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
chartz: How will that 4500 of yours sound? Mmm... Fingers crossed I guess!
How will that 4500 of yours sound?
Mmm... Fingers crossed I guess!
Hi Jacques,
You and me both! However, thank you kindly for your concern.
I knew when I started this that repairing this BM 4500 might restore it to how it left the factory, but not to the infinite state of perfection what WAS this amplifier.
I have gone on and on over the years attempting to describe the indescribable.
As mentioned before on various threads I have a factory fully restored McIntosh 2255, a 500 watt amplifier that is a close to perfection as one can get. The McIntosh is a magnificent instrument, BUT it didn’t hold a candle to the Beomaster 4500. The McIntosh is flat, cold, and impersonal…. which is to say probably extremely accurate. In contrast the BM 4500 was soft, mellow, yet with super crisp highs.
What I am attempting to explain is like the difference between a blue white (GLARING) light bulb and a slightly yellow one. The blue white may be more “accurate” but it makes food look unappetizing and everyone in the room twenty years older. See what I mean?
The main reason my BM 4500 ended up where it did was BECAUSE it did such a magnificent job standing in for the McIntosh which was out for repair. The BM 4500 was SO much better at sound reproduction as our home theater sound source, and at peek volume. Movies came alive with the BM 4500, absolutely amazing.
We were actually disappointed when the McIntosh returned as although it could easily produce more volume where necessary, it didn’t sound remotely as REAL as the BM 4500 had.
You know the difference was no less of a slap in the face as had we been forced to go from an excellent stereo back to a world class mega-buck monaural system.
In any case we’ll just have to see how the BM 4500 sounds and even if by some miracle it came back with the above mentioned delightful sound, to duplicate our former experience if would have to power at least the Linn Isobarics and McIntosh ML-2 speakers at the same time, something we know this amp can not do without injury.
Let’s see instead how it does with S-45.2’s
Have a fine weekend!
Jeff
Beogram 4000, Beogram 4002, Beogram 4004, Beogram 8000, Beogram 8002, Beogram 1602. Beogram 4500 CD player, B&O CDX player, Beocord 4500, Beocord 5000 T4716, Beocord 5000 T4716, Beocord 5000 T4716, Beocord 8004, Beocord 9000, Beomaster 1000, Beomaster 1600, Beomaster 2400.2, Beomaster 2400.2, Beomaster 4400, Beomaster 4500, Beolab 5000, Beomaster 5000, BeoCenter 9000. BeoSound Century, S-45.2, S-45.2, S-75, S-75, M-75, M-100, MC 120.2 speakers; B&O Illuminated Sign (with crown & red logo). B&O grey & black Illuminated Sign, B&O black Plexiglas dealer sign, B&O ash tray, B&O (Orrefors) dealer award vase, B&O Beotime Clock. Navy blue B&O baseball cap, B&O T-shirt X2, B&O black ball point pen, B&O Retail Management Binder
So how does it sound ? You should have had it back in service by now .
Ricardo: So how does it sound ? You should have had it back in service by now .
Hi Ricardo,
So you would think.
It spent 5 days traveling by truck from Atlanta to Miami (the wrong direction) and now 6 more days with US Customs.
God only knows when they idiots will discover this is a harmless amplifier whose owner is anxiously awaiting its arrival.
Today they listed it as processed, retracted that, and then listed it processed again. I printed out the page to protect my sanity.
Will let you know more when more info is available.
Thanks for asking!
Hi Colin,
My Beomaster 4500 has now been fully repaired and if the good people that oversee US Customs Miami would be so kind as to release it, I'd have my wonderful amp back.
Thanks for your comment and interest!
Any news on your beloved Beomaster Jeff ?
Or is U.S. Customs still holding it hostage ?
Ricardo: Any news on your beloved Beomaster Jeff ? Or is U.S. Customs still holding it hostage ?
The folks at US Customs kept my BM 4500 a full week, but it arrived finally, I guess a week ago.
