Hi

I've recently bought a very attractive Beosystem 5000 complete with original stand, terminal 5000 and a pair of RL60s which I'm very pleased with. It's all working well (althought the CD50 can be a bit tempramental when asked to change tracks!) and it's good cosmetically, if not mint. The only flaw in it is that one of the RL60s is missing one of the straps that goes over the front cover and it would be good if i could replace this so the system looks as good as it could. When I bought it the seller said he thought you could buy the straps direct from B&O. Is that right? If not, does anyone know if there's anywhere that I can get hold of one?

Thanks, Rob

They are supposedly made of Mylar, and some packing straps are really, really close in appearance. Just the other day at the office, I noticed this when I compared the straps of the RL60.2's I have there to the straps that tied a bunch of unfolded packing cartons together. Unfortunately the latter are only 5 mm wide whereas the RL straps are more like 10 mm, otherwise I would've sent you a length of that!

I might be worth it to ask the dealer anyway, but these speakers are getting so old that the chances of getting original spares anymore is rather slim.

I used some polyester ribbon on my own RL45s (now retired to the loft). You can get it in the right width from any good arts and craft store. And you have a choice of colours. I used black which looked a lot more stylish than the original, if not so authentic.

Hardwriter:

 I used black which looked a lot more stylish than the original, if not so authentic.

You're probably right there - the cow-orkers commented on the RL60.2's that they look like they'be been put together with tie wraps, and I have to agree

However, if the OP has three of the four straps left, it's probably wiser to stay with the original appearance (especially if the two straps with RLxx prints are both still there), it'll be good for resale value if nothing else.

I do not think these are still available from B&O - they do however come up on ebay sometimes so keep an eye open.  I do not understand where they go - few people take them apart to repair the drivers s owhy are they disappearing!  I have had some RL140s since they came out over 20 years ago and apart from some slight scuffing on the speaker cloth where they came into contact with clothing as people reached for CDs they are still in excellent condition (I have replaced the speaker foam - but was very very careful!)

Brian

I replaced mine some years ago with ribbon of the same width and (almost) identical colour. They've lasted longer than the originals did!

I've heard of several owners dismounting and discarding those "transport safety devices" after unpacking them.

Martin

Dillen:

I've heard of several owners dismounting and discarding those "transport safety devices" after unpacking them.

My first B&O speakers were RL45.2's and the straps simply broke of their own accord having never been touched by me. It must be some sort of fatigue that causes it as they are quite tight when fitted and the constant virbration casued by music must snap them eventually - well that's my theory for what it's worth.

Chris.

It's the sunlight that's the problem. The plastic the straps are made of - polyester I believe - will eventually become brittle due to the exposure to ultra-violet light. The fact that the straps are not coloured makes the problem worse as the UV penetrates deeper. Mine lasted a good 15 years, which I suppose is not too bad, but if B&O had decided on black instead of natural they would have lasted longer (and would not have looked like part of the packaging)

Mine have lasted 25 years to date but are beginning to turn opaque with a "crazed" appearance - I fear they haven't got long left.