LESA

LESA is an Italian turntable manufacturer with origins dating back to 1929. The company, originally named Electrotechnical Laboratories Società Anonima, was founded in Milan by entrepreneur Nello Meoni and technician Luigi Massaroni. LESA developed a strong reputation over about four decades for specializing in record player design and production, contributing notably to the Italian hi-fi and electronics industry.

Their turntables, such as the well-regarded D2/21 model from 1961 and the LF700 from the 1960s, are noted for their distinctive Italian styling, quality craftsmanship, and innovative mechanisms. LESA turntables often combined elegant wood cabinetry with functional design elements, reflecting the aesthetic and technical standards of mid-20th-century Italian audio engineering.

Despite being a significant player in the Italian electronics scene, LESA's prominence declined in the mid-1970s, with the company either ceasing operations or drastically reducing its activities around that time. Today, LESA turntables are considered collectible vintage items appreciated for their historical value and unique design, emblematic of Italy’s contribution to the golden era of analog audio equipment.

In summary, LESA’s origins lie in early 20th-century Milan, where it grew into a respected manufacturer of high-quality turntables and audio electronics, leaving a lasting legacy in Italy’s audio heritage.