Please help with finding the correct preamp for Beogram 1500 to Beocenter 2300. Tube? -

Johnny_Graham

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Johnny_Graham Posted: Sat, Oct 17 2015 3:54 PM

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Hi folks, I have bought a used but GWO Beogram 1500 with MMC20S cartridge. I have a sounds heavenly 4 way splitter on order (RCA inputs) and so connectivity isn't an issue. I think the Beogram has hardwired RCA outputs wires too.

I am UK based, and not wanting to get into audiophile prices..and so,

looking at the cheapest, £14 ebay basic phono pre-amps like this one

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/321388989605?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

through the still cheap ones that are described as 'RIAA' (that's what I see on the B+O inbuilt preamps) -at about £30 like this one

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/191113919963?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

which is probably similar to the higher priced ones like Steve sells, but without the DIN connectors (sorry Steve!)

And the other option is a budget tube driven phone pre-amp like the chinese little bear one here at £75:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Little-Bear-T10-Tube-valve-Phono-Turntable-RIAA-Preamp-preamplifier-amplifier-UK-/400999243252?hash=item5d5d6addf4:g:66gAAOSwGzlTtA1f

This has potential advantages of warmer sound and looking cool (!) which would make it worth the higher price.

Thanks in advance folks and please excuse my lack of knowledge.

Søren Mexico

Mexico City

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Søren Mexico replied on Sat, Oct 17 2015 5:33 PM

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Check here

Collecting Vintage B&O is not a hobby, its a lifestyle.

Johnny_Graham

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Johnny_Graham replied on Mon, Oct 19 2015 11:23 AM

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Thank you Soren. I had seen these, and they seem good but need to ship from US, and not very aesthetic.. :-)

I presume the smaller/cheaper boxes have problems with noise or poor fidelity? I wonder how noticeable these issues would be?

Has anyone got a tube pre-amp in their B&O set up?

Dave Farr

France

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Dave Farr replied on Mon, Oct 19 2015 12:39 PM

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Johnny_Graham:

Thank you Soren. I had seen these, and they seem good but need to ship from US, and not very aesthetic.. :-)

I presume the smaller/cheaper boxes have problems with noise or poor fidelity? I wonder how noticeable these issues would be?

Has anyone got a tube pre-amp in their B&O set up?

'Not very aesthetic'? It's a pre-amp that's supposed to be tucked away, out of site usually so the aesthetics are unimportant. I assume you want a tube pre-amp as it's got a nice light from the tube? Surely the quality of reproduction is the most important function. Shipping from the US will not be expensive for such a small item and you probably wouldn't have to pay any duty (I haven't on an expensive watch I just received). Buy cheap and you will end up being disappointed and have a lesser quality of sound. Tube amps aren't cheap (especially with any control built in) either and I thought you wanted a cheaper option?

Dave.

Johnny_Graham

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Johnny_Graham replied on Mon, Oct 19 2015 1:22 PM

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Thanks Dave. I have imported plenty of car parts from the states and the delay and extra cost aren't the end of the world..but still in the mix.

Re aesthetics, it's nice for something to look cool, that's all. This is a B&O forum isn't it? Smile But the advantage of the first preamp in my link is that it would certainly hide away easily.

Yes I think the tube amps look good, hands up! And the chinese one in my link looks cool with its perspex box, and is not expensive...but the main appeal is the 'warm sound' that is described. Maybe that is BS..that is why I am here trying to find out!

Andrew

Frinton, UK

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Andrew replied on Mon, Oct 19 2015 1:48 PM

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Hi - I use a Rega preamp to feed my BM6500 and sometimes use a BG1500 - it sounds very good and yes, you do get what you pay for - the advantage is that the sound is good, and it has USB output. And as others have said it can be hidden away so it doesn't matter what it looks like. I use a Thorens deck with it sometimes as well and AT cartridge - the Thorens is much brighter sounding that the Beogram so I suspect that matching the Beogram to a valve amp will result in a not so great sound and if anything more muffled. However it is all subjective and maybe down to the age of my cartridge

I have tried cheaper RIAA amps and they are ok but dont give as full a sound, some of them humm and some sound just tiny I suspect it also depends on what speakers you have as well - this is a link to the rega but Project and NAD also make excellent preamps at about the same price point.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0072RZ95U?keywords=rega%20preamp&qid=1445258482&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1

If I was buying one now and wanted something that had been tested and known to produce good sound with B&O equipment then I would trust Sounds Heavenly or one of the other dealers.