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
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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
Looks very good, better than mine when I got it, everything looks original without repairs. What I dont like are the red Roederstein caps.
If your bass, treble and balance sliders looks dirty on the tracks inside (mines were full with some old green hard grease), clean with Iso alcohol, treat with Deoxit. the FM preset shafts clean and give them a drop of oil (I use Liquid Bearings).
But over all I'm impressed that a 30 year old amp can look that good, congratulations
for the spring loaded top cover guides on the sides of the unit I use some heavy ball bearing grease, makes it open and close softly
Collecting Vintage B&O is not a hobby, its a lifestyle.
Very clean! Looks untouched though. As Soren says, the red capacitors willhave gone out of spec which will affect the performance. If it is working to your satisfaction though, it is difficult to suggest anything but using and waiting!
Peter
I'm flattered... but I've to say - an excellent virgin example from what I see - Soren's cleaning / greasing advice cannot be topped in anyway.
Other than that as Peter said - enjoy and wait (nothing may happen at all.... My BC3500 hasn't been touched yet (1972)
peace
bob
Piaf: I took Bob’s advice to heart and opened up my Beomaster 2400 in search of dust, but didn’t find much, a surprise, but a very good thing. I did do a thorough cleaning and then it hit me (late as usual) I could post photos to see if this Beomaster is indeed original as heck, or if it has been worked on, so here goes. Technically challenged as I am, I still do not know how to post multiple photos, so I will do so one at a time. Jeff
I took Bob’s advice to heart and opened up my Beomaster 2400 in search of dust, but didn’t find much, a surprise, but a very good thing. I did do a thorough cleaning and then it hit me (late as usual) I could post photos to see if this Beomaster is indeed original as heck, or if it has been worked on, so here goes.
Technically challenged as I am, I still do not know how to post multiple photos, so I will do so one at a time.
Jeff
Don't worry - be Happy
Hello Søren, Peter, Bob, and Martin,
Thank you all for your comments! I was 99.9% certain that this Beomaster was original; however it is most helpful to have it confirmed.
What the photos do not show properly are circuit boards and all associated components that look absolutely new. There is virtually no oxidation, which one would expect after 30+ years.
By comparison the Beomaster 4400 has several rusted and/or oxidized parts…. it appears in decent shape overall, but there was NO mistaking that it is OLD.
There are a couple of plastic covers, which appear slightly cloudy in the photos, but in reality are crystal clear with no dust underneath and no discoloration to the plastic.
The exterior is equally pristine with no blemishes to the aluminum or veneer. All lamps function properly as to the slide controls.
The only cosmetic negative is the glossy plastic control panel began to peel, like a sunburn, in tiny sections. I eventually used automotive plastic polish on it so that now it has an even appearance, most acceptable, but from memory it was originally a little bit shinier.
As to the sound, if I HAD to be brutally critical I would say that the bass is slightly heavy and that this Beomaster does not even attempt to hit all the complexities in the high end. The net result is a bassy amp, which I rather like and an amp with a mellow treble area.
Once again comparing the Beomaster 2400 to the Beomaster 4400, the Beomaster 2400 is never moody; the sound reproduction is always exactly the same, whereas the Beomaster 4400 changes with virtually every play: the upper end in particular and volume level.
I don’t know what affect the out of spec red Roederstein caps is having, or for that matter what other components have failed, but for now as you guys have collectively said, I will enjoy this Beomaster 2400 for the SURVIVOR that it is and wait for the day when the inevitable happens and old age sets in….. but in the mean time MUSIC!
Thanks again for your helpful input!
Very nice 2400 you have there.
It is obvious that it has not been used very much by the previous owner. If it had been in daily use, there would certainly have been some problems by now - at least some of the bulbs in the display would have burned out (very common on those models). I have both a BM 1900 and a 2400-2. And they both have several electronic issues. (they're not in use now, as I have several other Beomasters)It is my experience that the later models (BM 2000/3000/3300 -and 4500) are more reliable.
