I think they possibly sound better than the 8000 if I am honest. I am afraid the quad 6000 is not really in the same league except in looks. The 3400 sounds better if you want quad and has the stupidest frequency display ever made as an amusing feature.

The 4400 is made of better materials from a a cabinet point of view. Both have their foibles and neither are that easy to fix. The 4400 has the usual red capacitor problem and the switches are prone to becoming noisy but it can all be fixed. I worry about the display on the 6000 and it tends to blow one channel. I have a 4400 so I am biased. But if

The straps are a different size - RL140s are really quite big!! £23 is a very good price! You could always tie them together and use them as a punt!

I guessed you were a student! (Your room!) I do have a spare CD50 with recently serviced motor which you can swap for your less than useful one. I am just to the east of Newcastle but if you are interested, send me a PM and we can work something out. No RL straps as I have given away both pairs of RLs though!

Can't argue with most of that except that the laser on the CD50 is almost bomb proof unlike the CD5500 which can break. Usual problem is the motor which needs overhauling - however I agree with Graham that getting this done is not so easy! Agree about the MX - I live closer than Graham so if you don't want it ....!!

A friend of mine ran just the same system. The CDX attaches via Aux In and is selected via the Aux button. I would suggest the CDX may needs servicing - they have a common fault to do with solder joints. That would however normally present with the CDX not reading discs. If the iPod works fine, I cannot see the problem being in the BC4000. There is

The perspex on the Beocord 5000 will do the same. I don't think it is supposed to come off though!

It is now! The Mautitron manual has the troubleshooting guide at the end which the one I have does not. The one I have scanned is in colour though and is a better scan - both are now there!

BM1400 service manual now on as well.

Tim uses RL140s with his 5500 with no problems. He has slightly modified his 5500 as can be seen in the linked article. I am using CX100s at present but they drive any of my speakers with no problem - I have one modified and one not!