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I'm looking to buy a couple of pairs of these great speakers from flea bay... Can anyone tell me
1) How can you differentiate between those with the black foam inside them that eventually turns to goo, and those with the "stable" white foam, without asking sellers to take their speaker to bits?
2) Did they change the foam when they started production of the Mk2?
3) Did the serial numbers continue in sequence from Mk1 to Mk2?
4) is there a specific serial number point when the foam changed?
Any info will be greatfully received!
Cheers
Nigel
Nigel -
The differences between MK1 ad MK2 are much easier to identify than serial (product) numbers
MK1 has an RCA line level input on the back in addition to powerlink, MK2 does not, it's powerlink only.
MK1 has the illuminated power switch on the front of the cabinet (red/green) MK2 is a light only, not a switch.
MK1 is type 6638
MK2 is type 6644
The product number is on the front of the speaker behind the grill (fret) beneath the woofer.
Also keep in mind that MK1 is a traditional class A/B bower amp whereas MK2 is class D Icepower
Greg
Beocenter 9500, Beomaster 6500, Beolab Penta MKII, Beolab 5000, Beolab 3000, Beolab 4000 MKI, Beolab 4000 MKII, Beogram 3300, Beogram 3000, 2X Beolink 7000 RDS, 2X MCP 6500
Hi
MK1 all day long :)
For me MK1 it's way better than MK2.
Why ...RCA line out, switch if you want to cut power, nice soft soud!
Drivers are the seme.
And repair cost of MK1 are low.
Used MK1 are half the price of MK2.
Thanks guys, but you haven't really answered my questions!
I've done a bit of digging since i first posted my questions and have found the following
Serial number 13789500 had the black stuff that turns to glop.
Serial number 18947009 had the white foam.
Both of these are Mk1. Both type 6637
So, they changed the foam before the Mk2s came along.
It would appear that the best type to go for are MK1s because of the price & sound, but with the white foam
There must be a specific point in the serial number sequence where they changed the type of foam used!
serial no 13...14 ...have black foam...that go's to glop :)
Serial 18... have white ...
price is the same or minimal differnece.
Yes ..both are MK1
Somewhere around 15 or 16 new white foam has been used.
The same counts for the BL8000.
Beobuddy:Somewhere around 15 or 16 new white foam has been used. The same counts for the BL8000.
Quick way of checking is just remove the 2 screws that hold the tweeter in place and lift it up - you can see what colour the foam is.
h1npw:Quick way of checking is just remove the 2 screws that hold the tweeter in place and lift it up - you can see what colour the foam is. Cheers Nigel
Yes ..you should replace the foam so that the sound will stay as it is.
Clean ALL parts and inside from old foam on the PCB boars!
You can use fome simelar to what is inside. do not buy original ..to expencive.
Hi StKong
Yes I do, but I haven't been very successful!
The speakers are very easy to take apart. The pair I did the foam was part OK, part turning / turned into goo. It's horrible stuff to get cleaned off. I say not very successful as after I'd done the job, one of the speakers doesn't work! Hopefully I will be able to get it repaired. I don't regret I did it - when you see the goo common sense tells you it has to come out!
h1npw: It's horrible stuff to get cleaned off. I say not very successful as after I'd done the job, one of the speakers doesn't work! Hopefully I will be able to get it repaired. I don't regret I did it - when you see the goo comman sense tells you it has to come out!
It's horrible stuff to get cleaned off. I say not very successful as after I'd done the job, one of the speakers doesn't work! Hopefully I will be able to get it repaired. I don't regret I did it - when you see the goo comman sense tells you it has to come out!
It's not uncommon that by removing the old foam, you've taken the topsurface also of one of more parts inside.
Often I hear that after buying and transporting one of the BL4000's stopped working. Caused by shocks during transport, the foam moves a little inside the cabinet.
Beobuddy:It's not uncommon that by removing the old foam, you've taken the topsurface also of one of more parts inside. Often I hear that after buying and transporting one of the BL4000's stopped working. Caused by shocks during transport, the foam moves a little inside the cabinet.
Does anyone know if certain factors expedite foam decomposition, such as heat or humidity?
- bad material, not tested enough and after 15 years ...it's like that.. :(
i have repair more than 20 pairs ..and it's no problem.
Take apart spekar
remove, fret, drivers, plastic front, transformator board, remove ALL rotten foam,clean ALL foam left overs on PCB boalrds!!!... with gasolin or isopropanol ( hand desinfective )..
be carefull ...do not spill ..do it wih ear cleaners :)
add new foam...or like..an than put together in reverse order.
spekar not working...than..
if there is fault on PCB you must check SMD conection on amplifier board on the spots where had beed rotten foam!!
that is all.
B&O service will take 200€ for that job...OMG... :(
StKong: That would speak for disassembling in situ rather than loving them too much.
That would speak for disassembling in situ rather than loving them too much.
I've done several sets for customers who bought them and came home and then had the surprise of a non-working speaker. They had seen them in working order.
marexy: You can use fome simelar to what is inside. do not buy original ..to expencive.
The costs (few euros) are negligible to the actual trade value. So, why not using original proper fitting foam?
Beobuddy
what's your contact mail ?
you can send me p.m.
sorry ..yes ..how much is original new foam ?
marexy: i have repair more than 20 pairs ..and it's no problem. if there is fault on PCB you must check SMD conection on amplifier board on the spots where had beed rotten foam!! that is all.
I have a drawer filled with SMD resistors, capacitors and transistors. All used during several repairs, like with the BL4000.
You can't state that a non-working BL4000 is caused and solved by removing the old foam and some soldering on smd parts.
