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
Hi All,
I have just obtained a couple of B and O vintage (I say vintage they are about the same age as me) projects- A beogram 1600 turntable with an MMC10e stylus (shot to absolute pieces it sounds diabolical but the coils are fine) coupled with a Beocenter 1400 amp.
I am looking for a couple of spare parts and a bit of advice- The Beogram obviously needs a new stylus which I planned on having retipped and upgraded to the MMC20 spec but I noticed in the corner of the lid the two rubber feet are missing at the front- are these even available as a reproduction product? im not sure what they look like if im honest I thought the corners of the lid were cracked until I realized its a recess! I assume I can just cut down a rubber pad if they aren't but I did want to keep it as original as possible. The belt has been changed just as a precaution.
The Beocenter I am unsure if it has any value so im not sure whether to proceed with repairs or get something a bit newer- maybe the Beomaster 1900? (it was £27 so hardly an expense). It has been rewired to have an earth and has been pat tested so it did not electrocute me. The FM function is perfect and the sound is clear but as with many of the Beocenters the tape deck has seen better days and the switches aren't the cleanest. I changed the belt on the tape deck which seems to have the speed issue sorted and cleaned the moving components but alas we have no sound yet- a simple tap on the head provides no sound whatsoever. I assume there is some sort of wire break between the head and the cabling to the speakers? but also the phono port for the deck sounded a little distorted but is working and the fan is a little noisy (bearing?)- so the question is is the amp worth repairing or going in the parts bin? I do need some feet for it too if it is worth getting but im unsure what size to get as the ones that are on it have collapsed. All of the switches have been cleaned with servisol so far which has made a massive improvement- but if its worth nothing im quite happy to put it in the spares box.
Any helpful advice on where to get parts ect would be gratefully received!
Thanks
Neither of these products could be considered as "all time great's"sadly,but they can sound quite nice when working.
Build quality was a problem and as a result reliability suffered.They have not aged well either.
Unless you have need for a tape deck,you'd be better investing in a "hair shirt",as that would be less trying than attempting to get this one going,and keeping it going for long!
Get the pick-up rebuilt at least(try Audio Origin in the U.K.)and the deck should "sing again".
Treat yourself to another Beomaster (eg 1500,1900/2400,3000/4000 etc) and you won't look back.
Nick