LENCO L-3809, WHICH IS BEST? vs LENCO L-3808, REGA RP1, FLUANCE RT81 & AUDIO-TECHNICA 120X

A budget, direct drive turntable with a built-in phono amplifier and USB 'vinyl ripping' port, Paul Rigby gives this turntable a spin
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VIDEO CONTENTS
00:00 - Intro
05:15 - The Brand Name
07:42 - Hong Kong Born
11:53 - Closer Look
15:27 - Sound Quality
17:34 - vs Lenco L-3808
22:37 - vs Rega RP1
26:13 - vs Fluance RT81
32:06 - vs Audio-Technica 120x
35:19 - Conclusion
#turntable #directdrive #review #lenco #budget #vinyl #rega #audiotechnica #fluance #120x #rp1 #rt81
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[@LegendOfTheBat]

Excellent, extensive review and many good tips, thank you! I will hopefully be getting the L-3808 soon, as those are still readily available in the Netherlands at good prices.

[@EA-58]

Loved my L-3808 for years with some upgrades. But repleaced it this year for a Pro-ject T1. Also a budget player with a great sound and fully analog. Great video as usual.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Thanks!

[@nztv8589]

The lenco l308 was my second turntable . My first was a NAD 5120 great sound but a bit too minimalist . The belt kept slipping off, the speed change procedure was a pain , in the end the motor ended up playing backwards . Heaven knows how that happened ! So I bought the l 3908 as I only dig out my vinyl once a year to play my records , but always end up packing it away again as the limitations of vinyl rear their ugly head. So I bought the lenco as I wanted a direct drive motor with no belt and speed change issues, a built in photo pre amp and minimal set up procedures . Your observations are spot on. The sound isn’t as good as the Nad or other “proper” budget turntables from Hifi names , but it’s good enough to keep you happy. I was happy considering the low price paid . One slight disappointment was the direct drive motor , I had been hoping you wouldn’t get any wow as you do with a belt drive turntable . Sadly you do still get a bit of wow .Otherwise I can highly recommend the l3808 if you just want a reliable turntable that just switches on and plays music .

[@jeremiahchamberlin4499]

Great review! I The 3809 certainly wins the lifestyle vote. I really appreciated the comparison of cartridges, I’m looking to upgrade my Stanton 500 Mark II cartridge on my older Numark DJ rig.

[@stepheng8779]

Always interesting, thank you. Personally not interested in the DJ extras and I've never needed a built in phono amp as an option but I've always been irritated by the manual belt speed change palava I've gone through for years. Any audio improvement has gone unnoticed whilst I grumble 😂

[@mikrophonie5633]

Goblin! Love their score for Suspiria.

[@marcionbruno8197]

Before the ‘08 was the ‘07, which around ten years ago sold for £250 or thereabouts and which I still have. It was a fairly straight Technics 1210 knock-off, but I was quite impressed with the sound. I certainly preferred it to my old Dual 505, which had packed up. The interesting thing from the point of view of your review is that it looked much more like the ‘09 and the ‘08 - especially the tone arm assembly, which looked almost the same as the ‘09. the ‘07 was a lot smarter looking than the ‘08, at least to my eye. I assumed it was also higher quality, partly because of the looks but also because it didn’t have extras like a phono stage or a USB out but cost at least as much. The drawback was that it came with a bog-standard Numark groovetool cartridge, which wasn’t TOO bad, I suppose, but is a definite step down even from the AT3600L. There was also, I later discovered, an alignment problem that I eventually traced to a twisted headshell which played hell with the azimuth. Upgrading to a 95E in a nice new headshell was transformational. On the other hand, the speed is still dead-on after almost a decade. No idea how well the ‘07 compares, sonically to the ‘09, or indeed the ‘08 but it’s a nice machine.

[@shaunjp2211]

Hi have got Rega P1 with upgraded acrylic platter and the AudioTechnica VM95 E and it’s magic .To be honest proved better than imagined, as an ex demo turntable open box. So I got it at reasonable £160 including the cartridge. In all upgrades cost me a further £53. I don’t think that’s to bad with how it sounds through my Musical Fidelity M2Si and V90 -lps. I didn’t want to spend a huge amount on a turntable as only have 50 lp’s. I’d long ago moved everything to CD. But with the revival of vinyl decided dip my toes as it were and this is where I am at the moment.

