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
Hi,
I have a MB4500 and a BM3500 whit passive CX100 speakers.
I'm starting to feel a bit of infection of the so called beovirus, and started makin plans on expanding
so now to my question, how big is the differance in sound between a BM4500 and a BM3000-2 if used with the same speakers? I can understand that the 608 would give me something else due to the valves. but would I be able to hear a big differance with a 3000-2 or other amp from same period?
I think the 3000-2 looks good and would add something from design but I want the "function" to be different as well to motivate a purchase
any thoughts on this are welcome
cheers, Goran
The 4500 is actually not a bad amplifier - I don't think you will find the 3000 any better. One could argue that the mainthing the 608 will give you is distortion - but because it is valve, it is the sort of distortion most people like!
A 4400 is superior to the 4500 (Though see the long running Piaf account!) To be honest, the differences in amplifiers, except at higher volumes, are probably the least obvious (valves excepted!) I would get some better speakers; they will make far more difference - I like CX100s, but you can get far better. S45.2s are a good start or go for broke with MS150s!
Peter
Finally! A post with a question about two amps I own and have extensive experience with!
In my book the 3000-2 edges out the 4500 on sound - but only just. It has a decently warm sound and has a slightly better power reserve for low frequency (which really isn't a concern for CX100s).
One advantage the 4500 holds over the 3000-2 is consistency of tonality across the volume scale. The 3000-2 has a large, noticeable bass roll-off at around the 50% mark. As a result the sound becomes much brighter. The 4500 has a much flatter response across the volume range. If you are going for accuracy at many volumes, choose the 4500. That being said, the 3000-2 is still a thoroughly outstanding amp.
If your choice is between a Class A amplifier (tube or solid state) and anything else, I would go for the class A fella, in your case the 608. Class A amps shine the best with efficient speakers and a relatively quiet volume level. I really recommend class A, they are superb designs that provide cozy warm sound and have a silky smooth delivery.
Back to the 3000-2 vs. 4500.. I would recommend the 3000-2 further if you are only ever going to use passive speakers for your listening and do not need the convenience of a remote control.
Beo4 'til I die!
Thanks for your answers,
the 3000 I had in mind was sold when I got to it. so no buy this time.
I was not looking for "better" sounding only but maybe different sounding. however I think you answered to that question as well. and after reading on other forums and magazins I would agree with Peter, that the amp does not make the greatest impact if you like to change a part of the set up.
Evan you mention class A amps and that there are both valve and solid state ones, I understand the differance between class A- D amps, but which would be a good B&O solide state class A amp which is easely enough available?
There isn't one! All the B&O amplifiers after valves are class AB until the Class D ICE power speakers. Best amplifier in my view is the 4400 and the 6000 stereo amp. The 8000 is more powerful but not quite as sweet. Having said that, I would not now be able to differentiate them in an ABX triial as my hearing is clearly getting worse!!
I don't know about the 4500, but having 3000, 6000, 8000 and 4400 Beomasters (don't tell me!) I can back Peter's advice. Listen to him, he's the expert, although there is always a bit of subjectivity here of course.
My absolute favourite is the older Beolab 5000 integrated. Perhaps less accurate, I don't know, but nicer to my ears. But someone else will tell you how his 4500 surpasses any other B&O receiver!
I have posh class A valve equipment too, but the aforementioned Beolab remains my choice.
http://www.beolab.dk/
Nice CX by the way, this was my favourite car when I was a kid!
Jacques
My Beolab 5000 is the most used of my 'vintage' units. I clearly like it too and they are the best constructed B&O amplifiers. I have a Frede special which makes it even better! I do think my 4401 is a 'better' amplifier but the 5000 is a little more lively - slight treble boost! However the things that make the most difference to the sound are the speakers. As long as you have a good source and a good amplifier, and almost all B&O falls into this bracket, the speakers will always influence the sound the most. They have by far the most distortion and frequency response variation compared to alternatives. An amplifier will usually be ruler flat in its response whereas speakers resemble a mountain range! Even the Beolab 5 will have a response curve several orders of magnitude less flat than any solid state amplifier mentioned above.
Peter: The 4500 is actually not a bad amplifier - I don't think you will find the 3000 any better. One could argue that the mainthing the 608 will give you is distortion - but because it is valve, it is the sort of distortion most people like! A 4400 is superior to the 4500 (Though see the long running Piaf account!) To be honest, the differences in amplifiers, except at higher volumes, are probably the least obvious (valves excepted!) I would get some better speakers; they will make far more difference - I like CX100s, but you can get far better. S45.2s are a good start or go for broke with MS150s!
ever since I got this reply from Peter I have been trying to find a good pair of S45-2:s. I even planed to take a trip to denmark now in september because that would have solved the issue... but on friday I finally found a pair near by
and yes, they do sound good, really good, my FS is very pleased with their looks and even more surprisingly with their sound which lead to the sudden understanding to why I put in all this time searching. Victory! http://archivedforum2.beoworld.org/forums/p/3036/64634.aspx#64634
Delighted you have found a pair. I only have one set left now as I gave away a pair with a 2400 system. Don't get much exercise these days as I prefer my LS3/5As but still a lovely speaker.