But -as long as your 2400 works fine - just enjoy it
Hello Steffen,
Well thank you, it is a handsome piece. The exterior looks better than the interior as the first owner; an officer in the US Army was a perfectionist, not allowing his cleaning lady to so much as dust it….. EVER. Ditto the Beomaster 4200 that came with it.
I had absolutely no need for this Beomaster when I bought it; I only did so to acquire the Beogram 4002, which is equally nice.
So NOW the question that begs asking is how much should I ideally use it? I am of the belief that to let it sit is the worst possible thing to do with electronics.
I make it a point to “exercise” all my equipment, especially the Beograms of which I have six.
I am in a position to use this Beomaster 2400 as much or as little as would be best for it as my main amplifier is a McIntosh 2250 and I have this love affair going on with my BeoCenter 9000 that I was gifted from a recycling depot. So I use these two amps the most.
The Beomaster 2400 is rock-solid stable in that it absolutely always plays exactly the same, unlike my Beomaster 4500 which has recently developed “issues” in not turning on and the sound quality varies: bass and treble, but not volume as yet.
So if you will, allow me to expand this question in regard to these two Beomasters and ask how much should they be used, if at all, and for how long….. or does it matter?
I am directing these questions to Steffen, but Peter, Martin, Søren, and anyone else who would like to contribute PLEASE feel free to add your views.
I am well aware that the first and best choice at this juncture is to have both amplifiers rebuilt, however at this time that would not be advisable.
So what do you gentlemen think?
Hello Jeff
Good question. I guess there's no simple answer to that. But it is a fact. that the more electronic components are used, the more wear and tear there will be.
My experience with buying second hand B&O is, that items that have been used heavily (many hours a day - or/and at high volume) will certainly have some electronic issues. While items that have had more moderate use will be in fairly good shape -even after many years.Heat is the enemy of many electronic components.However - if it's a good idea not to use the device at all is questionable...One could say: If you do not use it, you wouldn't care if it is working...
It would be a shame not to use this lovely device when it is working perfectly.
Hope this was just a little helpful to you.
Steffen
In my view - use it or loose it ,
agree with Stefan that all we use (not just B&O's) will show signs of wear and so on, but not necessarily - my BC3500 came from 1 owner from new (ex opera singer) and has been used at daily basis, yet never had been worked on - until now that is only decided to sell when the record deck start going slow and the speed adjuster got of adjustment (I reckon it'll be known bearing issues and re-alignment) .
Of course I will have to go through the whole system, grease switches, clean sliders, check joints and all that , but wouldn't think for a moment not use it as long it produces pleasant noise - I like master Martin himself like have my speakers wall hang at level of ears. but that's me and my BC not your thread and concern
I only don't use systems, which I currently work at , being sold (none to date, strictly 1 way street ) or haven't got chance to check yet (new comers), saying that my BC3500 and BeoVision Avant get used the most (that would change bit since I've just bought BC8500 ).
Long story short - in car or motorbike analogy - you use it and don't fix what's not broken, although keep checking for signs ;) - otherwise it would make no sense to own it all..... And yes I do like my Bikes to be "vintage as well" ;)
all the best
Hi Steffen and Bob,
My only thought was if there was an optimum amount of time to use this older Beomaster, I would like to adhere to it.
Not hearing anyone say use it for 30 minutes at a time max or something akin to that, I intend to continue using it as I have. To let it sit here unused is pointless.
Heat should not be a problem as this Beomaster is ultra clean inside and the heavy demands I once made of it are a thing of the past. From now on this Beomaster will have gentle use.
I do know that Beograms of the 4000/8000 series do not respond well to long periods of disuse, so I will continue to exercise them.
Bob likes his analogies to vintage motorcycles and although I don’t know a great deal about motorcycles, I do love vintage British cars and I can tell you without hesitation that most of them punish their owners severely if you let them sit for too long.
The worst example I know of is the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow/Bentley T-Type, let either of these puppies sit for more than two weeks and the hydraulic suspension will be out of whack and or the breaks (same system) will either not work properly, or occasionally not at all.
The same goes for my IBM Selectric III typewriter which gets stiff as hell when left unused and functions cease to function like the TAB key.
So I’ll use this Beomaster 2400 and enjoy it for what it is, a somewhat compromised amplifier that still manages to delight the listener.