The BM 4500 replaced my long suffering BM 2400 which is currently, as I type, in US Customs San Francisco, California.
During the set-up I noticed a fairly loud THUMP that slid back and fourth within the BM 4500. In retrospect I should have first opened it up to see what was the cause of all that thumping, BUT reason aside, I was anxious to hear how it sounded.
Initially the BM 4500 sounded good, but not extraordinary. However with every play it has gained in complexity, hitting high notes my BM 2400 didn’t even attempt to achieve.
I mentioned this break-in sound improvement in another thread, where the responses ranged from absolutely, maybe, to no way.
I subsequently posted a question about rebuild amps breaking-in with the sound improving with use and on that site all 9 responses were positive. I also asked my technician who did the work and he said capacitors break-in and sound best after 40 hours.
In any case I absolutely believe this to be the case as my BM 4500 has improved considerably since it arrival.
Over the weekend I opened up the BM 4500 to find a 2” X 3” metal protective shield that was sliding around under the second circuit board on the far right. Had that piece of metal touched the circuit board during play, it would have been disastrous. Re-soldered the shield and all is good.
You referred to my BM 4500 as beloved. I like that, I hadn’t really thought of it in that way, but I must say it really is! Thank you for noticing.
Now it’s my Beomaster 2400’s turn to be rebuilt. Multiple failures, over-heating, and periodic burning odor, it still managed to resurrect itself.
The last performance of this BM 2400 was really quite good, as long as not directly compared to the BM 4500.
I was quite pleased that it held together and played commendably with all lights still working, but my technician says it doesn’t matter if it plays or not as he is going to replace nearly everything due to its age.
The shop is located near Atlanta so at this point I don’t know if they even have power in the shop and in any case, the airlines are not flying anywhere near Atlanta.
Thanks again for asking about my Beomaster 4500, I appreciate your interest!
We all have a beloved Beo's. Mine is the 2400. Granted I have more powerful, versatile, and better sounding sets. The pizza boxes come to mind. However, there is something I find special about my 2400. I guess thats why I currently have 5, have given away 2 and have a box of parts. I can only speculate the reason burantek (jeff) had a bunch himself is his feeling was much the same. The goofy 8 function remote was just the icing on the cake.
Kind of like comparing an S45 to an S75. No debate which onee is better but I like the other just the same.
I have had the same experience changing out caps on my amps. The 2400 may sound muddy and matbe a bit flat at first and then at some point it will come to life. Does it everytime I have rebuilt one.
Benny has a solid track record from other Beoworld members.
Ricardo: We all have a beloved Beo's. Mine is the 2400. Granted I have more powerful, versatile, and better sounding sets. The pizza boxes come to mind. However, there is something I find special about my 2400. I guess thats why I currently have 5, have given away 2 and have a box of parts. I can only speculate the reason burantek (jeff) had a bunch himself is his feeling was much the same. The goofy 8 function remote was just the icing on the cake. Kind of like comparing an S45 to an S75. No debate which onee is better but I like the other just the same. I have had the same experience changing out caps on my amps. The 2400 may sound muddy and matbe a bit flat at first and then at some point it will come to life. Does it everytime I have rebuilt one. Benny has a solid track record from other Beoworld members.
I totally agree with Richard, my BM 2400 is my favorite, beautiful design, and yes there are better sounding, The stack 5000, the BM 4000 and so on, but the BM 2400 is the only one that make me stop in front of it, just looking at it not playing, I recently obtained a BM 3300, same design, but somehow the disco light design disturb my liking to it. Cant wait to get it up and running. In June I´m going to burn my mortgage and then I will go looking for one or 2 more 2400, and as Richard I am going to give away at least one. Where i have problems is finding a receiver/amp that fits the CX 100, at first I liked then with the BM 2400 but somehow there are missing something sound vise, longer listening is tiresome.
Collecting Vintage B&O is not a hobby, its a lifestyle.
Søren Mexico:Where i have problems is finding a receiver/amp that fits the CX 100
Which is the best amp/receiver for CX100 and CX50?
