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I have a question regarding the use of the TEST button on a Beolab 5000.
I have read the manual three times and know it has to do with sound levels, and using a MONO only record, but as B&O engineers, in all their wisdom decided it was worthy of a full time front panel button, how do you use it and exactly for what?
There are sound level controls for PHONO and TAPE on the bottom that don’t appear to require this button.
So guys, what is it for?
Thanks!
Jeff
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To set the balance control and input level controls exactly correct, the test button is provided.Holding it will mix the output from one channel into the other channel (which is phase-inverted in Beolab 5000).You can then adjust the channel balance by adjusting for minimum sound output.In theory there will be no signal output when the balance is correct but in practice that's almost impossible to achieve andin my opinion the button is useless. Tolerances in the volume control potentiometer(s), the related circuitry, output stages and speakersremoves any sense in having a such exact balance setting.
Beomaster 3000 etc. has a test button with apprx the same function - just on the back where noone ever notice it.Martin
Thank you Martin. Clear, succinct, and informative. Interesting feature, even impressive, but I doubt I'll ever use it. Still, it is good to know what the prominent button is used for.
This is to me VERY useful to adjust gain on both channels, using the trimmers underneath the Beolab. I had to re-adjust on both phono and AUX inputs. Otherwise you just do it by ear and it's not really reliable. Each input has to be set because you don't want to re-adjust the balance control every time you change sources.
It is also tremendously useful on the Beomasters 3000 and 4400 for the same reasons.
Just one man's opinion of course.
Jacques
chartz:Otherwise you just do it by ear and it's not really reliable.
Well Jacques that is most certainly the truth, especially if the user knows what they are doing.
When the Beolab arrived there was a huge difference in volume levels between PHONO and TAPE. So I adjusted the bottom switches to increase the TAPE to match the PHONO and I was pleased with that arrangement. However in the ensuing weeks I find I went too far with the TAPE adjustment done completely by ear.
Of course you are talking about balance of channels with both PHONO and AUX. I am not sure I am ready to tackle that. I was delighted to merely get the PHONO and TAPE to be close to the same volume level.
Obviously there are a few things I still need to learn about this Beolab.
By the way Jacques, you were right, this is a remarkable amp. Soren said the separation of channels was better then the Beomaster 4400..... it really is. Also the Beolab produces notes, especially high notes that the 4400 didn't bother to attempt to reproduce.