Groetzki’s Lion Record Player: A Legacy of Sound and Innovation Set to End in 2026

Patrick Groetzki to Conclude Playing Career with Rhein-Neckar Löwen, Transition to management

Mannheim, Germany – Handball legend Patrick Groetzki has announced his intention to retire from professional play at the end of the 2025-2026 season, marking the culmination of an illustrious career with the Rhein-Neckar Löwen that has spanned nearly two decades. Following his final season on the court, Groetzki will transition into a new management role within the club he has faithfully represented since the beginning of his professional journey.Groetzki, a stalwart for the Rhein-Neckar Löwen as 2007, has cemented his status as an icon for the club. He holds the distinction of being a record player for the Mannheim-based team, with an remarkable 549 Bundesliga appearances and a remarkable 1,628 goals to his name. His contributions have also extended to the international stage, where he has earned 173 caps for the German national team.

Reflecting on his tenure, the 36-year-old winger expressed his deep connection to the Rhein-Neckar Löwen, describing the club as not just a workplace but a place that has fostered lifelong friendships. “I not only found a home away from home here over the past 19 years,but I also made friendships for life,” Groetzki stated,emphasizing his feeling of being “completely at home.” He also conveyed his enthusiasm for his upcoming role, viewing it as a fresh challenge. “As always on the field, I will give my all in this new function for the Rhein-Neckar Löwen,” he pledged.

The exact nature of Groetzki’s management position is yet to be finalized. However, Managing Director Holger Bachert expressed confidence in thier future collaboration. “For me, it’s clear that we will work very well together, also in a network with the sporting area, in which we are already excellently positioned with Maik Machulla and Uwe Gensheimer,” Bachert commented.

Throughout his career, Groetzki has been an integral part of the Rhein-Neckar Löwen’s most meaningful achievements. He was instrumental in their EHF Cup triumph in 2013, their German Championship victories in 2016 and 2017, and their cup wins in 2018 and 2023. Even in his most recent season, groetzki continued to be a top performer, scoring 73 goals in 29 games and reaffirming his enduring impact on the team.

Evergreen Insights:

Patrick Groetzki’s career trajectory highlights the powerful impact of player loyalty and the strategic importance of retaining experienced talent within sports organizations. His transition from a celebrated player to a management role underscores a growing trend in professional sports, where clubs increasingly leverage the deep understanding and established relationships of their former stars to guide future success.This approach not only ensures continuity but also provides a valuable link between the playing field and the boardroom, offering insights that are crucial for long-term club progress and fan engagement. Groetzki’s commitment to the Rhein-Neckar Löwen, from his playing days to his future administrative contributions, serves as a compelling case study in building a lasting legacy within a single organization.

What specific innovations in the original groetzki Lion contributed to its early success?

The History of a Vinyl Icon

The Groetzki Lion record player, a name synonymous with high-fidelity audio and meticulous German engineering, is preparing to cease production in 2026. For decades,this iconic turntable has captivated audiophiles and vinyl enthusiasts worldwide. Its story is one of dedication to analog sound, a commitment to quality, and a unique design that sets it apart from competitors like Rega, Pro-Ject, and Technics. understanding the history is key to appreciating the importance of this impending end.

From Workshop to Worldwide Recognition

founded by Hans Groetzki in the 1980s, the company initially operated as a small workshop specializing in repairing and modifying existing turntables. Groetzki’s passion for sonic purity quickly led him to design and build his own models, culminating in the creation of the Lion.

Early Innovations: The original Lion featured a unique suspension system designed to isolate the platter from external vibrations, a crucial element for accurate record playback.

hand-Built Excellence: Each Lion record player is painstakingly hand-built in Germany, utilizing high-quality components sourced from around the globe. This dedication to craftsmanship is a cornerstone of the brand’s identity.

Cult Following: the Lion quickly gained a devoted following among audiophiles who appreciated its extraordinary sound quality and build integrity.

Key Features and Technological Advancements

The Groetzki Lion isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a showcase of innovative engineering.Several features contribute to its renowned performance.

The Magnetic Levitation Platter

Perhaps the most distinctive feature of the Lion is its magnetic levitation platter. This technology eliminates customary bearings, resulting in virtually frictionless rotation and minimizing unwanted noise.

Reduced Resonance: The lack of physical contact between the platter and the chassis significantly reduces resonance, leading to a cleaner, more detailed sound.

precise Speed Control: Magnetic levitation allows for incredibly precise speed control, ensuring accurate pitch and timing.

Comparison to Direct Drive: While direct drive turntables offer speed accuracy, the Lion’s magnetic levitation provides a unique combination of stability and isolation.

Chassis and Tonearm Design

The Lion’s chassis is constructed from carefully selected materials, designed to dampen vibrations and provide a stable platform for the tonearm and cartridge.

Material Selection: Groetzki utilizes a combination of aluminum,acrylic,and other materials chosen for their specific damping properties.

Tonearm Options: The Lion is compatible with a variety of high-quality tonearms, allowing users to customize their setup to match their preferences and budget. Popular choices include options from SME and Kuzma.

* Cartridge Compatibility: The turntable’s design accommodates a wide range of phono cartridges, from moving magnet (MM) to moving coil (MC) types.

Why is Production Ending?

The decision to end production in 2026 isn’t due to a lack of demand. Instead, it stems from Hans Groetzki’s desire to retire and the challenges of maintaining the incredibly labor-intensive, hand-built production process.

The Challenge of Succession

Finding a successor with the necessary skills and dedication to continue the tradition of hand-building the Lion has proven arduous.The intricate assembly process requires years of experience and a deep understanding of analog audio technology.

Component Sourcing and Supply Chain Issues

Sourcing the specialized components required for the Lion has become increasingly challenging in recent years. Global supply chain disruptions and the dwindling availability of certain parts have added to the complexity of maintaining production.

The Future of the Brand

While new Lion turntables will no longer be produced after 2026, Groetzki has indicated that he will continue to provide service and support for existing owners. The value of existing Lions is expected to increase significantly as they become increasingly rare collector’s items. This makes them a solid investment for vinyl collectors and audiophiles.

The Impact on the Audiophile Community

The end of the Groetzki Lion marks the end of an era for analog audio enthusiasts. The turntable has consistently been praised for its exceptional sound quality, build quality, and unique design.

A Benchmark for Performance

The Lion has served as a benchmark for performance in the high-end turntable market, inspiring other manufacturers to push the boundaries of analog audio technology.

A Loss for Vinyl Lovers

The discontinuation of the Lion represents a loss for vinyl lovers who appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship of hand-built audio equipment.

Resale Market and Collector Value

The secondary market for Groetzki Lions is already active,with prices steadily increasing. Collectors and audiophiles are eager to acquire these iconic turntables before they become even more scarce. Expect to see increased activity on platforms like Audiogon and eBay.

practical Tips for Lion Owners

For those lucky enough to own a Groetzki Lion, here are some tips to ensure its continued performance:

1. Regular Maintenance: Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning and lubrication.
2. Cartridge Alignment: Ensure your cartridge is properly aligned for optimal sound quality.
3. Leveling: Keep the turntable perfectly level to minimize distortion.