//Bo.A long list...
Søren Mexico: Ricardo: We all have a beloved Beo's. Mine is the 2400. Granted I have more powerful, versatile, and better sounding sets. The pizza boxes come to mind. However, there is something I find special about my 2400. I guess thats why I currently have 5, have given away 2 and have a box of parts. I can only speculate the reason burantek (jeff) had a bunch himself is his feeling was much the same. The goofy 8 function remote was just the icing on the cake. Kind of like comparing an S45 to an S75. No debate which onee is better but I like the other just the same. I have had the same experience changing out caps on my amps. The 2400 may sound muddy and matbe a bit flat at first and then at some point it will come to life. Does it everytime I have rebuilt one. Benny has a solid track record from other Beoworld members. I totally agree with Richard, my BM 2400 is my favorite, beautiful design, and yes there are better sounding, The stack 5000, the BM 4000 and so on, but the BM 2400 is the only one that make me stop in front of it, just looking at it not playing, I recently obtained a BM 3300, same design, but somehow the disco light design disturb my liking to it. Cant wait to get it up and running. In June I´m going to burn my mortgage and then I will go looking for one or 2 more 2400, and as Richard I am going to give away at least one. Where i have problems is finding a receiver/amp that fits the CX 100, at first I liked then with the BM 2400 but somehow there are missing something sound vise, longer listening is tiresome.
Hi Ricardo and Søren,
I read what you say with genuine interest and curiosity. Søren has mentioned several times that his favourite amplifier is his Beomaster 2400.
I say I am interested and curious because my Beomaster 2400 has never been in any way remarkable other than its stubborn durability. It was always my non-complaining workhorse, cheerfully doing whatever I asked without complaint.
I am actually excited to see what Benny can do with my 2400, should be interesting.
For the CX50/100, I have used almost everything - I ran CX100s with a BM8000 for a while - possibly slight overkill! I use a BM5500 at present and they sound fine - they don't really pretend to be Hi-Fi speakers though - they are made for convenience and fill that role admirably. CX50s were also far better bathroom speakers than Beovox 1s! Wish I had not changed!!
Peter
Try the CX50/CX100's with a *cough* NAD receiver. My kids love their stereo: NAD 7140 receiver, CX50, home brew computer, and Beocord 3300.
I love my BM2400 as well, but I still prefer my BM1900. Hhhmmm...the BM1900 has been through Benny's shop, the 2400 has not. Correlation?
Ok my initial interest in the BM2400 can be traced back to my early days on Beoworld. I discovered Beoworld back in 2008 andI spent about 6 months as a "guest" reading different sujects and stumbled upon a thread authored by none other than our man Piaf himself explaining how he had tried to drive his Linn speakers with his 4500 to no avail and was forced to dust off his 2400 instead and how thwy were able to drive them without a problem, except maybe getting a little hot at the sinks.
Others chimed in Peter, Martin, Burantek to name a few explaining the difference in the architectures of the two amps. They all seemed to agree that the 2400 was a really well constructed and rugged little bugger and I became interested in obtaining one of these amps..
The fact that Martin also could provide a complete refurbishing kit made it all the more attractive. For a few dollars I could get a complete set of caps, rectifier and new spec dial lamps and a set of instructions. Plus some really cool danish postage stamps to look at.
How could I possibly resist. While I can confidently buy my own replacement components today I still use Martins basic set of instructions to count up how much I need to have on hand before I open them up for service.
But what sealed it for me was the goofy Beomaster Command Mudule. Gotta have the remote !!!
The Beomaster 1600 was the only amp I believe the CX series was "spec'd" with. They were almost always sold a secondary speakers.
I could be wrong about that.
Rich: Try the CX50/CX100's with a *cough* NAD receiver. My kids love their stereo: NAD 7140 receiver, CX50, home brew computer, and Beocord 3300. I love my BM2400 as well, but I still prefer my BM1900. Hhhmmm...the BM1900 has been through Benny's shop, the 2400 has not. Correlation?
