Points well taken! I highly doubt the accuracy of those restorers claiming that the originals are polycarbonate, because the same substance I intend to use is impervious to scratches - I tested it hard rubbing with a dry towel to see what the effect would be, and it remained mirror smooth. Of course, there may be variable grades of polycarbonate, but

I have had some requests from customers to replace existing original scratched and/or broken dust covers. The originals, as we all know, were made from acrylic plastic, which crack around the mounting screws, and scratch easily. In the course of investigating the worthwhileness of this project, I concluded that any replacements must address those issues

Here is a Danish company making drop-in replacements for the original RIAA amplifier (and better components now), and of course it can be used to put an RIAA amp in those turntables which never had one before. http://www.mb-el.net/side3.html Menahem

Very good! I'll learn from you, so I don't make that mistake! Enjoy it - it's a first-class unit. Menahem

The left signal comes through C501 - did you get a good waveform there? Then I'd cross-check the voltages at TR48 and TR49 with those in the SM. Menahem

Is that a burn mark under the 15nF capacitor on the right? Menahem

Yes, definitely it takes a couple of hundred hours after a refoam (or after a crossover recap) for the sound to sparkle as it should. It can be disappointing when first listening after doing the work, but just a little patience is needed. Menahem

"When Benny serviced my BM4000 during the summer, he just replaced the entire board, if memory serves." I am completely against that. No ifs, ands, or buts. Yes, that is the modern way techs work, and I can even forgive them when there are hundreds of microscopic SMD components, that make troubleshooting a nightmare. But for heaven's sakes

Aaron Very strange that my BM3400 transformer also failed the same day! Anyway, here is a link to Hammond who make output driver transformers for tube equipment (among many other types) http://www.hammondmfg.com/5caud.htm Perhaps there is a problem upstream of the transformers, which overstressed the windings.... Menahem

These are my sources for new B&O parts in North America http://www.atlantic-systems.com/ http://www.approvedaudioservice.com/ http://www.pyramid-audio.com/ In Vancouver BC HVL Electronic Service Centre 604-689-8919 If it's current equipment, they should have stock. Menahem