One could say, that anything with mechanical parts must be exercised regularly - the same thing can not necessarily be said about electronics.
There is no question about mechanical parts, however my Beogram 4000 was purchased in Berlin, Germany and later transported to New York City where the owner let it sit idle for an extended period of time and when returned to service the Beomaster refused to function.
The repair shop in NYC told the owner that the extended dormant period had allowed the capacitors to dry out and presented him with a lengthy list of parts replaced. (I have a copy of the invoice.)
Whereas the Beomaster 4000 is indeed a mechanical beast, it was its electronics that suffered most from the long idle period.
As I really know next to nothing about electronics, it would seem to me that if capacitors do in fact dry out from long periods of non use in a Beomaster the same should be true in an amplifier.
Am I correct in this assumption or is there a difference between the two?
Electrolytic capacitors will dry as time goes by -no matter what. Your Beogram would have had problems, whether it was used or not (remember it's 40 years old).
Hi Steffen,
Another perfectly good lie destroyed by reality.
I am guessing that the previous owner of my Beogram 4000 who had indeed had problems with his repair shop must have pressed them for a reason why the second visit had produced such a long list of parts that required replacement.
They told him that had they known the Beogram had sat idle for a long time they would have replaced all the parts the first time the Beogram was in their shop.
I don’t know enough about these things to have questioned the former owner, but one thing now appears virtually certain; of the “problems” he was having with the Beogram, he failed to mention to me that it repeatedly died without warning.
Truthfully I couldn’t care less as I LOVE this Beogram 4000 and once Martin replaced an incorrect (for North America) fuse, it has performed flawlessly ever since.
OMG, it just hit me, as these Electrolytic capacitors dry out no matter what, not only am I running on “borrowed time” with the Beomaster 2400 and Beomaster 4500, but also my Beogram 4002 and Beogram 4004. Now there’s a sobering thought.
Oh heck, there is no sense in worrying about a certainty and as Søren Mexico says, this is a lifestyle. I will add to that, ALL hobbies are expensive.
Piaf: OMG, it just hit me, as these Electrolytic capacitors dry out no matter what, not only am I running on “borrowed time” with the Beomaster 2400 and Beomaster 4500, but also my Beogram 4002 and Beogram 4004. Now there’s a sobering thought. Oh heck, there is no sense in worrying about a certainty and as Søren Mexico says, this is a lifestyle. I will add to that, ALL hobbies are expensive.
The good thing is - You don't know when it's going to happen. Could be in a month - a year - or 10 years...That's life - you know it's going to end - but luckily you don't know when...Just enjoy each day
Enjoy your hobby - it IS a lifestyle...
Steeling the thread for a moment.
Any of you have or have had P45 and what are your opinions of them, I bought a pair and will have them down here next month.
Hi Søren
I have a pair of P 45's.
In my opinion - talking about flat panel speakers - they're not as good as the later Beovox 5000.
But they look good. And they have a rich detailed sound. They lack some bass, compared to the 5000's. It's all a matter of taste...You'll have a pair of nice classic speakers anyway.
Steffen:You'll have a pair of nice classic speakers anyway.
I have some bad news about it, my FS (Fabric Selector (wife)), wants to put this fabric on them
If I do this, do you think I will be denied as member on Beoworld, and upon my death never get into the Valhalla Beosection (Beohalla)
Søren Mexico: If I do this, do you think I will be denied as member on Beoworld, and upon my death never get into the Valhalla Beosection (Beohalla)
Oh no - you must be joking
If you do this you'll never get into Beohalla
Søren, my friend, you will never have a problem being welcomed into BeoWorld, of that I am certain. However BeoHalla might prove to be a different story. I have very real visions of Peter and Svend rolling in their graves….. that said I rather like the idea, very sixties and oh my God would it ever appeal to my mother who has excellent taste.
ha ha
so it's really FSW than, and what a taste
can't you cancel the order?