The tricky thing with the BL4000 is, is that when the BL4000 was assembled at the production-line, the places of the foam differs a little and therefore the location of the culprit. Starting between the difference of a "left" or "right" BL4000.
That makes that even when you have fixed a BL4000, that is it possible after a short period of time the BL4000 again stops working. Due to traces/joints which are affected by the rotting proces, and finally break. Even when you have cleaned it thoroughly.
A dealer can't afford this and most of the time a complete new amplifierboard is mounted. Which works rock-solid.
That costs you €200,-
marexy:Does anyone know if certain factors expedite foam decomposition, such as heat or humidity? - bad material, not tested enough and after 15 years ...it's like that.. :( i have repair more than 20 pairs ..and it's no problem. Take apart spekar remove, fret, drivers, plastic front, transformator board, remove ALL rotten foam,clean ALL foam left overs on PCB boalrds!!!... with gasolin or isopropanol ( hand desinfective ).. be carefull ...do not spill ..do it wih ear cleaners :) add new foam...or like..an than put together in reverse order. spekar not working...than.. if there is fault on PCB you must check SMD conection on amplifier board on the spots where had beed rotten foam!! that is all. B&O service will take 200€ for that job...OMG... :(
Beobuddy:The costs (few euros) are negligible to the actual trade value. So, why not using original proper fitting foam?
I have a pair of BL4000 for a long time,bought from new,type 6636 , serial no.1644....
Recently I opened one of them for another reason.and found foam to be white,like new.Now,by yours experience,
1) Anybody found foam rot on this (white) foam?
2) Is it recommended to remove and/or replace it ,or i just leave it,as it looks brand new?
Beogram 6500 MMC2,Beosound Ouverture,2xBeolab 8000,2xBelolab 4000,Beolab 2,Beolab 7.2,Beo4 navi, 2xBeocom2,Serene,Beosystem 3 mk3,H6 2nd gen,Earphones E8,A8,A9 keyring,Beoplay A1,Bottle opener,Beoplay A2 active(thanks Botty)Wine Set(thanks Botty),4Ktv Samsung 55'',Beolab 7.1 with 42''Panasonic plasma,,Oppo udp-203, LinTronic.
Nope, as I already mentioned, this version has fine foam. Just leave it that way.
Agree..
some of SMD resistors, capacitors and transistors must be new!
and all the connection where the rottren foam was must be renew resolder.
In 7 years non of my repaired BL4000 have not stop working.. :)
As you say ..problem are serial no 13,14, and i think some of 15....
Can you tell me the price of white foam for L&R speaker plaese.
Beobuddy..are you official B&O service ?
I write you mail..did you receive it ?
Wey hey!!!!
We're making progress narrowing down the serial number switch from black to white foam.
if you've got a pair between serial numbers starting 1378 and 1644 can you have a peak inside and let us know the colour of your foam - as previously mentioned, two screws to remove the tweeter and lift it out - you should be able to see the foam.
I'd really like to close the gap!
hmm ..hmm...yeah...interesting reaction
Don't make it more than it is. There isn't a "gap". Just all BL4000 mk1 prior to serialnumber 15-16 have the same foam.
not written in relation to this topic :)
but ok.. it does not matter..
Beobuddy:Don't make it more than it is. There isn't a "gap". Just all BL4000 mk1 prior to serialnumber 15-16 have the same foam.
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Thnaks
getting closer to :)
I have a par of SN: 142....and with black foam..
so ..maybe somewere from 142..til 147... they change from black to white..
marexy:Thnaks getting closer to :) I have a par of SN: 142....and with black foam.. so ..maybe somewere from 142..til 147... they change from black to white..
Wow! That's amazingly! Isn't the internet great!?
So we know it's somewhere between 142... And 143335. Marexy - can you give us a 5 digit start to your serial number?
Any more volunteers to do a "Michael" and have a look so we can narrow the gap even more?
Don't know the exact size, but it's a small torx type screw head
If our Sherlock Holmes work is correct you 140s should be black and your 145s should be white.
Make sure you let us know!
h1npw:Don't know the exact size, but it's a small torx type screw head If our Sherlock Holmes work is correct you 140s should be black and your 145s should be white.Make sure you let us know!
I'm disappointed in some forum members who refuse to share experiences and advice. ...yes yes ..upgrade to silver and gold .. :(
Torx 8 is correct one.
But I have a hunch that they were BL4000 manufactured in 2 or 3 different plants and not only in one factory line.According to the labels, print, indications ..
marexy:I'm disappointed in some forum members who refuse to share experiences and advice . ... yes yes ..upgrade to silver and gold .. :( Torx 8 is correct one. But I have a hunch that they were BL4000 manufactured in 2 or 3 different plants and not only in one factory line. According to the labels, print, indications .. ..for me....Best sounding , versatile used B &O speakers ever !!... for the money of a new sneakers! some photo of black foam...bljak..
Pictures were takem before i start to remove foam. It's very very fragile and sticks on fingers or any other material if you touch to hard.
I did not replace foam with original. You can buy foam like original maybe some other colour and cut it. works ..with no problem.
I did some sound test and it is no difference in sound !!
So no need to buy original if it is more than 10€ per speaker.
You can repair broken spakers with 5€ costs if you are handy man :)
Maybe some one will be angry for let go of these information...but sorry ...why pay 250€ if you can DIY.
Yes our local service want 250€ for job...OMG..why .. it's 1 hour time job if you DIY.
And some additional info...BL4000 are way way better than BL4 ...with all my tests i made :)
I know what i'm talking about ..