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 recently purchased a white BeoGram 5500 from the UK. I have a BeoCenter 9300 so I need a Pre-amp. I haven't been able to locate a company that makes them in the USA. I have found 2 UK companies and I was hoping someone may have a recommendation on which to go with.
The first one is http://soundsheavenly.com/beogram-record-players/12-pre-amp-kit-for-bo-beogram-and-all-turntables.html#/output-5_pin_din_aux/power_supply-usa_canada
They will give me a 110v cord, but the unit seems large and uses an RCA to DIN cable. They can add Datalink capability.
The second is http://www.iconic-av.co.uk/item/1321/RIAA+Pre-Amplifier+with+Datalink+for+BeoGrams/
The unit is smaller and uses a DIN cable, no RCA patch. Is it true that using the RCA to DIN cable from the other brand could cause noise and interference? This one does not have a 110 cord available which brings me to my next question.
Is there a recommended brand in the USA for a voltage transformer that has a 110v cord and at least 2 220v inputs for the BeoGram and the Pre-Amp if I go with the Iconic AV model? Is that considered a "step up" transformer?
Any help will be much appreciated as I am trying to piece all the items I need together so I can start using my BeoGram! Since I had to have the white one...and it comes with all these additional needs :)
-Danny
The transformer in your BG can be changed to 110 V, no need for an outside 110/220 transformer, and a good preamp can be bought by Phonopreamps get one with volume gain, that will compensate the low level output from the BG
Welcome to the forum
Collecting Vintage B&O is not a hobby, its a lifestyle.
I have used the Phonopreamps TC770LC for several years and it is superb. It has the additional gain which is handy for B&O cartridges.
It even has a DIN input socket so no need to modify the turntable output lead or use adapters.
Ideal, in my opinion.
Modification of your turntable transformer is a simple soldering job but don't forget to double the value of the fuse on the transformer pcb.
Regards Graham
When you are talking about changing the transformer inside the table, I'm guessing the transformer is part of the wall cord/plug? Would I need to contact B&O to get a new transformer/cord? I have no experience with electronic repair/sodering so I would need to take it to someone who does. Thank you for the info.
A technician could change the Beogram transformer from 220V to 120V. Here is a picture of the Beogram 5000 220V & 120V transformers. The difference is in the wiring and the protection fuse. The Beogram 5500 should be similar. There are probably some other Beoworld members in Florida that could do the change for you if you don't already have a repair person.
I have a few more questions. I've looked at the different pre-amps on the market. The Iconic AV was the only one that had a 7 pin din IN and OUT and integrated Datalink that I found on the market, so I'm annoyed that they would stop making/selling it. I like that the Phonopreamps one has a 60 db gain. It only has a 5 pin din IN so I will need a 5 pin din to 7 pin adaptor (if available) or a 7 pin to RCA for the input to the pre amp and a RCA to 7 pin to the BeoCenter 9300. With using all of these patch cables, will it make a difference in sound quality? Also, I know that the B&O MMC cartridges have a low output, which is why the needed gain. Does anyone know if the same gain is needed for Soundsmith cartridge replacements? Since I have never heard a B&O original MMC, should I just buy a Soundsmith? Will I be making a mistake if I source a new MMC and then have to switch to Soundsmith when they are no longer available?
You are complicating things here, The 7 pin DIN on the BG 5500 should have the pins 6 and 7 to unscrew, you will then have a 5 pin DIN to connect to the Phonopreamp, you will then need a 5 pin DIN to RCA for the connection between BC 9300 and the Phonopreamp, The 5 pin DIN fits and works properly in a 7 pin din connections, only function missing is the Data link. I am not sure about the Beolink working together with Data Link, With the Beosystem 5500 you can start, stop, pause the Beogram. So if you do as described above, you will have to go to the Beogram to effectuate these functions.