You'd go to BeoHella instead for sure, although your contributions to this forum and hard work won't never take Beoworld from you :)
Søren Mexico: Steffen:You'll have a pair of nice classic speakers anyway. I have some bad news about it, my FS (Fabric Selector (wife)), wants to put this fabric on them If I do this, do you think I will be denied as member on Beoworld, and upon my death never get into the Valhalla Beosection (Beohalla)
Not knowing is the only thing that keeps me going.
Did you ever have a day where everything went wrong? I suppose we all have, but today was mine.
I started my day seeing a specialist who rubbed his hands together while looking at my CAT scan and is now sending me to another type of specialist. I don’t expect a real problem, but it is unsettling to have a big time doctor tell you “Well you certainly have a problem but I don’t know what is wrong with you.
I then went to my car and it looked for all the world that someone had backed up into it with a truck. (False alarm here, but pressing on….)
Then the “Check Engine” lamp illuminated on the dash of my vintage (14 year old) car.
Arrived at my Veterinarian’s office to pick up supplies they phoned to say were in….. they weren’t. Left empty handed.
Got back in my car and the CD of IL Divo was dropping from the right channel and making scratching noises. So now even my car radio is crapping out, probably caused by the Check Engine light.
I began to sense some sort of great Gypsy curse had been place upon me.
Arrived home safe and sound and after the day I all but kissed the ground. I was so looking forward to a quite evening and then I read your posting that in effect ALL of my treasured Beomasters and Beograms can fail at any moment.
Started thinking more about that Gypsy curse again.
Piaf:Then the “Check Engine” lamp illuminated on the dash of my vintage (14 year old) car.
Your lucky your car has no windows software, imagine the message window coming up, "BREAK FAILURE, ARE YOU SURE YOU WANT TO BREAK" IF YES CLOSE ALL WINDOWS, RESTART YOUR ENGINE, AND TRY AGAIN"
This makes me laugh, keep the coming
It is definitely something wrong with you - you've been infected by Beo virus ;)
and no offence but even in Canadian standards 14y old car ain't vintage
anyhow if it makes you feel better, my day wasn't peachy neither - but was rewarded by fairly good deal on BC 8500, pair of X35's and Beolink 1000, which almost all turned to be in good working order.
Bob
P.S. what ever you do, it's important to remember keep breathing
Piaf: Hi Steffen, Not knowing is the only thing that keeps me going. Did you ever have a day where everything went wrong? I suppose we all have, but today was mine. Jeff
oh Soren, what are you like.....?
Søren Mexico: Piaf:Then the “Check Engine” lamp illuminated on the dash of my vintage (14 year old) car. Your lucky your car has no windows software, imagine the message window coming up, "BREAK FAILURE, ARE YOU SURE YOU WANT TO BREAK" IF YES CLOSE ALL WINDOWS, RESTART YOUR ENGINE, AND TRY AGAIN"
Hi Søren,
By strange coincidence I am also having a brake problem and have made an appointment with the Ford dealer to take care of both the Check Engine light and the brakes.
But you are right; thank God Uncle Bill at Microsoft didn’t make any automotive computer software! Think about all the car crashes!
Hi Bob,
I was trying to be kind and refined in saying my car of 14 years is vintage, so if it makes you feel any better, the damn thing is plain old. And trust me on this, my dealer thinks the car is “vintage” suitable for the auto salvage yard. They don’t even make this marque anymore….. I feel like I am driving an Edsel.
a 14y DORF (oops I meant FORD = Find On Road Dead - isn't bad going) & I know the feeling, my youngest bike (BMW K1100LT) is 1997 ;) and the one I use almost daily (BMW K100RS) is 1990 and last issue I had was when it start showing reserve just after I've ran out of petrol - I mustn't say it was in middle of nowhere in one of our lovely country lanes...
There better - now
And please Microsoft software in cars or any vehicles for that matter is scariest than good horror movie - don't give them ideas
have good one
Piaf: Hi Bob, I was trying to be kind and refined in saying my car of 14 years is vintage, so if it makes you feel any better, the damn thing is plain old. And trust me on this, my dealer thinks the car is “vintage” suitable for the auto salvage yard. They don’t even make this marque anymore….. I feel like I am driving an Edsel. Jeff
Hey Bob,
Ford: Found on the road dead, good one. FIAT: Fix it again Tony. But the one I actually like GTO: Gets tickets often…. and did it ever. My first car was a GTO, Pontiac, NOT Ferrari.
