CES 2025 is underway in Las Vegas and whilst the world’s largest consumer A/V show is no longer a great destination for the latest in high-end audio, there are a number of brands like FiiO, Kanto, and Lenco that are demonstrating more affordable personal audio and desktop audio products aimed at the next generation of listeners — and we think that’s important for a number of reasons.
Inflationary pressures may have eased over the past 12 months, but consumer goods are still expensive and that certainly applies to things that most people would consider essential; housing, food, and clothing.
High-end audio is not a necessity and younger consumers (18-35) are dealing with college debt, high interest rates which makes buying their first home more difficult, and economic uncertainty in regard to the incoming administration.
Consumers continued to buy more new records in 2024 at a marginally slower rate compared to 2023 — but the market is still quite strong.
All of that makes “lifestyle” oriented audio components and loudspeakers more attainable for the simple reason that people can afford them.
Lenco has introduced 3 new models at CES priced below $500 and there are some features that will make them rather appealing to those who don’t have a huge budget or a lot of space.
Lenco LBT-215
The Lenco LBT-215BK is a belt drive turntable featuring a black gloss finish, Audio Technica AT-VM95E Moving Magnet Cartridge, with metal platter, tonearm, and fully-adjustable counterweight.
The LBT-215BK sports a USB port for easy conversion of your vinyl collection to digital format, simply connect the turntable to your PC or Mac and use your preferred recording software to digitise your favourite records for playback on portable digital audio players, such as the FiiO M23.
LBT-215BK Key Features:
- Belt Drive Turntable
- Bluetooth transmission for wireless connection to Bluetooth speakers/headphones
- USB Output for PC/Mac connection to convert vinyl to digital
- Speed: 33⅓ RPM and 45 RPM
- Switchable Pre-amplifier
- Audio Technica AT-VM95E Moving Magnetic Cartridge
- Metal Platter, Tonearm, Adjustable Counterweight
- Removable Dust Cover
- Finish: Black Gloss
The LBT-215BK will be available from January 6th, priced £299/€329. Available in US from April priced $359.
Lenco LBTA-165
This fully automatic turntable features auto-return and auto-start ensuring a seamless easy operation, free from any accidental needle drops. With a pre-fitted Audio Technica AT3600L Moving Magnet cartridge, switchable pre-amplifier, removable dust-cover, and Bluetooth transmission for connecting to headphones or speakers (such as the Kanto ORA), the LBTA-165 is available in either a Black Wood or Wood finish.
LBTA-165 Key Features:
- Belt Drive Turntable
- Fully-automatic (Auto-return and Auto-start)
- Bluetooth Transmission for wireless connection to Bluetooth speakers/headphones
- Speed: 33⅓ RPM / 45 RPM
- Switchable Pre-amplifier
- Audio Technica AT3600L Moving Magnetic Cartridge
- Metal Platter
- Removable Dust Cover
- Finishes: Black Wood (LBTA-165BK) / Wood (LBTA-165WD)
The LBTA-165WD is available from January 6th priced £199/€219. Available in US from April priced $249.
Lenco LS-570WA
Introducing the LS-570WA, a versatile turntable/loudspeaker system designed to deliver good sound quality and easier setup. This unit features an integrated, four-speaker system that delivers 80-watts (70-watt RMS) of sound, ensuring powerful audio without the need for external speakers.
With Bluetooth 5.0 reception, you can wirelessly stream music from your smart devices, while the turntable’s belt drive, Moving Magnetic Cartridge (MMC), and Start/Stop control provide smooth and accurate playback at both 33 and 45 RPM.
The LS-570WA also includes a built-in pre-amplifier with an ON/OFF switch, allowing you the flexibility to connect to external audio systems. Supported by four sturdy wooden legs, the LS-570WA is easy to set up—simply attach the legs, and you’re ready to go in seconds. With its crafted design and powerful built-in speakers, the LS-570WA is the perfect all-in-one solution for vinyl enthusiasts.
KEY FEATURES:
- Bluetooth 5.0 reception.
- 2 rated speed settings 33, and 45 RPM.
- Moving Magnetic Cartridge (MMC).
- Belt drive.
- Start & stop control.
- 4 built-in speakers.
- Output power: 80-watt (70-watt RMS).
- Pre-amplifier ON-OFF.
- Plastic dust cover.
- Included: 4 rubber feet and 4 wooden legs, CE-UK multiplug AC Adaptor, USB cable.
- Connections: RCA output, AUX in.
The LS-570WA is available from January 6th priced £389/€389. Availble in US from April priced $469.
The Bottom Line
Are there probably too many companies making turntables right now? We suspect there will be a shake-out over the next 2-3 years because the reality is that most turntable sales are under $500 favouring those such as Pro-Ject, Audio-Technica, Rega, U-Turn Audio, Fluance, and Lenco that are focused on this segment.
Pro-Ject, Technics, and Rega will continue to sell their more expensive models to audiophiles who are focused on sound quality; leaving the rest of the pie to the dozens of other high-end brands selling expensive turntable options — which probably represents less than 10% of the overall market — and that might be overstating it.
Most audiophiles who have already invested a lot of money in their record collection have a good turntable that they are happy with and any additional investments are more likely to be cartridge or phono pre-amplifier upgrades.
These new models from Lenco are for a new generation of vinyl listeners who want something that is easier to setup and maintain and are not looking at this moment to spend $2,000 on a turntable.
The inclusion of Bluetooth transmission support will also make it easier for this group to stream from these tables to better wireless headphones, soundbars, or Bluetooth speakers that support the technology.
We look forward to checking these out.
