ARCHIVED FORUM -- March 2012 to February 2022READ ONLY FORUM
This is the second Archived Forum which was active between 1st March 2012 and 23rd February 2022
I read another thread and a beoworlder commented on the fact that even broken B&O carts are fetching high prices. It certainly looks that way on Ebay and the line that sellers are unable to check the item with a couple of pics taken from several feet away doesn't seem to deter bidders. It's either broken or it ain't but this middle road seems to be the the most profitable way to go for sellers.
Blame the vinyl boom, I guess. There must be a lot of new buyers who don't exactly know what they are buying. I have also noted a marked increase of elementary level Beogram questions on the forum lately. I'm glad I don't need any more Beograms...
--mika
I think you are absolutely right and I always consider 'non-tested' to mean does not work.
Mika makes a good point too in that there is a real resurgence of interest in Beograms in recent years in line with the renewed interest in vinyl. I think cartridge prices will continue to push up.
Ben
Decks themselves just keep going up in value, and cartridges are following...
I think owning a vinyl deck is a bit like owning a classic car. It's nowhere near as good as the modern stuff (if you strip it down to performance), but we all love a nostalgia trip..
Me too - I admit. We've just taken in a mint condition BeoGram 4500 and I'm actually quite excited about it. It's coming home with me for the weekend!!
Lee
I love your enthusiasm for your stock Lee and the ability of some of it to find its way to your home!
Having never had a turntable I do remember the sense of occasion cueing up a record from my family player. The parallel with a classic car is so true.
Beo Century ,Beoplay V1, Beocenter 6, Ex-Beolit 12, Beotime , A8. Beolit 15 , Form 2i , Beolab 2000, Beoplay A3.Beosound 1
Just purchased a BG 6002 for $60 (equv.), untested. When I arrived I noticed the aluminium lid over the tone arm had come loose from the tape it is attached to, othervise it was looking fine. The seller probably assumed the sale was going south due to the cover, so he immediately included a very nice pair of CX 50s in the bargain. Also untested, as seller 'don't have those plugs'
Finally there where 2 (!) BEO4 remotes (one of which was new in box) which belonged to the Beogram, so they were also obviously included.
Turns out the 6002 works like a dream, the cover will soon be reattached.So, this time untested = great bargain ! :-)
I think a lot of people are very unfamiliar with B&O and don't really know what they are getting into. However, there are also a lot of people gathering up as much junked out B&O items as they can and selling them "untested as-is" and asking top dollar for it! Sometimes they even get it. I've been trying to put together a Beosystem 5500, and have come across some good deals, and some outrageous prices. I'm defiantly over my anticipated budget for the system, but I'm enjoying it so far.
9 LEE: Decks themselves just keep going up in value, and cartridges are following... I think owning a vinyl deck is a bit like owning a classic car. It's nowhere near as good as the modern stuff (if you strip it down to performance), but we all love a nostalgia trip.. Me too - I admit. We've just taken in a mint condition BeoGram 4500 and I'm actually quite excited about it. It's coming home with me for the weekend!! Lee
Excellent analogy the old Beogram to a classic car. And for old cars sometimes you pay what you have to for parts and try and fix the parts if they don't work, because there's little other choice in the matter, just like Beograms and cartridges. You do have to figure in that in addition to the cartridge price you're going to have to have it rebuilt though, something I think a lot of Beogram newbies are unaware of. And certainly here in the US the comment about people selling junk Beogear at high prices is definitely true. If it doesn't work mechanically or electrically I find that more acceptable than ones that are in horrible cosmetic condition, as I think the latter is often a much harder repair, but they still seem to want top dollar for just dreadfully abused pieces sadly.
Jeff
I'm afraid I'm recovering from the BeoVirus.
Jeff:Excellent analogy the old Beogram to a classic car. And for old cars sometimes you pay what you have to for parts and try and fix the parts if they don't work, because there's little other choice in the matter, just like Beograms and cartridges. You do have to figure in that in addition to the cartridge price you're going to have to have it rebuilt though, something I think a lot of Beogram newbies are unaware of.
Hence my continued desire to perhaps sell my current Beogram TT and opt for a newer one from Pro-Ject or another company. But it is difficult for me to imagine parting ways with the 6500. :-(
It's very true that some of the gear is absolute garbage and they are asking insane prices. Not gonna argue with that. However, I really do think that the Beograms are a fantastic turntable. I now own three and they are by far the best decks I've owned.
Sal: Jeff:Excellent analogy the old Beogram to a classic car. And for old cars sometimes you pay what you have to for parts and try and fix the parts if they don't work, because there's little other choice in the matter, just like Beograms and cartridges. You do have to figure in that in addition to the cartridge price you're going to have to have it rebuilt though, something I think a lot of Beogram newbies are unaware of. Hence my continued desire to perhaps sell my current Beogram TT and opt for a newer one from Pro-Ject or another company. But it is difficult for me to imagine parting ways with the 6500. :-(
I know what you mean Sal, I go through the same with my Beograms, both of which need some TLC. And one day I will face the cartridge issue. But while I know things like the Projects are good tables (be aware that some of them are sold with one cartridge and the antiskating preset, so you have the same long term issue as with a Beogram if and when the cartridge is no longer made!). But, one thing about the Beograms I like is that they are full auto, not pure manual. I don't have to worry about jumping up and lifting the tone arm after the record is done. Which is one reason I got rid of my VPI table and went back to my Beogram. I found I listened to more vinyl after that just because it was easier.
I buy all my B&Os used, but always factor in that they have to be serviced. Most recent Beogram 7000 and a mmc2 cartridge. Both items serviced/rebuilt - and now sounds fantastic.
Nice parallel to vintage cars.
Office: Beomaster 3000-2 with Beovox P45 (all in white)
Living room: Beomaster 7000 and Beogram 7000 with Beovox RL 7000 (all in white)
Kitchen: Beocenter 2300 with Beovox 4500 (not available in white :-(