Piaf: Hi Steffen, Not knowing is the only thing that keeps me going. Did you ever have a day where everything went wrong? I suppose we all have, but today was mine.
Sorry to hear about your bad day.
But - look at the bright side...It can only get better tomorrow
Piaf:Arrived home safe and sound and after the day I all but kissed the ground. I was so looking forward to a quite evening and then I read your posting that in effect ALL of my treasured Beomasters and Beograms can fail at any moment.
As Monty Python sang: 'Always look at the bright side of Life'
I know you were only trying to educate me and I sincerely appreciate your comments. It was just the day, nothing terrible but an unholy amount of crap for a single day.
I was looking at a half empty glass when the reality is just as accurate to notice the same glass is half full.
My Beogram 4000 has been rebuilt and checked out by Martin. The Beogram 8002 has also been rebuilt and my Beogram 8000 has had the motherboard rebuilt by Martin, so they should be fine for years to come.
Further I know firsthand that electronic failures seldom just happen, the failure comes in stages so there are indications that all is not right before hand.
This was the case with my Beogram 8000 which was moody beyond belief before it stopped mid-record with a big puff of smoke.
My Beomaster 4500 has put me on notice that something is amiss and this disappoints me, but it is what it is.
That said, even though the Beomaster 2400 is getting rather old and is still a “virgin” it is not displaying the slightest hint of trouble. The glass really is half full…. not empty.
Still focusing on the positive while my BeoCenter 9000 arrived with CD issues, initially it would only play about 70% of the CD’s I offered, but with a lot of use it now plays about 98%. This has to be an oddity and I know it can’t last, but for now it is working rather well.
Thanks for your input!
Hey no complaints from me here, I owned 3 FORDS while living in USA (parts everywhere and easy to work at) now I cannot afford car and B&O's at same time (having the BMW virus as well ) not to mention that I just about to manage push broken down bike, but car - NO sir !
One thing for sure you mustn't worry that much, "enjoy yourself..... " someone may remember the rest of the song and the remarkable products you've got there without being scared they will fail one day eventually, after all even our B&O's are just people at the end of the day.
cheers
Piaf: Hey Bob, Ford: Found on the road dead, good one. FIAT: Fix it again Tony. But the one I actually like GTO: Gets tickets often…. and did it ever. My first car was a GTO, Pontiac, NOT Ferrari. Jeff
I gotta tell ya, if there were an Olympic medal for worrying, I’d have the gold medal. It is not that I don’t comprehend that worrying is worthless, as it is utterly…. it doesn’t prevent the bad and ruins the good.
Keeping the above in mind, today, out of defiance, frustration, or just morbid curiosity I deliberately blasted the heck out of my Beomaster 2400. As Steffen says, “If you don’t use it, why would you care if it didn’t work?” So today I USED it. OMG, I really did.
I am not certain if I was at maximum volume, but I was real close. Any louder and it would have been uncomfortable to listen to and I don’t want to damage my S-45 speakers.
I had the time so I just sat down and really listened to four different records, played on the Beogram 4200 that came with this Beomaster.
So how did it do? Like it always does, like the “Little Engine that could,” this amplifier simply does not know that it is elderly, compromised, or in any way enfeebled. [True it is, but this 2400 doesn’t seem to accept this fact.]
I tested everything and in so doing discovered WOW this little amp sure has bass! Treble too, but the bass blew me away.
Set everything back to neutral and enjoyed the extended concert. After which, I have absolutely nothing negative to say.
Having other things to do with the rest of my day I applied Søren’s test: check the heat at the cooling fins. Well after an hour of playing at FULL volume the heat fins were once again warm, but not remotely hot and exactly the same on both sides.
Perhaps I can now stop worrying about this Beomaster 2400.
