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,
Recently I got a nice deal on a Beogram 4002 which is in very good optical state (god that design, terrifyingly beautiful). However it's sound is quite 'muffled'; not a lot of high/mid and especially not a lot of details. From what I've read this apparatus should have a much nicer sound.
It is linked to a Beomaster 3000 (which plays songs with more detail via a Chromecast, so the Beomaster is not the problem) and 4 KEF's Q300/Q100's.
I think the needle might be the problem (from what I've read), the element is an original B&O MMC20EN. However I've also read that it might be worthwhile to change some internal elements (condensators etc) if the sound is muffled. My brother-in-law occasionally repairs bass amps so he should be able to do this. However it is also a risk to open the unit I think.
So where should I begin? Getting a new needle (Soundsmith SMMC20EN that would be probably) of revising the unit internally first? I wouldn't mind spending money on the unit, but I would hate to order a needle to find out later that the internals are the problem.
Or do you guys think the needle is the problem?
Sorry if this message is somewhat vague / grammatically incorrect, English is not my native language.
Thanks in advance!!!
The signal path from cartidge to amplifier is not going through any electronics in the Beogram - there is a mute circuit but that would stop all sound. the problem is likely to be the cartridge and either the stylus itself or possibly the suspension. You have two options:
1. Get a new cartridhge - Soundsmith make a range and these were what was used in the remanufactured Beogram 4000C sold by B&O.
2. Get yours retipped.
I have done both in the past - the Soundmith is excellent but more forward than the original B&O - many will prefer the Soundsmith for the detail. I have had a shibata diamond put on a MMC20S as well and this is also excellent and has more of the original B&O sound in my opinion.
Where are you based - if in the UK, I would lend you a cartridge though from your last comment probably you are not!
Peter
Thank you Peter! Seems I should be getting myself a Soundsmith SMMC20EN then.
I am based in NL so that would not work, thank you very much for offering though!
Try this site:
https://www.tonabnehmerservice.de/en/About-us-oxid/