The CDX sounds different because it is a 14 bit machine. It has a warmer more analogue sound though I dare say this is due to distortion ! The best CD player made by B&O was the early CD5500 as it had the best spindle motor and the good DAC. I am sure I couldn't tell the difference between it and the 6500 or 7000 though! These CD players all

Better specified and more reliable CD mechanism. Having said that, I find it very difficult to distinguish one CD player over another. The CDX is easy to tell - beyond that, tricky!

Unfortunately , our Alex is in hyperbole mode again! The lasers in this CD player can go wrong and is not quite as reliable as the CDX. Both mine work though!

The CD in the CD5500/6500/7000 is better than that in the BS9000 and less problematic. The power amplifier in these amplifiers is also pretty good with lots of dynamics compared to the MCL2P which is flat sounding. If you are planning to use active speakers, get the 6500/7000. No point complicating matters!

The first thing to do is to replace the capacitors in the speakers - will make them sound much brighter. The 5000 cannot use the newer remotes but you could replace the Beomaster 5000 with a 5500 which can. Be warned - the Beomaster 5000 sounds better though.

Most impressive! Even better when you tell your friends how much you got them for!

I would go for an 8004 - cheap and the best tape deck made by B&O. The 5500 is limited by the autoreverse. A 9000 is an option but probably not any better than the 8004.

I agree that another shoot out would be good. This time I would suggest that we use passive speakers as well as active - and maybe set them up better. I do have some MS150s available as well as M100s and once my Beomaster 4401 is ready, we will have a nice amplifier to use. Venue will be an issue.

Very well! I chose Pentas over 8000s - remember that they were sold at the same time and the Pentas were about £500 more. Much superior bass and they have the display. The 8000s have a slightly sweeter top end. In my view, Pentas are very good value for money these days.

9 LEE: Craig: Interesting, might have to pop down and see Lee. Craig Bring a small large! van or large car! Honestly, there are some nice pieces here - and i need them gone! My warehouse now looks like steptoes back yard !!! Lee