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This is the second Archived Forum which was active between 1st March 2012 and 23rd February 2022
Hi, this is my first post and probably a very typical noob post as such. I did search for some time, made me a little wiser, but not at all informed.
I'm considering 70s - 90s B&O kit in my new apartment, but what is better from the options I have, given my conditions?
Conditions:
* The new living room is not suitable for very high end audio due to placement of things. It's a smallish room. No need to put in a lot of money for the finest, so I might as well go for 1/10th of the price with 80+ percent of the effect.
* I'm a trained musician with an excellent ear, but with reduced bass perception. I'm currently playing on Behringer MS16, they're "OK".
* I have vintage synths and a vintage car. I understand some TLC is needed.
* I mostly listen to electronic music, I don't mind the kit to "contaminate" with it's own warmth - as long as it's pleasing :)
* I like the sleekness of the 8000 and 9000 series, but I can live just fine with a 7000, especially since it has an integrated record player. Not so sure about the 5000 stacks looks.
Speaker options available to me now:
* RL 60.2, RL 6000, RL45.2, R140 - All with orginial stands - actual condition unknown
* S45.2 - actual condition unknown
* Penta - actual condition unknown
* M70 - they keep popping up in suppedly "great sounding condition"
Console options available to me now:
* Beocenter 4000, 7000, 8500, 9000 and 9300
* Some 5000 series components (stackable), but apparently no amp
1) Are there any optimal / suboptimal combinations around the speakers and consoles? Are they all mix and match (e.g Pentas are active, which amps are not?)
2) I assume S45.2 and M70 is servicable by my ten thumbs (again, assuming recapping is the most difficult thing to do). But how about the rest?
3) There really are a bunch of Redlines around, but how do they compare sonically to 70s M/S series?
3) Is it safe to ship any of these things, well packaged? For instance, we do ship those analog synths around, but they are mostly in flights.
4) These were the options I have at the moment, within my budget (i.e M100s already priced above what I'm willing to give for a non high end setup). But which items should I really be looking for around the same money?
I hope you like this kind of nooby questions and that you all have some differing opinions :)
Cheers!
M100 is pretty high end if you ask me and the price they go for rather low in comparison.
Cheers.
Speaker systems are either passive (80s) or active (90s) but a lot of stuff then can use either, depends on model numbers and the connectors are proprietary but fairly standard. I'd just be aware that at this stage in life, you're likely to need to replace capacitors, belts and speaker foam so you'd either want a setup where that had been done, or possibly go older where the parts are larger and easier to service. If it's cheap then you're likely going to have to spend more time+money in the not too distant future.
You can ship anything safely, if you're willing to spend enough money for packaging and postage. Personally, I'd recommend just finding something selling within 150 miles or so and picking it up yourself, if you have a car, or if not offering the seller a decent amount of money to drive to you. My first buy I drove about 50 miles down the motorway to meet the seller halfway, buy them lunch and chat about the system I was buying. A lot cheaper than courier delivery and an interesting afternoon, learning more about the brand. Most people selling vintage B&O gear are interesting people.
KorgKamerat:1) Are there any optimal / suboptimal combinations around the speakers and consoles? Are they all mix and match (e.g Pentas are active, which amps are not?)
You mention: Beocenter 4000, 7000, 8500, 9000 and 9300 - all of those systems are with build in amplifiers, but can also be used with the active Beolab Penta's via PowerLink -and ofcouse those systems can be used with all passive speakers. I think the Beocenter 9000 does not have PL sockets - but it has SpeakerLink sockets which does the same, but are harder to find (ask Steve at Sounds Heavenly if you find one of those systems).
Thanks so far guys!
First of all, the "problem" with the M100s is that they sell, a little shady, for EUR 600 here. That's more than I'd give for a condition unknown total system.
There's a pair of pentas here at EUR 300.
There's a pair of RL60.2 at EUR 80
There's a 9300 with a pair of RL 6000 at EUR 500
Pair of S45.2 and M70, both with original stands for EUR 200 each.
I have to say I totally dig the design of the M70 and S45.2 with stands, while Pentas look to be a little bit too dramatic. I'm leaning towards BC7000 and M70/S.45.2, a total of EUR 400.
But disregarding looks, what's best bang for the bucks - given the pricing examples above and considering that condition is unknown, disregarding the sales text.
EDIT: There is also what is apparently a full System 5500 at sale here.. what's a good price, considering that everything works but probably needs professional TLC in the near future?