I'll let you know as soon as I get my BM 2400 back from Benny. It is currently in US Customs San Francisco.
Ricardo: Ok my initial interest in the BM2400 can be traced back to my early days on Beoworld. I discovered Beoworld back in 2008 andI spent about 6 months as a "guest" reading different sujects and stumbled upon a thread authored by none other than our man Piaf himself explaining how he had tried to drive his Linn speakers with his 4500 to no avail and was forced to dust off his 2400 instead and how thwy were able to drive them without a problem, except maybe getting a little hot at the sinks. Others chimed in Peter, Martin, Burantek to name a few explaining the difference in the architectures of the two amps. They all seemed to agree that the 2400 was a really well constructed and rugged little bugger and I became interested in obtaining one of these amps.. The fact that Martin also could provide a complete refurbishing kit made it all the more attractive. For a few dollars I could get a complete set of caps, rectifier and new spec dial lamps and a set of instructions. Plus some really cool danish postage stamps to look at. How could I possibly resist. While I can confidently buy my own replacement components today I still use Martins basic set of instructions to count up how much I need to have on hand before I open them up for service. But what sealed it for me was the goofy Beomaster Command Mudule. Gotta have the remote !!!
If I was of ANY help, I am delighted.
That said my Beomaster 4500 did a fantastic job, the best of all my amps in driving not only the Linn speakers, but the big McIntosh ML-2’s. The sound was extraordinary and when my McIntosh 2255 came back from the factory rebuilt, I was disappointed in the sound MUCH preferring the Beomaster 4500.
Unfortunately driving these two power hungry amplifiers was too much for the Beomaster 4500 and it over-heated.
That said, it didn’t die until mated with my MC 120.2 speakers. I say the experience of running those big speakers weakened the BM 4500 and the MC 120.2’s finished it.
The Beomaster 2400 did indeed run the same speakers and without complaint, although it got really hot. My little workhorse, so uncomplaining, but in future will be paired with S 45.2 speakers.
Hi Jeff
Here is one for you. My mate was after a small B&O amp to use with his Usher S520's and his Technics turntable in his study. In comes my spare Beocenter 2600 (Beomaster 1500). The Beocenter is a very nice and respectably powered 2x25w per channel amp. After a few wines we decided to lug the pair of Beovox M100's from the lounge into the room for a listen. To be honest the 2600 did an admirable job, so here you have it, 25w amp powering 100w speakers!
David and Goliath!
Enjoy.
Another example of an "odd" pairing was my BM1600/1700 with a set of S75's/ It worked really well. Probably the best fit I have found for that particular amp although the S35's also performed well with it and in reality were a more realistic match.
Hi Drew,
Real nice looking unit, that Beomaster 1500. I don’t think I have ever seen one in the flesh.
And although the purest can really get upset with technical miss-pairing of amplifier to speakers, the honesty truth is, if it sound good to you, it is a decent, if not correct, match.
The only problem would be as I previously and foolishly did to over-drive an amplifier. Not entirely sure why, but something in the Beomaster 2400 allowed it to do your David ‘vs. Goliath over an extended period of time with little ill effect. (Remember it was still working quite well went it left for Benny’s. The real issue was more age related than over-taxed….. unlike my BM 4500.)
Now off the subject, I am just getting such a kick out of this language difference between Peter’s UK and your Australia. You spoke of having a few wines then bringing your M 100’s up from the lounge….. stopped me right in my tracks.
I sort of assumed that you meant what would be called a living room here, but was sufficiently unsure that I looked it up. (Yea, I really did.) In either the US or Canada a lounge does not relate to one’s home, rather it is a bar in an upper class restaurant. It also means a backless sofa, which is a relic of the fifties. Whatever. I just really enjoyed this reference, for whatever reason.
Of course there are differences between the US and Canada, just more subtle. In the US they say “holy cow” to convey surprise, here it is “holy crow,” neither of which makes the slightest sense….. just expressions.
