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
Are metal cassette tapes SAFE to play on a Beocord 5000 T4716 cassette recorder?
Conventional wisdom at the time of the metal tape release was a single play on a cassette deck not designed for metal tapes would destroy the heads.
I am sure that the above is a bit extreme, but are metal tapes actually safe (do no damage to ferrite heads) on a recorder designed for type 1 Ferric-oxide and type 2 Chrome tapes?
Jeff
Beogram 4000, Beogram 4002, Beogram 4004, Beogram 8000, Beogram 8002, Beogram 1602. Beogram 4500 CD player, B&O CDX player, Beocord 4500, Beocord 5000 T4716, Beocord 5000 T4716, Beocord 5000 T4716, Beocord 8004, Beocord 9000, Beomaster 1000, Beomaster 1600, Beomaster 2400.2, Beomaster 2400.2, Beomaster 4400, Beomaster 4500, Beolab 5000, Beomaster 5000, BeoCenter 9000. BeoSound Century, S-45.2, S-45.2, S-75, S-75, M-75, M-100, MC 120.2 speakers; B&O Illuminated Sign (with crown & red logo). B&O grey & black Illuminated Sign, B&O black Plexiglas dealer sign, B&O ash tray, B&O (Orrefors) dealer award vase, B&O Beotime Clock. Navy blue B&O baseball cap, B&O T-shirt X2, B&O black ball point pen, B&O Retail Management Binder
Hi,
You won't be able to record properly, but replay will be fine. Many metal-compatible decks had sendust heads which were not as tough as ferrite heads which are virtually wear-free.
Jacques
Hi Jacques,
I knew about the record issue, but if I wanted to record a cassette (I actually DO have a blank tape) I'd use the Beocord 9000 for that purpose.
Now the BIG excitement begins, the Beocord 5000 is currently in Richmond, BC on the mainland, just out of customs and in the gorilla-like hands of Canada Post.
First, it will be interesting to see if the cosmetic condition is as good as it appeared in the photos. Then for the real "fun" to see what, if ANYTHING works.
I have been communicating daily with the seller who purchased the Beocord 5000 from a large estate in Seattle, but knew nothing about it. It was an unfunny "comedy of errors" in that this seller, on more than one occasion confused the Beocord 5000 with the Beogram 4004 she was also selling. Pretty much took the patience of Job to get her to agree to a price, then ship to Canada, and finally to actually pack-up the Beocord. (That alone took DAYS!)
I will share one of the last communications, I asked if she had shipped the Beocord and she told me she had a birthday party to go to and left in in her car.
The purchase price was quite reasonable, but the shipping costs were terrible.
Thank you, as always my friend, for the timely input, which is most appreciated.
Well, I have two of those that I managed to restore, but it's not for the faint-hearted, because although beautiful, the mechanics are complex to dismantle. And you have to do it to replace the belts.
So far, and contrary the what the legend says, neither has managed to chew any tapes (yet).
Have a look at Rudy's blogspot (Beolover); he has a section dedicated to this machine.
I have been on the hunt for a Beocord 5000 for about 6 years and virtually all that I have found have been in TERRIBLE esthetic condition and as we know, the iodized aluminum panels as well as the Plexiglas can NOT be reasonably repaired.
Finally I found what "appears" to be a very fine example. (I'll know tomorrow when it arrives.) Assuming it was as pristine as it "appeared" in the photos; it also has to have survived the gorillas that Canada Post employees to move their packages. Again, we shall see.
I have VERY little hope that this Beocord 5000 will actually function, but if the esthetics are good, I have something to work with.
The ultimate plan is to unite the Beolab 5000, Beomaster 5000, Beogram 4000, and this Beocord 5000. What a spectacular combination, don't you think?
Had this new arrival actually shown signs of life I also planned to ask Martin for the belts as we know they will need replacement. But after reading that you must dismantle the entire deck to change the belts..... well I don't think I am up to that.
Thank you for saving me from all that frustration.
Now that I think about it, I still have to change the belts on the cassette for my BeoCenter 9000, only the belts from Martin have not arrive yet.
Back to the Beocord 5000, at least I negotiated a "fair" purchase price: US$40 (37.86 Euros.)
Thanks again for your much valued insight!
Here are the photos, such as they are.
Photo 2
Photo 3
Photo 4, and the last one until the real deal arrives.
chartz:Have a look at Rudy's blogspot (Beolover); he has a section dedicated to this machine.
I did, and it was the video of the electronic meters that MADE me buy this unknown quantity.
The seller didn't even bother to plug it in to see if it "worked."
Via con Dios.(Yes I know this is Spanish, but my Spanish is MUCH better than my French.)
The Beocord 5000 arrived and is so close to flawless it is hard to describe. Even the bottom is perfect, not a mark anywhere. The aluminum is 99.8% flawless and the Plexiglas is excellent.
Still don't know what works and what doesn't as it is freezing outside and I want it to warm up before I plug it in.
Even if it doesn't function I am delighted with this incredibly beautiful Beocord!
Here are the photos. As it turns out, the Beocord is very nearly flawless, not even a nick on the bottom. The Beocord looks better than the photos, that I promise you.
Tomorrow I will plug it in and see if it functions, it is freezing here, so had to let it warm up.
Photos #2.
Photo #3
And finally, photo #4. Considering the unexpected spectacular physical condition, I am excited to see if it functions tomorrow. Good God, I AM a happy camper!
Why thank you gentlemen!
Jacques, I can't begin to tell you what your offer of help means to me..... you really are a GOOD guy! Let's make that VERY GOOD. (There, now I feel better for having expressed myself more precisely.)
