Common problem on 6000s. The variable resistors or trimmers as Martin calls them go out of spec and this causes the overheating. Needs attention as it can cause other problems as well. The service manual is on site if you feel up to it or I am sure someone can help. Whilst there, replace the red capacitors.

I have every confidence in you! What you are really saying is that many units are taken to service departments and the laser is blamed. I think this stems from the fact that most B&O these days is serviced by replacing modules and some of the basic skills are being lost. Unfortunately this becoming much more common with a few shining exceptions

I can't guarantee you will win though!

I agree the Beolab 4s are cheap - for B&O! However for £880 one can get some mighty good speakers and a pretty good amplifier! Your review of the 4000s is reassuring though!

If you signed up at the polo, I see no reason why you are not gold. I take it that you won the Gold membership - or paid at the time? I'll send a message to Lee!

I think you have been fortunate! A friend of mine has a little stash of said lasers because he has seen quite a few faulty. The CD50 and CDX seem indestructible by comparison! I have only had one faulty - in a CD4500 - but that was when a new laser was available. However you obviously see far more than me!

You should have the instruction book! Powerlink carries no instructions, just data. You can download the instruction book from the official site or , if you join as a Silver member here, you can download all the manuals for your system including some the official site does not have. You need Masterlink.

Maybe the holiday was more expensive than he bargained for!

They are essentially the same system. I would have (and indeed do) the 9500. The CD unit is no longer available. If the laser goes, I am afraid it is essentially curtains - unless you know someone!

The amplifiers in the Beolab 4 are simplified compared to the other ICE amplifiers and use a novel method of filtering that is more about cost saving and space saving than Hi-Fi. Useful in a small speaker like the 4 but unnecessary in the larger 4000. I have not had a close look at the 4000 to confirm this but the spec of the amplifier seems very similar