[@Grimwriggler]

Very nice review Paul i would love to hear a shoot out between the classic L75 and the new L3009 which are going for around te same price on Ebay in good condition I know that they are completely different decks but it would be a fun comparison . I am sure the L75 would have a smoother more organic sound but saying that i have never heard a completely original L75 with its original arm

[@donnaashall5838]

Once again excellent video, I have a vintage Ariston RD50 with the AT vm95 cartridge you compared in the video. I love my turntable but do wonder if it's time to upgrade? Could you recommend something that would fit the bill without spending too much? I'd like not to change belt position to change speed as my only request.

[@KINGYAMImrt]

Hello, first of all thank you very much for the reviews you give and with them you show new options for a new public, I would like a review or your opinion of the Lenco L-400bk model. first of all, Thanks.

[@SlambosCarofIdiots]

Glad to hear that some of the new budget tables are turning out good quality performance. But out of those four tables, only the AT 120X plays 78 rpm. With my collection, that is a necessary feature, so I have exactly one choice out of these.

[@bradygiltz5160]

plenty of budget tables are good. I started out with a all in one wooden victrola and it never damaged my records and it's built in speakers were fine but they have rca out so you can use your own speakers. The other company is audio technica..every turntable they make is good

[@manFromPeterborough]

@@bradygiltz5160 The older 120USB had it's problems - cogging motor, muffled treble due to wanky hi cut filters, tonearm curve off, meaning cart needs twisting inward on headshell to line up with protractor, poor AS, hum and buzz and last wandering speed stability. I now use 140XP which is big improvement over 120 - Quiet motor, no onboard preamp, good tonearm curve. mine did need internal tweaks - tonearm shielding needed to be separated from the mains earth, noisy transformer had to go - replaced with toroid, the motor dried up on day 2, needed oil

[@fabulous3506]

very usefull review

[@koenfje]

Hello, i’m doubting to buy this turntable. I read some reviews that also have the issue with the rotating speed not working properly. How bad is the speed drop problem? And do you have to change the pitch often? Kind regards, Koen

[@tonyjedioftheforest1364]

Very interesting video thank you. I intend to buy my son a new turntable when he gets his new house so it was relevant for me. Probably go for the Audio Technical now I have seen this as before I intended to buy the Rega RP1. On another note you mentioned the sorbothane dampening pads. I presume that they are the triangle type that you find on EBay. I was looking at these for my Systemdek IIX 900 which has a glass platter. Do you think that they would make an improvement?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Hi Tony - yes indeed. Just make sure the damping is balanced and not lopsided which might encourage speed variations. Also, for a glass platter, make sure it doesn't catch on anything. At least the cheap aluminium platters are concave, recessed enough not to catch on other components.

[@georgecorner2259]

Sounds like you could quite reasonably add a VM-95ML to the 3809 and really oomph up the offering. I had a version of the Audio Technica AT1240 Technics style clone (under the Eagletone Engineering brand, model One.Two) and was deeply impressed by the performance with the microline cartridge. Only replaced it to get a modded TD160 in a custom plinth otherwise I'd still have it! Great review and shootout Paul. Great to see the newer decks getting a fair crack of the whip - I think many of them can turn in a very good showing.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

True, George - many turntables out there have undiscovered capacity because the host brands are building to a price so certain parts are kept cheap to hit that retail target price: £199, £249, £299, etc. It's up to you to take things on from there if you wish. Not all turntables can cope, because their parts quality can be poor so they shake rattle and roll (on a micro level) too much for a better quality cart to affect things too much but there's lots of decent designs out there that can be upgraded (to a limit, not indefinitely but even so...) Don't forget isolation feet, platter damping, better headshells, platter mats, etc which also help.

[@cdauterive1]

Audiophile man, what’s the difference in cost if you add those upgrades compared to the AT120? I’m trying to get back into vinyl and considering and upgrade from the AT60

[@dmgsoultogetherness6667]

hi there can you say which one has the best/ fastest torque...and which tone arm/ mounting is sturdier thanks

[@eric3skywalker913]

The Goblin album behind him " The way of Drugs" golden! 🤣

[@robertcurtis658]

Ohio ò lp kpòĺ

[@thinkinglikeadesigner7942]

Hello, l am expecting a Hum unpleasant noise and there is no ground attachment at the back of the turntable. Thanks. M

[@PeerFekt]

This Lenco does not come from Hanpin. This comes from Yarhong, which can be recognized by the on off tower.

