEAN. Refer to the LENCOCLEAN instructions for exact mounting details.

LENCOCLEAN with SUPER-TONIC benefits:

• Reproduction without extraneous noise
• Minimum wear on records and pick-up needle
• Utterly simple record care

Levelling the Turntable

The L 78 is mounted on viscously damped springs. To ensure the instrument is perfectly level, adjustable damping bushes have slots. Inserting a coin and turning adjusts spring height.

Important: Remove the turntable before tipping the unit to adjust the level. Replace the turntable to check if it is level.

Dust Cover

The L 78, especially on a wooden plinth, includes a dust cover. It fits into holders at the back of the cabinet.

The dust cover can remain open at any angle down to 20°, after which it closes automatically.

When fitting the dust cover to a wooden plinth, ensure both hinges are folded back simultaneously to prevent damage to the plastic part.

Parts Identification

The following lists the numbered components shown in the diagrams on page 5:

Cartridge Compatibility and Tracking Force Recommendations

The following table lists various cartridge types, their manufacturers, and recommended tracking forces and stylus radii. Note: 'ellipt.' refers to elliptical stylus, 'biradial' to biradial stylus.

Multilingual notes from original document:

German: Die Verwendung von Tonabnehmersystemen, die einen höheren Auflagedruck als 5 p erfordern, ist nicht zu empfehlen.

French: L'utilisation de cellules nécessitant une force d'appui supérieure à 5 gr. n'est pas recommandée.

English: The use of pick-up-cartridges which need a higher tracking-force than 5 grams is not recommended.

Swedish: Användande av pick-upelement, vilka fordrar ett högre nåltryck än 5 gr, rekommenderas ej.

Dutch: Het gebruik van pickup elementen die een grotere naaldkracht dan 5 gram nodig hebben, is niet aan te bevelen.

Spanish: No es recomendable la utilización de cápsulas que precisen una fuerza de apoyo mayor de 5 gr.

Italian: L'impiego di testine chè richiedano una forza d'appoggio superiore ai 5 gr. non è consigliabile.

Cartridge Anti-Skating Settings

The following table provides settings for the anti-skating force based on stylus pressure and tip radius. It uses different weights (1g, 4g) and notches for adjustment.

Multilingual notes from original document:

German: Leergelassene Felder bedeuten, dass der betreffende Auflagedruck für den gegebenen Schliff der Tonabnehmer-Nadel nicht mehr zulässig ist.

French: Les cases vides constituent la limite des forces d'appui qu'il n'est pas recommandé de dépasser pour un rayon de pointe donné.

English: The empty squares show that the stylus pressure at these points is no longer permissible.

Swedish: Tomfält betyder att angivet nåltryck ej är att rekommendera vid denna slipning av pickupnålen.

Dutch: Waar kolommen leeggelaten zijn, wil dat zeggen, dat de naaldkracht voor de gegeven naald niet meer toelaatbaar is.

Spanish: Las casillas en blanco corresponden a fuerzas de apoyo que no deben emplearse, teniendo en cuenta el radio de la aguja.

Italian: Le caselle vuote indicano chez la forza d'appoggio non è più sufficente per il raggio della puntina.

For every transportation, the motor must be secured with the red marked screws, and the turntable plate, the counterweights, and the plug-in head have to be taken off.