The AV socket is RGB, the Decoder one is not.

The 9500 has a RIAA built in. The later 9300 does not and is to all intents a 2500 in a box with an MCL2P amplifier! I would get the 9500.

The Soundsmith cartridges are very different from the originals. If you want sound more like a CD, then the soundsmith range are for you. However the sound can be a little bright and the detail is a bit wearing after a while. The older CLs and Axels retipped cartridges offer a softer and much easier to listen to sound. Which you like more is all a matter

Agree with above - I don't think the Air will be man enough for what you are using it for - having said that, I do like mine! I bought my mother a MacBook Pro and it is superb - if there is a chance you need to be mobile, this is clearly the way forward with a big external HDD.

It is just the same.

The 9500 works fine with a Beo4 and will link as well as a 9300. I wouldn't really recommend either as a good match for a modern system though. However they do both have timers in which is very useful!

But no remote control and only one bit attached at a time.

It is like the MCL IR transceiver but without the buttons.

Unfortunately a BS3000 would not be much better as they deleted Datalink from the Aux socket! The problem is this: 1. For the Beogram to work, it needs to be attached to an audio master (the 2300) and to have a data connection. It would use the input connections. 2. For the 2300 to work with the BV3, you need to use the output connections on the aux

I( think you are referring to the AM aerial socket - see picture. The 2300 was called a few things in its time but I don't think it ever got Masterlink. You had to use the Aux socket as you have done.