Interesting! Same type number as an early 6000, described as a 6000 on the label and an early serial number. You are obviously correct that it is a prototype though why relabel it as a 6001 is beyond me! Seems rather complicated unless they were thinking that the previous existence of a 6000 would be confusing. Never stopped them before though! I'll

Completely different in almost every way! Spark to Icon, and the earlier version Sound and Vision, are produced by B&O and are lavishly produced very large books full of wonderful photos and a commentary of the company from its inception to modern day. Not much detail on the individual products but gorgeous. A few inaccuracies but highly recommended

No, it is designed to work with a Beomaster 2200 or 2400 which have the RIAA in the receiver. There are relatively few beograms with a built in RIAA and they all attract a healthy premium. If you want an RIAA, get an external one - much cheaper and quite possibly superior anyway. The quad decks do have the built in RIAA but when in quad mode, they do

The RX2 is a reasonable midrange deck. You can spend a lot of money and get a better one though you will need to spend wisely to get a big difference. Soundsmith cartridges will certainly make a big difference to the sound - you will feel that the music is sharper and more focused though possibly a little less relaxing to listen to. More like CD in

I think Martin summarises this well. I would get a 4000 series deck - I would also get a European one with switchable voltage which would make your life easier! I think the 4000 type deck is much better made, more elegant and will be repairable for longer than the 8000 deck. I would have a cartridge rebuilt by Axel as I find the Soundsmith cartridges

All Beograms can play SQ records. The decoder is in the receiver. Very few European 3400s can play CD4 records as they need the rarely fitted CD4 module fitted. The US 3400 will not be able to play CD4 records. You should be able to tell the difference between a US 3400 and a 3404 by the fact that the 3404 will have a 7 pin DIN plug fitted.( It may

Unfortunately not that simple!! The 3404 comes in two variants - the Type 5727 and 5747. Only the later 5747 has the round section arm which is also seen in the 2202 and 2402.

I didn't say it was good value! But it is not bad design which is what this thread is about. The Beo1 is though - how on earth can you work teletext or choose satellite programs on a remote with no numbers!

I like the BeoTime too - as long as you don't take it too seriously, it is wonderful! I don't use it as either a remote or an alarm clock, more as a whimsical ornament!

Can you show a picture of the label?