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
My dad gave me the B & O, without a cartridge, years ago and it sat around while I used my SL, until I got sick-to-death of it, being manual. I put it back in it's box. I was going to sell it on eBay but decided to keep it a few more years to see if they go up, considering the SL1200MK2 is not manufactured anymore. It's still pristine and a jewel compared to the other used ones on eBay.
I dusted off the B & O, plugged it in, put a record on, pressed play, seems to run perfectly. Turned it off immediately.
I have to get a cartridge and figured this is the best place to get advice, since I know nothing about anything B & O at this point, other than the brand has high regard among audiophiles.
I am stumbling in the dark trying to figure out what cartridge is good and where to get it. It looks like the cartridge has to be a specific match for the arm and not just any cartridge will work, but then again, I have no idea what I am talking about.
Any ideas out there? Maybe I should replace the belt too? Lubricate something? It hasn't been used since 2005, but it still looks new.
Thanks,
Ken
Cartridge here
I recommend to open the deck, clean off all old grease, clean all contacts with Deoxit, change the belt, Martin (Dillen) can provide the correct one.
For mechanical cleaning use isopropyl alcohol.
Collecting Vintage B&O is not a hobby, its a lifestyle.
Thank you very much. I'm on it.
Thank you very much. I'm on it. Sorry, 'bout the multiple posts. I'll be more careful with the buttons.
Holy mackerel! I am going to spend as much or more on a cartridge than a complete new turntable. I think it's worth it, even though I have the base model B & O, right? Comparing a new cartridge to a new Marantz TT42 or Denon DP-300F, for some reason, I want to stay with the B & O.
Am I in Crazytown?
Ken Haynes Jr: Holy mackerel! I am going to spend as much or more on a cartridge than a complete new turntable. I think it's worth it, even though I have the base model B & O, right? Comparing a new cartridge to a new Marantz TT42 or Denon DP-300F, for some reason, I want to stay with the B & O. Am I in Crazytown?
Think about the quality of your vinyl, if pristine or like new they may deserve a SMMC 2, but only if your amp and speakers are first class, I use SMMC 4 and MMC 4 on my turntables, and I'm totally happy with them. Think about that your cartridge probably will last for some 20 years, no modern turntable will last that long, your RX2 will, just, a little care and foresight also to your cartridge and you will enjoy for years.
Thanks for the insight Søren,
Most of my vinyl is pristine. I agree 100% with your assessment and will stay the course with the RX2.
I was leaning that way, why settle for a lesser mark with a B & O in hand?
I have a Beogram 3000 tangential and have used MMC5, MMC3, and MMC2 cartridges with it. Have no experience with the 4 or 1, but the 1 is supposed to be a higher spec'd 2.
MMC5, not impressive at all, would only recommend if any others were out of price range and the choice is not using the table at all. Flat sounding, unimpressive bass and imaging in my experience.
MMC3, a very good cartridge, well balanced, good performance across the board, no serious weaknesses, smooth and detailed.
MMC2, an outstanding cartridge, superior imaging and detail, strong accurate bass, excellent mids and highs. IMO competitive with anything out there including pricey moving coils.
Jeff
I'm afraid I'm recovering from the BeoVirus.
Thanks Jeff,
I'll look for a new MMC3 or SMMC3 from SoundSmith, or used MMC2, which seems unlikely. Found Turntable Basics in my searches. Uh oh. Get the card.
Do not buy used MMC cartridges, consider they are more than 20 years old, the suspension will give in more soon than later, I've had a MMC 2 where the needle came off after playing just 1.5 LP, and a MMC 4 where the needle went up, and the plastic was riding directly on the record.
Link to cartridge test
I use a new Soundsmith cartridge in my BG4002, but I also own used ones I've purchased on Ebay. One of my two running RX 2 tables has a used MMC4 that I bought on Ebay for about $90 if I recall correctly. The other RX 2 - that I've owned since new from about 1990 - is running a retipped MMC4 I purchased from Benny Amina of Modular Electronics.
I am in the minority here. I'm not scared of a used cartridge. But then again, I would never pay more than $100 for one which will limit you to an MMC4 most likely.
You have a record deck worth about $100. Why spend so much money on a new cartridge?