Friedmett: Switched the same record to the 6000 system. Sounds just as great! I'm sure it was :) The Beosystems 6000 and 8000, if looked after, are amazing value given their high performance vs. cost factor. Currently listening to 'How do you Sleep' by The Stone Roses on the Beosystem 6000. Sounding good.

Friedmett: The joy of a Beogram 8002? I know. At the moment: Master of Puppets reisue 180 gram double disc. by Metallica Congratz John! Thanks Friedmett! Currently listening to the Beogram hooked up to my Beomaster 6000. I really should take it downstairs and try with the Beomaster 8000 :) Definitely my favourite Beogram.

RussR: JB, while the VW/Bentley analogy is OK, I don't think it's a precise match for this issue. Although based on the same foundational 'architecture', the Bentley pieces are usually built to a different specification than the VW ones, so they aren't intended to reult in identical products. Think more about Intel producing dozens

TripEnglish: There has to be some minimal test performed on each panel which could single out both general faults as well as quality grades in order to funnel them through to the various brands which build off the panels. It's obviously built into the "plan" as Pioneer was able to jump on the BeoWagon with very little trouble and buy the

Are there any other comparable manufactured goods production processes where a certain percentage of the run is top-sliced and held up as a premium? I don't understand how this is supposed to work...

First EVER listen to my 'new' Beogram 8002 - 'Unfinished Sympathy' by Massive Attack. I'm pleased :)

Tom: I have downloaded the album from iTunes. I really like it, on of my favourite albums of the year. The sound of the band still is very catching! Cool Tom - I didn't realise they were well known on the continent. It's a good album though, like you say :)

It's well beyond my capabilities! Might ask Tim some time, but the problem is getting the thing down to him, as he won't accept anything though the post. Fair enough really - and a lesson I learned when I recently sent an MMC2 attached to a Beogram 8002's tone arm, that was toasted by DHL >:(

Craig: My Beomaster 6000 has been sat in Garage for the last 3 weeks, waiting for me to try and work out why the bulbs for tone controls don't work. Maybe this weekend I will get round to it. Craig My knackered one is the 6000 I bought from you a couple of months ago - I need to fix it :)

Ha! Fair enough Chris. I don't like children, so for my bank balance's sake, I hope it stays that way!! Will drop you a line over the weekend though - would be good to listen to those cartridges, but even better to have a beer or two soon ;)