Things like the evening meal is dinner in most of the US, but in Canada it is more likely to be called supper….. which is like the Deep South in the US and parts of the mid-west. In any case one would know what the speakers was saying, but your lounge really threw me.
Anyway, I just made much to do over nothing, but I for one enjoyed it AND the difference between cultures. Wouldn’t it be dull without them?
The speakers is almost always the weakest link in any setup involving the older B&O amplifiersand, if spent with mind put to it, 25 watts will go a long way.
Martin
Dillen: The speakers is almost always the weakest link in any setup involving the older B&O amplifiersand, if spent with mind put to it, 25 watts will go a long way. Martin
Why are the speakers the weakest link?
I would have thought tired capacitors/resistors/transistors would be the weak link and the area most expected for failure.
Hi Jeff.
The M100's belong to my friend who purchased the BC2600 from me. The Bc2600 is just a BM1500 with a cassette deck built in. The M100's usually run on a big Marantz AVR but we plugged them in to the BC2600 for fun. The normal speaker for daily use on the BC2600 are the Usher S520 which are a very cheap and exceptionally high performing bookshelf for their price tag.
The Usher bookshelf speakers have always sounded a little cold and lacked low end. They were previously connected to a good quality Onkyo AVR with a Parasound preamp for the TT. When we connected the BC2600 it was hard to believe how much better they sounded. I believe the BM1500 was the smallest amp in the HiFi range from B&O at the time but the sound it produces is lovely.
in Australia the living room is what many call the room where they watch tv and spend time with the family, some people call it the lounge room, however in the 70's and 80's people would build houses with a day to day use living room and then a formal lounge room for entertaining however these days the terms are interchangeable and many houses just have a living room.
evening meal is called dinner, occasionally people call it 'tea'. Supper is rarely used here. :)
any news on your 2400? Progress update on the 4500? Sounding good?
drew
My BM2400 is in the garage driving P45s (they of the 4 "stuck" woofers thread). This combo can get loud. Very loud.
And it does.
Andrew: Hi Jeff. The M100's belong to my friend who purchased the BC2600 from me. The Bc2600 is just a BM1500 with a cassette deck built in. The M100's usually run on a big Marantz AVR but we plugged them in to the BC2600 for fun. The normal speaker for daily use on the BC2600 are the Usher S520 which are a very cheap and exceptionally high performing bookshelf for their price tag. The Usher bookshelf speakers have always sounded a little cold and lacked low end. They were previously connected to a good quality Onkyo AVR with a Parasound preamp for the TT. When we connected the BC2600 it was hard to believe how much better they sounded. I believe the BM1500 was the smallest amp in the HiFi range from B&O at the time but the sound it produces is lovely. in Australia the living room is what many call the room where they watch tv and spend time with the family, some people call it the lounge room, however in the 70's and 80's people would build houses with a day to day use living room and then a formal lounge room for entertaining however these days the terms are interchangeable and many houses just have a living room. evening meal is called dinner, occasionally people call it 'tea'. Supper is rarely used here. :) any news on your 2400? Progress update on the 4500? Sounding good? drew
We live, as you know, in an evolving world.
In the early part of the 20th Century people of means had a parlor, which was the fanciest room in the house; children were forbidden from going into this room, as it was only for special guests.
In the seventies people with larger homes had a “formal” living room (updated parlor, a term no longer used by anyone) and they had a family room, often as large or even larger than the living room. This room was where you had your television and where the kids could be comfortable.
As a visual point of interest instead of the regular flat floor, these upper middle class homes had sunken living rooms. Kinda neat idea, but the novelty wore off.
As things evolved builders introduced the “great room” which was essentially the family room that was completely open to the kitchen, which made a lot of sense as the chef of the house no longer was banished to a distant kitchen, but now part of the family….. and serving was a snap.
Today the floor plan has further evolved into a great room with a dining area included and no formal dining room.
Personally I loved the seventies/eighties version the best with the useless but elegant living room, a really big family room, and a formal dining room where dining, not just eating, was an occasion.