[@nicholasbrennan4115]

Hi Paul, enjoyed your review of the Lenco 09, I have the choice of a year old ATLP5x or for the same money buy a 3009, what do you think? Also had no idea that a headshell would affect the sound. Would it follow that the more expensive a headshell costs the better it is.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

The LP5x is sonically superior - costs more too of course but the LP5x is the way to go in a straight fight. Also, a turntable is a team of parts. Any one part that fails to come up to scratch affects sound. That includes the headshell. The latter and the tonearm it's attached to is there to support a cartridge. If it spends all its time (micro) vibrating then those vibrations turn into high-frequency noise, which veils any goodly sound coming from the cart. the tonearm hence fails to 'get out of the way'. So yep, the headshell is a factor here. Cost is a good indicator - maybe not perfect but it's an imperfect guide . Cheapo plastic will bend and flap around - here's an example of an expensive model. Just to give you a flavour theaudiophileman.com/t-01hs-ebony-headshell-timestep-review/

[@nicholasbrennan4115]

@@TheAudiophileMan Thank you Paul, LP5x it is.

[@lonetapes]

Hey Paul, any thoughts on the Audio Technica LPW50PB? Can’t really find much about it but seems to be a real challenger for the Rega P2 from what I have managed to read. I’ve got the chance to buy it new for £289.00 but value your thoughts. Thanks

[@TheAudiophileMan]

It certainly looks interesting - that carbon fibre-wrapped arm (it won't be solid CF - too expensive :) ) looks very interesting and seems to be going down the Pro-Ject road. I'll ask about that one.

[@dspink]

Great review, sorry if I missed it, is the 3809 body plastic or aluminium?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Plastic.

[@pschaida]

ALAS! The Lenco Turntable are not available here in the states. The Lenco 3808 appears to be sold over here by Digitnow, which sells a silver plinth version under that brand name. Digitnow does not sell a direct drive version. Although the build looks identical, there has been some criticism on the Digitnow, about tracking force and anti skate accuracy, as well as speed issues. Build quality has also been described as being inferior. Well, what does one expect for $159.00

[@patricksquare7126]

Hi there, recently I’ve been looking for a beginner vinyl system and I was thinking of going for a rega planar 1, q acoustics 3020 or 3020i and my parents old Cambridge azur 340A amp (and 551p mm phone pre amp). I was just wondering whether this is a worthwhile set up, and if so do you think it would be easier to set up for a beginner? Thanks so much.

[@brit1954]

I think it would be a super entry system I would buy the planar1 from a dealer and get them to upgrade the cartridge to a Audio-technia VM95E

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Looks fine to me, Patrick.

[@reinerhass_ttv5186]

Could u make a review of the LS-50LEDBK I read alot of bad reviews on amazon that people complain about lags or basically hangers while playing, can anyone confirm that or share his experience with me please? ♥

[@jeremiahchamberlin4499]

Second Thought: If this is a ‘Lifestyle’ product, you never mentioned if it was what passes for ‘automatic’ today; namely, does the tonearm return after it finishes playing one side of a 45 or LP? Also, you never mentioned all the different squares on the front of the plinth (unless I missed it), are they control buttons or indicator lamps, or ? ? ? Again, great review, appreciated the history of the brand and comparison with other manufacturer’s products in the same market space. 🙂

[@TheAudiophileMan]

It's a manual turntable, Jeremiah. The squares are just a image-based list of the features within. It's a bit or marketing by Lenco, it's a sticker. Check out my site for semi and full automatics turntables. I recommend looking at some of my Thorens reviews. Link is in the Description.

