Beogram 4002 pros and cons AC vs DC motor?

Hi everyone!

I already own a Beogram 4002 in good working order which is the DC motor version.

I'm contemplating the AC motor instead but wondering if I'm going to gain something?

Waiting for your inputs!

Thanks!

Charles

Salut Charles !

Having both AC (with heavy platter) and DC versions, I’d say there isn’t much to it. The (excellent) Japanese DC motor has brushes and it’s therefore not as silent as the AC Swiss motor. It is probably less durable as well.

Electronics tend to be less complicated with the DC version too.

That said, many swear by DC motors sound wise, even replacing synchronous motors with those on Linn and Thorens turntables, but frankly the so-called improvement remains to be proven—at least to my own ears!

But then again, any B&O completist should have both, shouldn’t they?

Both AC and DC motor versions of the Beogram 400x turntables are great once the motors have been rebuilt. If the motors are still original then the oil in their bearings have to be about gone by now. I have had Beolover restore both AC and DC motors for me and they perform like new again.

As Jacques said, if you consider yourself a B&O completist then you really should have both types :-). 

I'll skip my turn for owning two BG since I consider myself enough B&O... compulsive...

My intent is to send the motor to Beolover and put the money on the table I want to keep.

If, sound wise, they are both "equivalent", I'll stick to the one I have.

Thanks a lot for your inputs guys, much appreciated as always.

Charles 

 

 

The biggest factor in how it sounds of course is the cartridge so make sure and allocate money for that component.

it has an MMC6000 but I don't know the wear of the stylus though.

I would also mention that the ribs on the platter of the AC version are thinner than the one with the independent subplatter (4002 DC and 4004), making it aesthetically more like the 4000. It might not be a big concern though! However, that detail has always bugged me!

Guillaume

 

 

Hi,

That's right. The AC BG 4002’s had a 4000 platter without the painted strobe markings. I never quite understood why B&O used fragile paint as others - the Duals, Technics et al, were using cast markings.

I believe that there are also AC and DC versions of the Beogram 6000. What's the easiest way to tell which version I have? Is it by looking at the ribs on the platter? Could anyone post pictures of the two different versions so I know what I'm looking for?

Hi, 

For your curiosity, here's an old post with a nice pictures showing the subtle difference between the two kind of platters :

https://archivedarchivedforum2.beoworld.org/forums/p/35223/292539.aspx

The one with the thinner ribs (Beogram 4000, 4002 early and 6000 early) is made in one heavy block. Later types have a black and smaller subplatter, seperated from the main aluminum platter above it.

I don't know, however, if the switch between AC and DC followed exactly this manufacturing difference.

Type number for these models start with 55 followed by two numbers. on the 6000, I think the third number can be "0" or "1". The fourth number, if it follows the 4002 structure, is a market designation (GB, USA).

If the third number is "0" as in type 5502 or 5505, then, the deck is probably the AC version.

The best way to confirm would be to look at the electronics : The AC version has four big capacitors, right above the motor. The DC version as only one.

Guillaume

Very useful! Thanks hamacbleu!

Bang & Olufsen did expect a Beogram owner to change the platter belt so access to the inside was made pretty easy. Pull out on the wood trim and the deck will be unlocked. Then you can lift off the aluminum deck plates. I advise to remove the phono cartridge before doing this or, at the very least, attach the protective cap on the cartridge. The deck lid could bump in the stylus.

Once exposed you can see what type the motor is. However, as others have mentioned, I believe all of the AC platter motor Beogram 400x decks have the heavier, one-piece platter. 

As for advantages of one over the other I wouldn't say there really is. I have a number of the Beogram 400x turntables and when they are restored they all perform magnificently. The key is making sure they are maintained and well taken care of ... and having a good phono cartridge.

Thanks everyone!

The MMC6000 is simply a superb stylus, I have one on my Beogram 8000, which gets daily use.

Wear makes a considerable difference, but suspension hardening is the killer. (or so I am told, as I have not experienced this....yet)

Do note the MMC6000 has a well earned reputation as the fantastic dusk collector. THIS is can confirm.

Jeff

Hi everyone!

Worn out MMC carts suffer a drastic treble loss: the tip looks good, the suspension looks fine and yet they sound dull dull dull.

Nice to see that all beofriends are still here by the way.