Lenco

Overview

Lenco is a brand of consumer electronics known for turntables, speakers, radios, and audio equipment, leveraging a heritage from the original Swiss manufacturer Lenco AG (1946-1980s). Now owned by Commaxx International NV and headquartered in the Netherlands, it positions products as affordable options with innovative design, user-friendliness, and nostalgic appeal for multiple generations. The brand distributes worldwide through retailers and local partners, emphasizing a balance of price and performance in hi-fi and everyday electronics.⁴⁵⁷⁸

History

Lenco AG was founded in 1946 in Burgdorf, Switzerland, by Fritz and Marie Laeng, initially producing household products before launching its first turntable in 1949. The company expanded with a factory in Osimo, Italy in 1961, grew to export to over 80 countries, and peaked with around 1,300 employees in the early 1970s. It faced decline due to economic downturns and Asian competition, leading to bankruptcy in 1977, with service continuing until 1983. The brand was later acquired by Horst Neugebauer KG and since 2015 has been owned by Commaxx International NV, continuing production of audio and consumer electronics.¹²³⁵⁷

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Products are manufactured in company facilities using modern technology, with historical production including sites in Switzerland and Italy; current operations under Commaxx suggest a mix of in-house and outsourced production across Europe and Asia. The brand develops and manufactures OEM products for other electronics brands.⁵⁷⁸

Notable Products

• Lenco TC-420 - Belt-drive turntable with USB recording and Bluetooth, popular for entry-level vinyl enthusiasts.
• Lenco L-3808 - Direct-drive audiophile turntable with high-precision motor for professional use.
• Lenco SCR-43 - Retro-style DAB+ radio with Bluetooth and CD player.
• Lenco NR-900 - WiFi network radio with streaming services support.
• Lenco SW-300 - Portable Bluetooth speaker with battery operation.

Reputation

Enthusiasts appreciate Lenco's modern turntables for their value, ease of use, and nostalgic design, often praising build quality relative to price in entry-to-midrange segments. Professionals note the brand's revival under Dutch ownership maintains Swiss heritage claims but criticize it for lacking the precision of original Lenco AG models or high-end competitors. Common feedback highlights reliability for casual users alongside occasional quality control issues in budget lines.¹²⁸