Hi Jeff,
I assure you that taking into consideration people I know - you wouldn't even qualify for the Olympics - where I on the othe end strictly follow the "beatnik's path" (see replaced boring signature)
And good on you!!! I certainly use my BC3500 daily and nobody told him yet he's doomed to fail sometime - it appears it does get better with age - just like us (aged to perfection)
P.S. Always enjoy reading your comments - like the wittiness and proper English humour
Piaf: Hi Bob, I gotta tell ya, if there were an Olympic medal for worrying, I’d have the gold medal. It is not that I don’t comprehend that worrying is worthless, as it is utterly…. it doesn’t prevent the bad and ruins the good. As Steffen says, “If you don’t use it, why would you care if it didn’t work?” So today I USED it. OMG, I really did. I am not certain if I was at maximum volume, but I was real close. Any louder and it would have been uncomfortable to listen to and I don’t want to damage my S-45 speakers. So how did it do? Like it always does, like the “Little Engine that could,” this amplifier simply does not know that it is elderly, compromised, or in any way enfeebled. [True it is, but this 2400 doesn’t seem to accept this fact.] I tested everything and in so doing discovered WOW this little amp sure has bass! Treble too, but the bass blew me away. Set everything back to neutral and enjoyed the extended concert. After which, I have absolutely nothing negative to say. Having other things to do with the rest of my day I applied Søren’s test: check the heat at the cooling fins. Well after an hour of playing at FULL volume the heat fins were once again warm, but not remotely hot and exactly the same on both sides. Perhaps I can now stop worrying about this Beomaster 2400. Jeff
As Steffen says, “If you don’t use it, why would you care if it didn’t work?” So today I USED it. OMG, I really did.
Piaf: Having other things to do with the rest of my day I applied Søren’s test: check the heat at the cooling fins. Well after an hour of playing at FULL volume the heat fins were once again warm, but not remotely hot and exactly the same on both sides. Perhaps I can now stop worrying about this Beomaster 2400. Jeff
After that, you can stop worrying. That's for sure. Just enjoy the good ol' Beomaster...
I quite agree and I will just enjoy my little survivor.
Yet there is a bit more to this story, if it can be called that, after playing the Beomaster 2400 at a very high volume level I also checked out all the sliders, something I don’t recall having ever done before.
When I adjusted the bass to maximum I was shocked at just how much BASS this amp can produce! True, it was too much for enjoyable listening, but the point it; this Beomaster 2400 really can produce a VERY deep bass sound.
The treble was also very good, but it didn’t “impress” the way the bass did. Maybe it is just that I like bass, but I think it is more that I had over time envisioned this amplifier as being a light-weight, perhaps even a bit feeble as compared to my other amplifiers.
This is possibly true as compared to the McIntosh 2255 with its 500 watts, but that said, the Beomaster 2400 owes no apology for lack of volume, bass, or treble. With 50 watts, 1/10th the power of the McIntosh, the Beomaster 2400 certainly came in with a LOT more than 10% of the volume of the mighty McIntosh.
Hmm, sorry couldn't resist not to comment
did you axially ever had the chance to listen to your McIntosh on 500w - doubt it ( for once your speakers would say good bye quicker than you'd manage turn it down) but also is the power of your McIntosh 500w max / peak ?
wont bore you with long stories why it couldn't and won't be possible, but also the volume "sliders" aren't quiet linear and in order to get full power, it would have to be up to 11 ... we as human are well equipped to sound (with very inefficient ears easy to be fooled - good example is loudness).
Bass at BC is controlled on 20Hz and treble on 12Khz ;) taking in consideration spectrum of capability to hear, most people don't appreciates high tones, as per bass (providing the mass of woofer is physically capable producing waves of such low frequency, we can feel it as vibration even if ears won't be able to register.
I personally find that despite the warmth and deepness of B&O speakers (I own) , the sound is somewhat flat and treble in particular can do with bit of "piezoelectric clarity" as you'd experience with Motorola's tweeters for example, great solution to my demands be B&O tweeter satellites, (which I've once let slip because computer said NO on eBay) and from what I'm hearing, you may benefit from sub-woofer unit (sometime I commit crime and use in conjunction with my system my Samsung Pro-Logic's six extra speakers to make up the "loss")
I used to different sound delivery for years thanks to Technics RS7000's (yes it was Technics era in my life, before B&O's became available to plebs like me as well) and purpose build systems (separate units - woofers, middle drivers and tweeter satellites control via mixing pult with equaliser) for venues I used to DJ at.
