This is a very difficult question. The problem is that all these cartridges will be 20 - 30 years old. You can buy new ones at Soundsmith and I think their prices are very reasonable for what are hand made cartridges. Axel on the other hand can re tip any of these cartridges - which you choose is really a matter of taste. Axel makes cartridges which

Don't try and fix it yourself - voltages in the back are lethal and can remain even with the set unplugged. It could be as simple as a single component so I would tend to find a local TV repair shop and take it there. In the North East, the service department has been split off from the B&O stores and seems to offer excellent value for money

The Avant does not need an amplifier officially but the later sets do, as you say. I actually amplify the RF from my aerial as it goes to a number of rooms. I confess to using a cheap no name one which works fine though my BV10 has the B&O one to send signal to the link room. I would believe your dealer!

Only in the BV10 and 7-55! On the whole, the picture quality seems rather good but the sound is usually the let down. I know I have been critical of the BV10 sound but it is still quite a way ahead of 'normal' TVs.

I can see the point but you will need quite an expanse of wall! Given my 5000s away so can't comment!

The only point I would make is that for some reason, I think Pentas sound better attached to the 7000 than to the Avant. That is of course for stereo music and if you want surround, you need to attach to the TV.

I would amplify - I have just changed from an Avant to a BV10 with RF amplifier and the picture in my link room is much better. Wish I had put in an amplifier years ago.

Also inaccurate as very little is Philips these days! Still, JC is a big B&O fan, so he can't be all bad!

Yes - otherwise you need a B&O log in, which is not readily available.

Frede actually restores Quad as well as B&O. Look here . I have always liked Quad - particularly the ESL63 speakers. You need a big room to get the most out of these though. I would favour the 405 over the 303 though.