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 am looking for a Beomaster to partner my Beogram 4002 and thinking about choosing between
the two Beomaster 6000 models...........but, which would be the smartest choice ??? they are both
stunning pieces ?!
any thoughts, ideas or suggestions for me ??
cheers and thanks form ALF
Cleviebaby:Hi ALF, even the acknowledged experts steer clear of repairing them. Cleve
even the acknowledged experts steer clear of repairing them.
Cleve
Oh I love servicing and troubleshooting this amplifier, and as far as I am aware every one I have serviced is still going strong after more than a year - I sincerely hope! :-) They do occasionally exhibit strange faults though, and can be awkward to work on!I agree with all other sentiments. I would personally struggle between the two 6000's. I think the quad more as a showpiece as part of a complete system, but the 80's version for both good looks, sound and raw power :-) The 4400 whilst sounding lovely is not for me, but it is definitely a good alternative!
Olly
That is a very good question.
Now I can only speak for the '80s version as I have used mine pretty much all the time since 2008 when Martin/Dillen saved it from a burnt powersupply. I also had the optional remote print installed which were untested but also still works fine.
I find it to sound very good and strong built while service when correct done lasts for years. Play around with the bass and treble settings as it does benefit the sound of it.
Connection are with the 7 pin data link which came in the '80s and that works very well indeed. I have tried running a Beocord 5500 with the basic tablet remote responding correct to the functions given on it. Also it has a very good FM reciever in difficult areas compared to my new Besystem 6500.
Now due to the service being difficult to do and the sound not being anything that is really being mentioned here the '70s version is not that interesting apart from the design of it. The Beogram 6000 is the better option for it and that one is good enough.
For a Beogram 4000 series I would say BM 4000 or 4400 though the '80s BM6000 can be recommend as it is not that common talked about but can still holds it own and it even got better test reviews in Denmark than the BM8000 for the sound!
Don't worry Cleve I wasn't taking your comment personally :-) I know people don't like this amp - I remember the Tech I did odd Saturdays with remarking on this particular model when it hit his bench!
Cleviebaby:Olly, I wasn't inferring a criticism of your skills! I know a number of people have found the 70s 6000 really time consuming to work on. Good for you for taking them on. Cleve
I wasn't inferring a criticism of your skills! I know a number of people have found the 70s 6000 really time consuming to work on. Good for you for taking them on.
thank you to all of you who gave a bit more insight away
I am keeping my options open, but one decision is clear so far :-))
cheers, ALF
Have had all of these - I believe I have a 6000 quad under a bed somewhere still! These are splendid machines - way ahead of their time and made to look as if they have LED displays but in fact use bulbs and revolving tape! Difficult to work on because they have a huge amount in the box but are essentially a souped up double 901 so not actually that complex. The 3400 is a better electronic design but the 6000 is much the more beautiful. Matched by the even more difficult to service Becord 5000 which is only stereo.
The 4400 sounds better but the 6000 is pure theatre!
Peter
Peter: The 4400 sounds better but the 6000 is pure theatre!
Are you referring to the 6000 80's version? I would like to see a properly conducted double blind test on that one. two units, each fully refurbished to the same standard and a panel of Beoworld members :-)
The Beomaster 6000 4 Channel is a show-off piece, and I have mine because it always impresses friends when I say it's from 1974. The output amplifier is very inferior to newer models and lack the ability to drive larger speakers because of a very low damping factor. The beomaster 3400 uses the same amplifier topology as the Beomaster 4400 and will perform much better, but not as aesthetically pleasing.
My first serious Beomaster was the 80's 6000 which did well; though I dislike the preamplifier section. The EQ looses effectiveness and the powerful bass disappears at anything over "30" on the volume control. Mine was restorated, my Father's original 6000 and my Uncle's restorated 6000 are behaving similarly...
Then I found a Beomaster 8000, had it serviced. Way better in my opinion; tighter bass response because of a huge power supply, better preamplifier and the EQ section was worth using. I enjoy cranking my 8000 any day.
I was then given a 4400 by my grandparents. Did the total recap and tune-up, with great results. Preamplifier is 8000-like and it likes to drive large speakers - my 4400 is used with a pair of MS150.2's now, it's a nice combo. I hosted a graduation party last year for my classmates in the backgarden; my 4400 and a pair of recapped S75's connected to spotify on a computer. People were impressed that it sounded so good with such clarity, even though the overload lamp was flashing.
Vinyl records, cassettes, open reel, valve amplifiers and film photography.
Actually that is fair Soren, the 6000 probably not as controlled at higher volumes, but again, need a double blind test and similar conditions to see how much difference there really is, the last 6000 I did sounded superb with my S80's!
Step1: Peter: The 4400 sounds better but the 6000 is pure theatre! Are you referring to the 6000 80's version? I would like to see a properly conducted double blind test on that one. two units, each fully refurbished to the same standard and a panel of Beoworld members :-)
No, the 70s quad version. The 80s 6000 is almost a 4400 in drag so sounds very similar. Too many lights for me but in the right place, a lovely receiver. Suffer from heat issues.
Hi
Why not an 80's 6000, a gram 4002 and add a beocord 5000? The design of the beocord is really similar to the 6000 quad. This way you get the 3 design ideas and the beomaster, placed in the center of the two other elements gets slightly above them. This, way, the gram and the beocord complements each other, on each sides, with their brushed aluminum buttons..
The setup I always wanted is a beogram 4000-4004, a beomaster 2400 and a beocord 5000... Soon to be..
Guillaume
The Beocord 5000, though beautiful, is possibly the least reliable piece of kit that B&O have ever made! I would get a Beocord 2400 if I were you as it is an excellent performer!
I know... the shape of the 2400 is a better match to the shape of the beomaster but there's too many apparent buttons on it.. it's not enough "futuristic" for my taste... as for the performance..shame on me! ..I must admit that it's more a question of how it looks than how it plays...
Peter: The Beocord 5000, though beautiful, is possibly the least reliable piece of kit that B&O have ever made! I would get a Beocord 2400 if I were you as it is an excellent performer!
Believe it or not, I have an untouched Beocord 5000 type 4705 (three head model) that still works flawlessly!
I would still recommend a Beocord 8002/8004 though.
Tim fixed my 5000 some years ago and it works fine 90% of the time. Put a valuable recording in it though and it will chew away to its heart content.
Peter: Tim fixed my 5000 some years ago and it works fine 90% of the time. Put a valuable recording in it though and it will chew away to its heart content.
I've still got two that work fine. But I always look at them suspiciously whenever I play a tape so far so good
Jacques
I have a 5000 on the side right now, just waiting for a go ahead or not. I love these decks! I wonder if we could look into an anti-chew mod? Will have a look at this...
I've got Tim's instructions if you like Olly.
chartz: I've got Tim's instructions if you like Olly.
Thank you Jacques, but I have got a slightly different idea, check your mail :-)
Hi Olly, hi Jaques,
have a Beocord 5000 Type 4705 in a good working condition but i'm also a bit afraid of the dark cloud chewing tapes over this nice tapedeck.
I'm interested in both modifications. so would be pleased if you can you send me both proposals.
Ralph-Marcus
One mod is to revert to single capstan drive as in the Beocenter 4000. Unfortunately, even in this guise, the cassette proves capable of destroying tapes at times!
I think the 5000 is a wonderful looking deck but if you want the very best cassette player B&O made, chose from the 8004, 9000 or the newer Beocord 5000. The 8004 and 9000 certainly have a fair degree of wow factor. The problem will be the differing DIN and RCA standards for recording but the 8004 should be switchable.
How does the 5000 do that with a single capstan then? Takeup spool?