SpH Stainless Steel 'Mat' on my Lenco L78

by **elhefe** Tue Aug 23, 2016 5:06 pm

So, I got myself a stock Lenco again. This time around with a few different touches compared to my previous unit. Although it came in its all original parts except for the plinth and cart, there was still different in sound. This just proof that even the slightest change in parts and design, it will definitely affect the sound produced. Curiosity then got to me to see what else can affect the sound. Coincidentally, there was a buzz going around in the local Lenco scene that a new Stainless Steel (SS) plate was specially designed to further enhance the already exceptional Lenco sound.

With the power of the internet social media, SpH offered me this SS plate to try this new revolutionary plate design. A date was set for me to try it out and the item was delivered. We played with it for a couple of hours but since I just received my new Lenco at that time, I requested for me continue testing out this SS plate for a month or so.

FIRST IMPRESSION

At first, we actually tried the plate on my Clearaudio Concept TT. Erk! The Clearaudio could not even turn . So, we quickly took it off and start putting it on my new Lenco.

Bassy! First off test, the SS plate made the overall sound to be bassy. Not in a bad way. Its more like it injected more low end notes to the overall musical presentation.

But after a few weeks of swapping between this SS plate and the original Lenco rubber mat, I started to realize its potential. Heck, just to further challenge this new plate, I even started to spin LPs using a cork mat.

And fans..... this is my finding using a track by Zoe Deschanel duet She and Him, singing You Really Gotta Hold on Me. A few adjustments had to be made on the VTA to accommodate the thicker SS plate. The comparison video can be heard on Youtube.

1. Stock Lenco Rubber Mat

SpH Stainless Steel 'Mat' on my Lenco L78 IMG_20160803_2051463

With the stock Lenco, the overall sound is as per what I discovered in my previous review, it produced a lighter side of of the music. Zoe's vocal sounded sharp and very open. The whole song was 'flowing' out and filling up the my hall. Huge sound stage. Low end notes does not really emerge with the rubber mat but it then gives out a very natural overall tone to the track.

2. Stainless Steel Plate (SS Plate)

SpH Stainless Steel 'Mat' on my Lenco L78 IMG_20160803_2110070

Now, this is where a significant change in the overall sound reproduction is heard. I believe it is a combination of the weight and also the design of the holes size and pattern on the plate. Both helps in dissipating unwanted vibration which is critical for LP spinning. As per my first impression, the plate injected a more defined low end notes to the music. It gives some sort of control and to the music flow by unleashing a more warm and emotional sound to this track. It uplifts the bass which made Zoe's vocal more alluring. It does give a different overall musical presentation.

3. Cork Mat

SpH Stainless Steel 'Mat' on my Lenco L78 IMG_20160803_2051075

This was a big no-no for my Lenco. Although there was less fewer pops and cracks, the overall tone of the music produced just dived down with very low bass reproduction. The mids and highs just sounded less alive and just reduces the enjoyment of listening to a Lenco. And what ticks me off more was that the mat keep sticking to the LP each time I remove the LP from the platter. But, not necessarily this cork mat is bad for other TTs. I will try this on my Clearaudio after this.

SO, DOES THE MAT MATTERS?

YES! To me, it depends on how you want your system to sing and what your system needs. The stock Lenco already sounded good to my ears and fits my system for most of the musical genres that I listen to. However, the SS plate definitely provided me with a different musical perspective and enjoyment if I may add. It does control low end notes and allow a more defined reproduction of bass. Even on heavy metal tracks, it created a more wholesome energized music delivery. Want some lively and controlled bass from those double kick pedals of Metallica and double bass jazz? Try to contact sph on this forum.

by vt4c Wed Aug 24, 2016 7:23 pm

Hi elhefe,
Nice write-up.

Interestingly, TD-124 user try to stay away from magnetic platter such as the MK1 and the MKII is more desirable

by sph Wed Aug 24, 2016 8:30 pm

Elhefe,
Thanks for the write-up. Wait till you try your Lenco with a second SSSmat!

Pity that your Clearaudio Concept TT couldn't spin properly with the SSSmat on.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

CNC cut from 4mm stainless steel the mat weighs 2kg each! It's non-magnetic.

Besides the vintage Lenco, vintage idler drive turntables like Garrard (301 & 401) and Thorens 124 perform very well with the mat. Other turntables with a strong motor should have no problem spinning with the mat too. It has been tested on a JC Verdier (using 2 mats too) without any problems.

Satisfaction guaranteed, I am offering a "money back" guarantee for this SSSmat. Price is RM380 a piece. Try it.....if you don't like it return it for a full refund. Nothing to lose, but a bit of your time trying it.....

Thorens TD-124 & Garrard 301
SpH Stainless Steel 'Mat' on my Lenco L78 Image24

SpH Stainless Steel 'Mat' on my Lenco L78 Image24

SLAT-Lenco
SpH Stainless Steel 'Mat' on my Lenco L78 Image25

SLAT-Lenco
SpH Stainless Steel 'Mat' on my Lenco L78 Image26

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