My newest "pride and joy" acquisition "seduced" me with its impeccable cosmetic condition into thinking just maybe it will function like when it was new. Nice thought, but not this time. The Beocord powers-up, but immediately there is a considerable hum that clearly should not be there. All the control buttons are very hard to engage and reverse does not function at all.
There is a whirring sound when play is depressed, but no movement. One need not be an engineer to giagnose a broken belt, however the collection issues says to me, this is going to require an expert technician. Takes me back to when I found the temerity to clean, lubricate, and change all the many lamps on my Tandberg 9000X reel-to-reel. I was rather proud of this "minor" accomplishment as the deck's performance improved dramatically...... but when I DID take the Tandberg in for repair, the technician told me rather curtly, "Well you found all the obvious stuff, but missed a few things." Really took the air out of my tires.
I certainly have been known to change my mind, but even with such a cursory investigation, I found enough to feel intimidated. But we'll see.
Thank you guys again for the kinds words, and especially for the offer of assistance Jacques. Most appreciated!
Cleviebaby:The most recent one chewed up a favourite tape
Hi Cleve,
If it does,it will end up like my IRP parrot that bit me this evening, ignored, and in its cage.
Beautiful and stunning design aside, if this Beocrd 5000 so much as thinks of chewing up ONE single tape, it is up for sale.
As I told you I have two and no tape chewing whatsoever.
chartz:As I told you I have two and no tape chewing whatsoever.
Jacques, I ABSOLUTELY believe you! Of course right now it is more what needs to be done so that it CAN chew up tapes?
chartz:We're here to assist, should you decide to tackle the job yourself. I for one can now open the beast and pull out the transport in my sleep, so don't hesitate. Just ask.
Hi Jacques, I just received a note from my repair technician who advised against repairing the Beocord 5000, as too costly. I admit, I was a bit surprised by that, but I guess I gotta give him credit for being so honest.
Of course that doesn't help me with my new Beocord.
My abilites (unlike you, Martin, Frede, and Soren) are limited. This weekend I am going to change the cassette belt in the Beocenter 9000, but that is not especially difficult to do.
However I have real doubts that I could handle the Beocord 5000, complex beast that it is. So, is there any reasonable reason why I should think that I might be able to tackle this project?
My concerns start when you turn on the Beocord and it has a considerable hum that I don't 't think should be there, the buttons are VERY hard to engage, and reverse doesn't work at all. The deck would certainly need cleaning and lubrication, plus replacing the belt (or belts).
The only "plus" as I see it is the problems all appear to be mechanical, and that is the area I am comfortable with.
Let me know what you think.Thank you kind sir. Merci.
Jeff, if you feel okay with the mechanic side of the project, go ahead then.
That the deck should behave as you describe is absolutely normal, and the standard procedure is a renewal of belts, plus lubrication, period. The whine is caused by the FF/RWD motor and they all do that when the belt is loose. No worries here.
The ominous hum might have several causes, so it's hard to make a diag from where I'm sitting.
However, first things first, check the internal connector to the headblock and the DIN plug, for bad grounding. Does the hum diminish after, say, 10 minutes? If so, the PSU reservoirs might be at fault.
But do check the simpler audio side of things first. By all means, get the service manual, of course. It is incredibly thorough.
Good morning Jacques,
It is 12:15 AM here and I am ready for bed.
The hum I spoke of had nothing to do with DIN plugs, grounding or anything else, it was just when I pressed the ON button, and I could hear an audible hum with the Beocord connected to nothing, no amp, nothing.I was just checking it out.
Jacques, I am an enthusiast, not a technician, but I have been around long enough to know that a deck in this absolute pristine condition is saveable.
The service manual I can easily get and I admit I am "intrigued" by what might possibly be wrong. Really intrigued.
As you know my track record with Beograms (4000, 4002, 4004, and 8000) has been quite frankly good.
So fine I can open up and adjust turntables which can really be taxing on one's nerves. Does that mean I can then go in and open up my Beocord 5000 and sleuth about for obvious issues?
OK, if you have questions, please ask them.
This weekend I am (hopefully) completing the restoration of two unique and historically important large cast bronze plaques from the UK...... been months in the making. So many faux steps (professionals are not always what they claim) so I have to finish them myself.
If time allows, I can also check into the Beocord 5000, with your help, assuming the cast bronze plaques don't require more than one successful coating of sealant. Then I get to carefully repaint all the sign lettering.
One way or the other, this is going t be interesting.
Like so many things in life, the lacquer spraying did not go as planned.... bubbles. Wet sanding tomorrow and re-spraying. With yet a probable third coating.
As a custodian of history I take these plaques restoration seriously. One day these plaques will be in a proper museum.
That said one way or the other, the above project will be successful. The same can not, I fear, be said for the Beocord 5000.
Truth is I really.... honestly think I "might" be able to figure out what is wrong..... but with a Beocord 5000 in this pristine condition, "might" is flat out not good enough.
Conversely my Beomaster 1600 was a complete adventure. The BM 1600 being in such totally deplorable condition, that it didn't matter what I did, but in the end after 9 hours of labour I actually did manage to restore the lights, the adjustment clutches, and the FM section. The fried caps in the amp were too much for my scanty electronic abilities so that 1600 became a static piece in my B&O collection.
It also let (inspired) my additional eBay purchase of a second BM 1600, now fully repaired in my Atlanta repair shop.
Unless something changes dramatically, instead of my attempting to sleuth out the issues facing my new and gorgeous Beocord 5000; I think it probably would be better for me to basically beg my repair shop to take on this highly worthwhile project.