Does yours have 4 small pin holes set in a diamond pattern?

I see no reason it won't fit. The SMMC20 range are a tight fit but I have a SMMC20EN and it fits on my BG4004 perfectly. I agree that the appearance is not as good as the original B&O cartridges but the sound quality is better. Where are you based? Maybe one of our members can help?

Completely correct! I do have a CD4500 but had forgotten it too had a digital output! It uses a Philips TDA1541 DAC whereas the 5500 uses a 1541A or P. (Usually!)

What does the electronics look like? Any 'made in...' stickers!?

I agree! A real star and a huge asset to Beoworld! So a big thanks to Keith!

The CD mechanism in the 4500 is the same as the 9500. Very similar to the 5500 but not such a well specified D/A converter and no digital output. Very neat and matches the rest of the system well.

The sudden change must be electronic. ? cracked solder or component. The scratchy sound could be a driver problem. Try them as passive speakers and see what they sound like. (If you have a system with an amplifier built in).

Recone Lab will probably make you some - ring Mike and ask!

The 4500 is very beautiful - especially when wall mounted. The sources are broadly similar though the casstte and CD are more highly specified in the 6500. The 4500 can be two way though it depends on the software fitted. If you are using Beolab speakers then the amplifier differences are minor. It sounds as though you want the 4500! It is to all intents

I was looking at the V3 version to go with my X-Cans V3 - seem rather more expensive!!