The other huge difference from the say fifties where you had a living room, dining room, a one car garage, tiny kitchen, small closets, and really small bathrooms was big kitchens with professional looking appliances, GIGANTIC bathrooms with furniture, walk-in closets, and the three car garage.
Now back to BeoWorld.
My Beomaster 4500 continues to settle in having entered a “phase” where the upper end is a bit bright for my taste. A good many people would like this trait, but I’d prefer it a bit more mellow treble. Having said that, I remain completely pleased with the repair by Benny.
My ever dependable Beomaster 2400 is still in US Customs in beautiful San Francisco, California. It has been a week there, but they did have President’s Day on Monday, a Federal holiday, so maybe they will release it this evening.
For those who draw an understandable blank at President’s Day, it is the combination celebrations of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln’s birthdays. It saved the Federal government two paid holidays and is always on a Monday, providing a welcome three day holiday in February.
Wow, but aren’t I just a trove of information today?
As soon as Benny has my Beomaster 2400 I am certain that he’ll let me know his assessment of it….. and I’ll pass the news on.
And just because I am in the mood for a “bet,” I’ll bet that Benny is surprised by this BM 2400. Yes sure it has burnt capacitors, etc. (I know as I smelled them burning) it also over-heated something fierce, BUT it recovered and continued as if nothing had happened for many months…. excellent sound and absolutely cool to the touch.
My bet is, he will find it in better shape than he expects. I also expect it to sound even better than if did when it left here after Benny renews everything needed. We’ll see….. it doesn’t really matter as it HAS to be repairable as it still functions beautifully.
Once repaired then we’ll see what I have. I can hardly wait!
Rich: My BM2400 is in the garage driving P45s (they of the 4 "stuck" woofers thread). This combo can get loud. Very loud. And it does.
Yes sir, a perfect combination, my FS has forbidden me to put the P45s on the wall in the dining room, so now they are waiting unused in the workshop, but maybe I will surprise the FS one day.
Soren
Ive got (in the cupboard) my old system before I went to the BM2200 and S75's.
I've kept the BG6000 (quad) and BG4002 on the main system (above) (one turntable for good records with a rebuilt EN and another for bad records with a spherical).
The old system was a BM1900 and S45-2's. A really good combination with heaps of power, the S45-2 are just meant for the BM1900. I've just purchased a BG2200 to go with the BM1900, it should look really nice, now I just need a formal lounge room in my apartment to put it all :)
Drew
Piaf: My bet is, he will find it in better shape than he expects. I also expect it to sound even better than if did when it left here after Benny renews everything needed. We’ll see….. it doesn’t really matter as it HAS to be repairable as it still functions beautifully.
Good luck, but I'm betting he's going to tell you both tone controls are shot and it's $100 each to rebuild them. Don't ask why that's my bet. I'll just wait for your report.
Rich: Piaf: My bet is, he will find it in better shape than he expects. I also expect it to sound even better than if did when it left here after Benny renews everything needed. We’ll see….. it doesn’t really matter as it HAS to be repairable as it still functions beautifully. Good luck, but I'm betting he's going to tell you both tone controls are shot and it's $100 each to rebuild them. Don't ask why that's my bet. I'll just wait for your report.
Hi Rich,
Well I won’t bet against that as you are probably right.
That said, the sound controls “appear” to work perfectly, turn up the treble and it does, ditto the bass. Also the balance control works well. I know this as I was asked to check all of this.
From what I have heard when these pots are opened up everything falls apart. As such must be rebuilt. However everything on my 2400 was functioning properly when if left my hands.
Of course I have ZERO doubt that it is out of spec. If I didn’t feel that way I wouldn’t have sent it in for repair.
If ever the boys and girls in US Customer ever decided to release my amp then we’ll have some hard answers. We are on day 8, so it “should” be soon.
Ok Jeff
So its been 8 or so days and im sick of waiting :) Whats the news on the BM2400? (or are you also sick of waiting for news).
Hows the 4500 settling in? still going well?