The problem is what one person likes, you may not. S45.2s are great small speakers - beautifully accurate but they do not do a huge amount of bass. Personally, this bothers me not one iota. You may feel different. Equally, most of the 80s and 90s equipment will need servicing and more and more contain integrated circuits. If I were to do my time again, having owned all sorts of systems I would probably choose a Beolab 5000 system fro the late 60s - beautifully made and sounds fantastic. Is obviously completely non remote control and records would be your major source, though a Beogram CDX would attach nicely. A classic and wonderful service manuals available. I would realistically match with a Beogram 4000 which is slightly later but works fine. I would pair with Beovox 45.2s though if I had the space Beovox 5000s and 2500s would be an alternative.
If remote control was a must, Beocenter 9500 and either the 45.2s or Pentas.
Peter
I would highly recommend Beovox s45.2. They are more than good enough! If you look around you can get some incredible deals. I bought my pair for 40€, and spend some time refurbishing them, which I think is part of the fun. I matched them with a Beomaster 2400, even though I might update to the Beomaster 4400, which is considered one of, if not the best build by B&O. I bought the Beomaster 2400 from a retired radio technician, who made sure that everything was perfect (replaced caps/transistors/bulbs...).I had luck finding a Beogram 4000 in good condition for very cheap (minor repairs/adjustements were needed). With some new cables and some money spend at the hardware store for the restoration of the Beovox and minor repairs on the Beogram I spend under 400€ for a timeless looking, good sounding setup. I can recommend the Beomaster 2400. It is definitely possible to ship it as it is rather lightweight and quite sturdy, and affordable. Also, I was told it is quite easy to service.
Thanks a lot, really appreciate your inputs.
I think I'm going for a "woodie" on stands, I've started buying 70s/80s theme furniture now. I was disgusted to see the M70 trumpet stands, so I think that alone settles it for M100 or S45.2. As the former is too expensive, the answer is kind of given.
In the latest development, I understood that my resentment for a Beosystem pizza box affair was really just a mysterious attraction. Just picked up a Beomaster and Beocord 5500 (EUR 150 total, inlcuding CX100 and a B&O headset), so the hunt for Beogram and CD 50 has started :)
While I carefully collect 5500 modules and control panel, is the 5000 series modules 100% compatible and identical looking? There are some cheap, working 5000 things for sale around here.
Thanks a lot, Peter. Very good and personal recommendation.
Alas, I stumbled upon another path which is visually extremely tight.
KorgKamerat:While I carefully collect 5500 modules and control panel, is the 5000 series modules 100% compatible and identical looking? There are some cheap, working 5000 things for sale around here.
Dom
2x BeoSystem 3, BeoSystem 5000, BeoSystem 6500, 2x BeoMaster 7000, 2 pair of BeoLab Penta mk2, AV 7000, Beolab 4000, BeoSound 4000, Playmaker, BeoLab 2500, S-45, S-45.2, RL-140, CX-50, C-75, 3x CX-100, 3x MCL2 link rooms, 3x Beolab 2000, M3, P2, Earset, A8 earphones, A3, 2x 4001 relay, H3, H3 ANC, H6, 2014 Audi S5 with B&O sound, and ambio
Thanks, Dom. To clarify: I'm picking up a Beomaster 5500 and tape deck tomorrow, not any 5000.
But essentially, you say that the Beomaster 5500 can use Beogram 5000, 5005 and 5500 as these players do not have built in RIAA (The RIAA being in the Beomaster 5500). And the design / colours etc look identical for Beogram 5000, 5005 and 5500?
Thanks guys, 5500 master and tape with cx 100 in the house for EUR 150. Smokey smelling.. I'm too spoiled with high end synths that noone would dare pollute with smoke.
Moving to https://archivedforum2.beoworld.org/forums/p/38174/290398.aspx#290398
DMacri:Yes, they are compatible and have the same pizza box form factor, but I know the later version of the series like the 6500 and 7000 feature a different aluminum finish. I am not absolutely positive the 5500 and 5000 series have the exact same finish. We’ll need others to weigh in on that.
The 5000 and the 5500 has the same finish with the brushed aluminum and the color of the metallic grey plastic surfaces.
Oh wow, I'll definately try that. I thought I'd open it up and use compressed air to blow away things as well. Baking soda + box sounds like something I can do :)
The BM5500 is a very useful device - lots of inputs - I use a BM5500 with CX100s as the sound system for my iMac. I would counsel you look for a CD5500 rather than the CD50. The CD5500 uses the TDA1541A DAC which is fabled as one of the best sounding and the CD player is also quite a bit quieter in operation than the CD50. I had a 5000 system new and bought a CD 50 when it was released, some time after the original launch of the 5000 system. I sent it back as it was simply too noisy! I do have a CD50 and a CD5500 now but the CD50 is once again inoperative - it seems far more temperamental than the CD5500 which is fine if possibly a little overenthusiastic to close at times! The Beocord 5500 should not be forgotten either - very useful device!