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
I recently purchased a Beomaster 1700, in excellent working and looking condition.
My intention was to have this vintage piece as an occasional listening option, since my main setup at home consists of an Onkyo TX-NR656 7.2 surround receiver, Focal Speakers (Left, right and central speaker) and a pair of Beolab 3000 as the rear channels.
I said it was going to be an occasional option but it turns out to be my main amplifier..The first tests were made using my ipad connected to an Audioquest Dragonfly Red portable DAC. I have a Hi-Fi subscription in Tidal so I chose to play some Master quality records since the Dragonfly red can decode MQA.
The first minutes were revealing. Excellent stereo image, a deep sound-stage even in lower volume and a sense of natural musicality that my Onkyo simply cannot achieve. In some Keith Jarrett recordings I had a 3d feeling listening the piano above and behind my left ear. I know this Beomaster was never a hi-end proposition but it's humble 30 watts left me wondering what the hell is happening with the modern amplifiers advertising 150 watts/per channel.
If anyone else has an experience with Beomaster I would like to hear your thoughts. Right now I am testing its phono stage and I will let you know..
Beomaster 1700, Beocord 8000, Beolab 4000 MK1, Beolab 3000 (passive flat panel), BeoPlay E8 3rd gen, Beoplay H9 3rd gen, Beoplay P2
I believe, what you are experiencing, is the difference between an amplifier built to be linear and an amplifier built to sound pleasant.
Martin