My BM2200 continues to blow me away with my recapped S75's. Its got such a lovely warm sound, I find it quite addictive, i'm finding myself dragging out old LP's I havent played in years to just admire the sound from the BM2200.
I hope you have some news for us :)
We are all waiting for news, but maybe the US customs are playing around with it.
Thanks for the interest, which is much appreciated.
Any debate, well a polite one in any rate, is healthy and always educational. However I really gotta say I don’t know where this debate over whether an amplifier breaks-in or not came from, as my Beomaster 4500 DEFINITELY has had a considerable break-in.
It started out good, but nothing stellar….. I was satisfied, but not, repeat not thrilled.
The next phase had the complexity expand and an overall more pleasing sound. This was followed by a lengthy period where the upper end was just a bit too bright for my taste. (This lasted for about 5 days.)
Now the 4500 has mellowed out and I am more than pleased. It is still slightly bright for my vintage ears, but I think that most discerning listeners would think it great. It sure functions great with the remote with very decent FM reception. And the sound coupled with my Beogram 4002 is FANTASTIC!
As for my unstoppable Beomaster 2400, it arrived at Benny’s last Thursday. Benny asked for a couple of days to get to it. I was thinking a couple of days, eh? That would make Saturday a good shot, Monday for sure.
Nope, not a word and this is Wednesday night.
The LAST thing anyone should do is pressure a technician, so I stayed quiet….. OK frustrated, but trying to show I have the maturity to have patience.
So 10 minutes ago, I sent a succinct and very polite inquiry to Benny, saying if he hasn’t gotten to it, that was OK with me, I was just checking.
If he has been too busy, what can ya do? But if he just forgot to tell me his impression, well maybe this note will achieve a response.
As soon as I hear, so will you. I promise and thanks for asking!
Have you tried your S75's on the BM4500 yet? The S45's can be quite bright (esp if yours have the mylar tweeter which is a clear yellowish or bright black tweeter) instead of the later silk dome (dull black) tweeter.
The s75 uses a silk dome so is a little more relaxed in the upper end.
If you haven't tried the S75's on the 4500, its probably about time to give them a go.
Looking forward to the news about the 2400 :)
Søren Mexico: We are all waiting for news, but maybe the US customs are playing around with it.
Hi Søren,
US Customs kept it a whole week, but Benny has had it one day short of a week himself.
As I said to Drew, I sent a nice note hoping to get a response.
And out of an abundance of caution I still have yet to blast my Beomaster 4500. I left it playing for 12 hours a day, softly, so it is broken in, but still I am reluctant to really put the “petal to the metal.”
Oh, and because I know it is of interest to you, I just finished up with my Seeburg M100B jukebox and am I ever thrilled!
The gentleman I purchase the correct cartridge from (made all the difference in the world!) has been an amazing resource. Put me in touch with a super company in Maryland and I have replaced a lot of the plastic bits which make the jukebox look almost new!
I also replaced all the rubber bits, bushings, bumpers, and mounts for the motor.
However the last thing I did was finally get off my butt and do a full lubrication on my jukebox. To my disgrace it went 28 years without being lubed and my most recent efforts using sewing machine oil and auto grease just scratched the surface, plus I missed well over half the lube points.
Finally did it right, with the correct 20w oil and the correct amount in each point.
And guess what happened? No, you’ll never guess, my jukebox went ballistic screwing up all over the place. It would pick up a record; put the tonearm down and immediately return the record. Did that little number 10 times in a row.
Plus it would pick up before the end of play, repeatedly, and then sometimes not pickup at all.
AND the growl it makes in motion got WORSE!
My friend and advisor said, “At this point all you can do is a complete disassemble and week long drip cleaning.”
Good advise no doubt, but I live with the jukebox and I knew it was not so much dirt as having been bone dry, now with uneven lubrication.
So out of desperation with this never ending pick-up and no play, I selected the “B” side of a record and it played. Then the formally unplayable “A” side record played. Not the next one, but with exercise all the missteps disappeared.
It just needed a little time to get the lubrication spread out evening, now the mechanism just glides on its track.