One day I will grow up and get myself good set of Beolabs though (my BC8500 and Avant would love them as much as I will, that I'm sure off)
keep on "rocking"
Piaf: Hi Steffen, I quite agree and I will just enjoy my little survivor. Yet there is a bit more to this story, if it can be called that, after playing the Beomaster 2400 at a very high volume level I also checked out all the sliders, something I don’t recall having ever done before. When I adjusted the bass to maximum I was shocked at just how much BASS this amp can produce! True, it was too much for enjoyable listening, but the point it; this Beomaster 2400 really can produce a VERY deep bass sound. The treble was also very good, but it didn’t “impress” the way the bass did. Maybe it is just that I like bass, but I think it is more that I had over time envisioned this amplifier as being a light-weight, perhaps even a bit feeble as compared to my other amplifiers. This is possibly true as compared to the McIntosh 2255 with its 500 watts, but that said, the Beomaster 2400 owes no apology for lack of volume, bass, or treble. With 50 watts, 1/10th the power of the McIntosh, the Beomaster 2400 certainly came in with a LOT more than 10% of the volume of the mighty McIntosh. Jeff
Did I ever get a chance to listen to my McIntosh at 500 watts?….. surely you jest, countless times. And that is 500 watts continuous power (NOT peek), more like 600 watts as McIntosh routinely under-rates their amplifiers.
Blown speakers? Not yet and I purchased my McIntosh ML-2 speakers in 1971 and they are 100% original, except for the foam on the four 12” woofers. Technically the ML-2’s are no match for the big Mac, but they too are McIntosh and McIntosh is tough to kill.
The Linn Isobaric speakers were a much later addition and they can handle anything the McIntosh puts out, while literally begging for more….. and I am NOT kidding.
Guys, I have a new one for you.
Today I thought it worthwhile to give my Beomaster 4500 the same test I did my Beomaster 2400.
The results were quite different in that the Beomaster 4500 occasionally displayed considerable distortion, to the point that I turned back the volume. None the less I persevered. It was very much like I gave the 4500 enough time to catch its breath and it got its composure back.
After about an hour of strenuous playing the Beomaster 4500 seemed to catch its “groove” and the distortions disappeared, so I increased the volume to 76 where the 4500 appeared perfectly happy.
I noted that the cooling fins were MUCH hotter than my Beomaster 2400, although evenly so. I don’t know if this is the result of powering S120.2 speakers instead of the vastly less demanding S45 speakers the Beomaster 2400 has to deal with.
In any case I was a bit unsettled by the periodic distortions…. Which were NOT subtle, but they really did seem to settle down…… Good God, vintage electronics are sure a lot like owning a British car, one finds themselves grateful that your car only dripped a pint instead of a quart.
thanks for sharing, I like your analogy of vintage British car - it could be lot worse, we could be talking Italian here and celebrating the moments when it decides to work and impress.
To the other reply - Good for you, If I ever try do 500 (600)W in our place - we wouldn't have place , anyhow our poor ears wouldn't know the difference and beside I find that all Vintage products are more "human" like - they have moods, perfect every time is more German like and sometime can be boring.
best regards
P.S. still don't know how to multi quote
Piaf: Guys, I have a new one for you. Today I thought it worthwhile to give my Beomaster 4500 the same test I did my Beomaster 2400. The results were quite different in that the Beomaster 4500 occasionally displayed considerable distortion, to the point that I turned back the volume. None the less I persevered. It was very much like I gave the 4500 enough time to catch its breath and it got its composure back. After about an hour of strenuous playing the Beomaster 4500 seemed to catch its “groove” and the distortions disappeared, so I increased the volume to 76 where the 4500 appeared perfectly happy. In any case I was a bit unsettled by the periodic distortions…. Which were NOT subtle, but they really did seem to settle down…… Good God, vintage electronics are sure a lot like owning a British car, one finds themselves grateful that your car only dripped a pint instead of a quart. Jeff