[@douglasbonner6543]

Hello Paul. I have my Hitachi HT 550 / Denon DL110 which I love. That said I still enjoyed your thoughts on these 4 units. Hey every time I pick up something from the UK I like to let you know. I recently picked up a UK built Drawmer MC1.1 and I got for a song. This is a very interesting piece, the internal phono preamp is easily bettered by my Emotiva SP-1 and Six Acoustic York but no big deal as the internal can be switched to a line input. The MC.1.1 has 1x XLR stereo input ,1x RCA stereo phono/line input and 1x stereo 3.5mm aux input. Outputs are 1x XLR stereo out, 1x single XLR mono sub out, 1x RCA stereo out I wish it were 2 RCA inputs but beggars can't be choosers. Also there is a headphone amplifier with its own separate volume control. You can switch between XLR out or RCA out on the fly. Thera are some odd things about it to, you know those crazy Brits you can all inputs live at the same time. I find that odd. The Drawmer is crazy clean and throws big deep stage via either XLR Kimber PBJ or RCA Van Den Hul D102mk3 to my Simaudio Celeste W-4070SE. This is the most pro/studio piece I have bought in years and I love it !. The unit has extremely high quality level controls that sound amazing at even the lowest level for night listening and is based around a very clean minimalist circuit. All this said this piece is the most home stereo oriented Drawmer makes the rest of the line is pure studio and a mystery to me. That said credit must be given when credit is due. The MC1.1 sounds bloody delightful and just fun ! all that really matters to my 2 channel or die, surround sound is for weenies ears. Those crazy Brits make some sweet gear.

[@Jammerk40]

I will tell you this!! The Lp120 and 120X are almost the same they removed some features from the LP120 like tone arm Hight adjustment and reverse feature for cueing up your records and pop up light! I see the Lenco are a copy of the Audio Technica and there are others out there that copied the Audio Technica! So I have a Lp120 and I love it!

[@gingernutpreacher]

Hi can you review the real chepo lenco £100 MMC with built in preamp

[@1mrdems]

Can I use this model in the USA?

[@bramm8az]

Hi, maybe a stupid question, but I can't find the real difference between the Lenco 3808, Lenco 3809 and the Lenco L-401BK anywhere. I live in the Netherlands, and the 3808 is sold out everywhere. So I'm in doubt between the 401BK and the 3809, but I can't find a review anywhere. Is the 401BK a good alternative to the 3808, or should I go for the 3809? Thank you in advance.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

I would guess that the 401BK is a rebadged name, possible for another market (Europe, maybe?) for the 3809. apart from that, I talk about the differences between the 08 and 09 here.

[@bramm8az]

@@TheAudiophileMan "Apart from that, I talk about the differences between the 08 and 09 here." Yes I know. But you are an expert, and I am not.. So I thought I'd ask you if you know the difference between the 09 and the 401. I mentioned the 08 because I actually wanted to buy it, but unfortunately it is sold out here in the Netherlands ... Indeed, the 09 and 401 just seem to be the same. Anyway, thanks for your response! Have a nice day.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

@@bramm8az Not too sure what you mean there...but, even so I hope I covered everything you asked about in your initial question above - the 08 and 09 has been extensively covered by myself in the review and the 401, as I say, looks like a rebadge (don't know for sure but that's how it appears, I've never seen a 401 in person) of the 09 so, on that basis and taking everything from the review here, the 09 or the rebadged 401 seems to be the way to go.

[@bramm8az]

@@TheAudiophileMan haha sorry, i read my comment again and see that i misunderstood your comment. therefore my response was a bit unclear… the video was very helpful! thanks for your help, i think i'll go for the 401 then or should I call it the 09.. haha

[@Trojan0304]

Interesting but my old Pioneer 518 auto return still plays well

[@pschaida]

it looks like the Lenco L-3808 would be the over all equivalent to the Sony PS-LX350H her in the States. Layout and appearance, appear to be identical... Although the Sony comes only in black.

[@pschaida]

OK, It looks like I was right about being able to order and sell this unit as a house brand. In the U.S.A. What appears to be the same Direct Drive Lenco L-3809 unit is available on Amazon as the Gemini Sound TT-4000 Professional Direct-Drive DJ Turntable, with High Torque, 3 Speeds Vinyl Record Player, Switchable Phono Preamp, Variable Pitch Control, Die-Cast Aluminum platter.(Professional DJ turntable? Riggghhhttt!! I don't think so).

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Glad you made this point, Gregory. I neglected to do the same multi-brand thing in my review and I was wrong to leave it out. I’m planning a turntable buyer’s guide soon and I want to include and rectify the situation there. I’ll talk about it then and, if you don’t mind, reference you as the trigger. Incidentally, as you’ve been looking recently, have you noticed any other brands using the same basic design?

