beomaster 1500 and Beogram 1500

Hi

I was lucky enough to get the above on ebay for a cheap price, they are both in excellent condition, what struck me is how clear the BM1500 is compared to my BM6500, both tried through S60 speakers. As I live in a flat I cant play it loud. The BM6500 sounds slightly more fuller but the clarity on the 1500 is much better.

I read that it shares a lot of the internals with the more powerful receivers of the time, but it's got me thinking about looking out for 4400 or 4000 - any thoughts on wether or not it is worth looking for one or if there would be a big improvement?

With regard to teh Beogram, this works perfectly and it much easier to use than the project turntable - I had forgotten how useful auto shut off at the end of a record is and the ease of using a B&O turntable!

The BM4400 is one of the jewels in my opinion.  It is a fantastic amp but because of this, they are sought after and are pricey at the moment.

Your 6500 might benefit from some capacitor replacements.

Dave.

I wondered about having it recapped but then thought the money be better spent getting a 4400 and getting any work done on that - but really wanted to know if there was that much difference other than power between the 1500 and 4400?

You don't see many 1500s around but lovely amplifier. Very similar circuit design to the 2200 and 4400 but obviously the larger amplifiers had more powerful output sections - the 4400 had other additions - the linear switch etc. There is a design story file on the 4400 on site - if you are logged in - here.

The 4401 was of course much better.

Peter:

The 4401 was of course much better.

Peter, stop boasting!  You're a lucky Man.

Dave.

Yes, I love the design of that range, I remember a friends parents having them as a system with the built in cassette desk (BC2600?) I will take a look at the article.

It's strange how amplifiers all sound so different, to start with I thought it sounded a little light and not enough bass, but play around with the controls and it really opened up, I think having had a number of B&O products in the past that were much newer, this is turning out to be one of my favourites and certainly makes you want to listen to more music.

Peter:

The 4401 was of course much better.

Peter

There is a 'version' of the BM1500 that could be viewed as a sort of BM1501 - the Beomaster 1400 of the same vintage. Black anodised aluminium al la the 4401 but FM only. Rare in the UK but more common in Europe.

Cleve