Which Beogram or similar?

My girlfriend has expressed a desire to own a vintage record player/turntable. I think she has a 'vintage style' in mind but everything that fits that description looks really naff!

So I'm now considering a genuine vintage player, and hoping that I can get some advice here on which to buy?

Having done a little research, it seems that early BeoGram players fit the bill quite nicely and I'm particularly keen on the 1200 series, but working ones seem to go for around £300 which is a little more than I'd hoped to spend! I was drawn by the timeless design characteristics - I just love the minimalism and contrast between the sleek metallic and natural wooden finishes. Of course the sound quality is important too though and the 1200's appear to have a good balance between technology and tradition on that front. I'm also not too keen on the linear tracking on the newer models.

So I suppose the question is, what tips does BeoWorld have for me when it comes to getting a good deal on old players? Is it worth buying a broken one and finding a local shop to have it reconditioned, or is that likely to work out equally expensive? Are there any similar models which go for a bit cheaper? Other brands worth considering, or any modern replicas which would suffice without looking too naff?

I'm hoping not to spend much more than around £200 if at all possible - but please do be frank if you think I'm expecting too much for too little!

Really appreciate any advice you guys can give.

Phil

Have a look around at new players. There are some wonderful designs out there, many with vintage looks. Getting something vintage might give you problems getting a pick-up.

Hi Phil and welcome to Beoworld.

First off, your girlfriend has excellent taste!  Desiring a B&O vintage TT makes her a 'keeper'!

If you search the Beoworld 'Products' tab above and look under 'music systems' then Beogram record decks, you can peruse the range and maybe make a more informed selection based on her/your preferences.  There is nothig wrong with linear decks, in fact B&O make probably the best linear tracking TT's.  All of these 'vintage' TT's are now of course old and all will need some TLC such as cleaning and lubricating.

£300 is high in my opinion but prices have increased due to scarcity of some TT's and the resurgance of vinyl.  If you search eBay.UK you can find some reasonable deals such as this one:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/bang-olufsen-turntable/181642093428?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20140122125356%26meid%3D4c825057db534d8a9286075585369368%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D6%26sd%3D131407112971&rt=nc

It looks well looked after and still has the protective cover for the cartridge.

This one needs a bit of TLC but claimed to work fine:

http://www.ebay.de/itm/BANG-OLUFSEN-Beogram-1102-/171640748515?pt=Plattenspieler&hash=item27f695f9e3

This one is in Germany but may ship if you ask them beforehand:

http://www.ebay.de/itm/PLATTENSPIELER-BEOGRAM-1500-VOM-HAUSE-BANG-OLUFSEN-IN-SEHR-GUTEM-ZUSTAND-/351284824361?pt=Plattenspieler&hash=item51ca350929

Full system who also may ship if asked:

http://www.ebay.de/itm/Bang-Olufsen-Beomaster-Beovox-Beogram-Verstarker-Radio-Plattenspieler-/121547235993?pt=Radios_Recorder&hash=item1c4cc7a299

If possible, the best option is to find something locally so you can collect it.  Shipping if not done properly can reduce these old TT's to scrap.  The platter  should be locked, cartridge removed, platter removed and packed underneath, tonearm secured etc etc.

A good Beogram 1000 can be a wonderful machine too so have a browse.

There are lots of other makes such as DUAL with the 721 being one of my favourite decks at home.  If you search some of the vinyl type forums you will get a variety of views on which TT is better than another.  Same here, some of us favour some models opposed to others.

As wel as the investment in buying the TT, you will at some stage have to invest more to keep it running properly - cartridges (not cheap), new drive belt, new capacitors probably and the list can go on.  Try to find the best you can within your set budget and be prepared to wait - don't rush as you will probably end up being dissappointed.

Another option is to try to contact member 'Leslie' by private message/e-mail.  He has a great collection and often has items for sale but not advertised here.

I don't believe that any modern manufacturer comes close to beating the appearence (or sound) of a classic vintage B&O TT.  There are lots of new looking models (I've just bought a Pro-ject 2 Xperience (but don't tell anyone here!) which is great but isn't anything like a vintage design.

Repairing vintage B&O TT's is something that repair shops tend to shy away from (they say 'can't get parts etc) but they are repairable with the help of members here as can be seen by the number of threads on Beograms and restorations/repairs.

For your £200 budget, you should be able to find a good, working vintage B&O TT. In addition of course, you will need an amplifier (possibly pre-amp depending on the TT/amp you get) and speakers.  There are also plenty of good vintage amps available via eBay.

Good luck in your hunt.

Dave.

 

Dave, you didn't tell him what a B&O cartridge costs......

leosgonewild:

Dave, you didn't tell him what a B&O cartridge costs......

No, but I did say that running these vitage TT's was not cheap and that the cartridge would obviously be something to factor in.  Depending on the TT Phil and his better half end up with, some cartridges are still reasonably priced for a replacement (SP range for example and even MMC20's) or, to be retipped.  With any TT, the stylus is a consumable.  Admittedly, B&O replacements are more expensive that many others including SHURE, 2M etc but then even those can go to 4 figures for the highest spec ones.  You can spend tens of thousands of EUR on cartridges but many of us would be hard pressed to tell the difference with our aged hearing!  For my latest Pro-ject TT with a 2M red cart, a replacement stylus is about £60 but I don't know the longevity.  The SP range seem to last for a very long time so may be economic in the long term.  Interesting if anyone has any experience of hours use before a new stylus is needed for various cartridges of different makes.

You're right though Leo, these costs all need to be factored into any consideration.

Dave.

leosgonewild:

Have a look around at new players. There are some wonderful designs out there, many with vintage looks. Getting something vintage might give you problems getting a pick-up.

There is no problem finding a pick-up today for any of the classic Beograms.
Actually, in 5-8 years from now, I think, there would still be a much better change of
finding a new pickup for an old B&O deck than for any plastic deck you can buy today.
Maybe even more options than today.

Grab a 1200-series in good condition, use it and care for it.
You may find that it will easily sell for the same value later - perhaps more.
They simply don't make anything like it anymore.

Martin

Sorry guys, I was maybe to fast in the trigger

I was thinking of the MMC/SMMC range. Those are usually what he wants to pay for his TT.

(Had a night shift, I shouldn't post after those)

Thank you all so much for your advice - I really wasn't expecting to get this many responses so soon.

I'm not too worried about the maintenance costs - that's her problem!

Joking aside, that is actually one of my main concerns, and since I don't have a scooby what's involved in looking after a modern TT (let alone a vintage one) I'm not sure I'd feel comfortable trying to take on the maintenance myself. Perhaps it would be sensible to go for a new player and come back once I have a better understanding about what's involved and how they work. I'm not known for being sensible though!

You've all given me some great insights, plenty to think about and some strong direction for further research. Thankfully her Birthday is still a couple of months away so I still have some time to mull things over and shop around a little.

Thanks again guys. This forum seems to have a great community and I'm sure I'll be back very soon! And Dave - I'll keep a very close eye on those eBay listings you kindly pointed out for me.