I love my B&O collection, but I LOVE this jukebox too!
Andrew: Jeff Have you tried your S75's on the BM4500 yet? The S45's can be quite bright (esp if yours have the mylar tweeter which is a clear yellowish or bright black tweeter) instead of the later silk dome (dull black) tweeter. The s75 uses a silk dome so is a little more relaxed in the upper end. If you haven't tried the S75's on the 4500, its probably about time to give them a go. Looking forward to the news about the 2400 :) Drew
No I haven’t tried my Beomaster 4500 with the S 75’s as I really wanted the amp to break-in with the proper pairing of speakers. The S 75’s are a slight stretch for the BM 4500, but eventually it will be paired with them when my Beomaster 2400 returns.
In the unlikely event you haven’t seen any of my remarks about S 75 speakers, I absolutely LOVE them. The S 45.2’s are a touch more accurate, but who cares? The S 75’s have more punch and are just such a well rounded speaker.
Both sets of S 75’s were gifts, if you can believe that, as well as the S 45.2’s. (One pair of S 75’s from my B&O buddy in California as well as a former co-worker who found pairs of S 75’s and S 45.2’s plus a BeoCenter 9000 in the government dumpster for discarded electronics.)
Oh and with new frets (with Søren’s considerable help) do they all look GREAT! (Sound great too.)
I say hook up the the S-75's put on some Mireille Mathieu set the volume to around 70 and rock the house !!!
then let us know how it sounds
I think your amp would be well and truly ready to be given a bit more of a workout now. I agree with Ricardo, connect those S75's and have some fun.
I have to say my recapped S75 sound every bit as good as my S45 in my opinion. The mylar tweeters in the S45 make them a bit brighter perhaps and sometimes I wonder if this is what people interpret as accuracy, but the S75 are really amazingly good sounding speakers.
My S45 are recapped with expensive audiophile poly caps, the S75 are recapped with Martins kit, they are both awesome but my nod always goes to the S75's.
Andrew: Jeff I think your amp would be well and truly ready to be given a bit more of a workout now. I agree with Ricardo, connect those S75's and have some fun. I have to say my recapped S75 sound every bit as good as my S45 in my opinion. The mylar tweeters in the S45 make them a bit brighter perhaps and sometimes I wonder if this is what people interpret as accuracy, but the S75 are really amazingly good sounding speakers. My S45 are recapped with expensive audiophile poly caps, the S75 are recapped with Martins kit, they are both awesome but my nod always goes to the S75's. Drew
I gave the Beomaster 4500 a bit of a blast this evening with Oh Yea by Yello and the Beomaster 4500/Beogram 4002 did a FANTASTIC job!
Now none of my S-series speakers have been recapped and I wouldn’t even consider it with the way they sound. Down the road maybe, but not now. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
And I’m with you Drew; I really value and enjoy my S 45.2 speakers for what they are: super accurate bookshelf speakers (with really decent bass, in spite of the rumor to the contrary), but hands down the S 75’s are my favourite. I mean they really do everything right with nothing lacking.
Here are a couple pictures of how I perform the initial break-ins on my amps after I perform a refurbishment. After setting the standby and no load currents I will let them play for a day with the bonnets open at low volume, About 1/4 to 1/3 power, then power down, let them go cold, then recheck the voltages.
If everything checks/seems right then they get buttoned up and full testing for another day or 2.
At what i would estimate the 20-30 hours mark the volume gets cranked !!!
*** Note my makeshift antennae ***
Sounds like I have been doing it right.
I have used my BM 4500 at fairly low volume for over a week and let it run all day for 12 hours on three different days, again at very low volume.
At this point I am sure it is ready for full volume, but I haven’t had the temerity to push it beyond 70. Caution is a virtue, or so I am told.
Ricardo:*** Note my makeshift antennae ***
I use the same kind, except my wire is blue, I have such good reception here that everywhere in the house the wire is sufficient. For B&O that is, for my Onkyo, I have to use a wire triple length.