[@pschaida]

@@TheAudiophileMan Paul, I used the word "faux" prematurely in my response, as it appears the Gemini TT-4000 unit does feature a moveable rotating tonearm support ring to adjust the tone arm height. I don't think the Lenco "09" has that feature, and hence might explain the subtle difference in ring detail between the units.

[@pschaida]

@@TheAudiophileManAdditional footnotes on the Gemini TT-4000 when comparing to the Lenco L-3809, it appears that the Gemini, has no DustCover, But the Gemini does have feature 3 speeds, vs. 2 speeds for the Lenco. As of this writing the Gemini is on sale online for just over 175 US

[@erwinandres1828]

I Have A Wuestions About Lenco L - 3808 Turntable Does It Has 78 RPM On It?

[@ep9421]

No 78rpm

[@TheSkyanton]

I have big trouble on adjusting the pitch on my L-3809 turntable. I'm very disappointed, nothing seems to work.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

What’s the issue, exactly?

[@TheSkyanton]

@@TheAudiophileMan the central dot never “stands still” during the pitch adjustment and, whatever I do, rarely the sound is as it’s supposed to be.

[@TheAudiophileMan]

When you say the "dot never “stands still” " you mean the strobe wavers a little? If the strobe is basically 'still' yet sets up a repetitive wavering pattern and never shifts from that then you should be fine. As long as, when you listen to it, it's not making obvious 'wowing' movements in sound terms. As long as your music sounds ok, I wouldn't worry about it. IF it does sound distorted then send it back for a a replacement /refund. The Lenco is built to a price don't forget so you won't get the high-end speed stability readings as you might see on a higher-end Technics.

[@TheSkyanton]

@@TheAudiophileMan Thank you for your kind reply.

[@paulbunting4260]

I appreciate your review but the L3809BK seems that it would support 78rpm if you pressed 33 and 45 rpm buttons at the same time. I know my L7809BK will speed up if I press the x2 speed buttons at the same time which surprised me. I know it would require a different needle, Any chance you could make any recommendations? I would of course have to look out for some 78rpm vinyl from my local record shop also. Paul

[@juanmillaruelo7647]

There is too much electronics within a simple "turntable" which should just do what it has to do. Those minute changes in sound are probably due to cartridge and electronics and not the "table" itself. "listening to the cartridge". Indeed.

[@Zockopa]

At least check them turntables out with the same cartridge. Otherwise youre testing cartridges not turntables. Probably use that one that sounds best with all decks.

[@MONTY-YTNOM]

So, get the 120 then :)

[@juanmillaruelo7647]

Surprised at poor performance of belt driven turntables. On paper it should be the least expensive way to get low rumble, wow, flutter, etc. provided the motor is properly suspended / isolated. That's how the original AR met excellent targets at reasonable prices 50 yrs ago. Has motor technology progressed so much that price targets are more easily met with direct drive?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

To reply to this and your other note, a turntable is a compromise and truly a sum of parts. Each part is equally important. A turntable is possibly the most import 'team' in your hifi chain. And I didn't slate all belt drives. Please see the video again. Only the poor quality motors attached to some Chinese super-budgets. Again, though, the other poor parts on the same does them no favours. A cheapo direct drive is harder to mess up.

[@juanmillaruelo7647]

"Lifestyle" = "looking the part" + "no fuss" ?

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Partly - but also attractive different customers who might want to buy the design for more than just strictly sound purposes. To, as it where, better fit into their life. As opposed to a Rega RP1, in which your life fits into *it*. No compromise.

[@dean6816]

The 08s pitch reminds me of the pitch I had on a set of sound-labs I had about 20 years ago... Horrible!!!

[@khameeleeon]

There's absolutely no reason for that Lenco TT's existence. It sounds bad only by looking at it. For the casual bedroom DJ, the AT120 is a better choice for the same money. As for the budget oriented vinyl listener, any entry level Rega, Pro-Ject, Fluance is stelar in comparison, for the same money. We are drowning in useless plastic not because we need it, but because someone's bottom line and foothold in the cheap market demands it. No style, no class, just money.

[@paweldun]

wow, its the same Gemini TT4000

[@TheAudiophileMan]

Thanks for your post - first time I noticed that.

[@sqteamturkey2293]

I bought l3810 really bad quality