Hi All,

New to Beoworld though I have had a Beocenter 2002 since 1981.  Still doing good service.

A few of questions.

1. Beogram 8000 voltage requirement - with a 240 V to 115 V transformer will a US Beogram 8000 work happily in Australia (240V 50Hz)?  Ie is the electronics all DC and not using the frequency for something special?
2. Is Dillan still in the game?  I have my eye on a Beogram 8000 in the US that needs a new tachodisc and possibly a cap kit.
3. How maked is the difference between the sound created by a Beogram 8000, Beogram 3000 and Beocenter 2002?  Ie a comparison, should I hold out for a 400x or 800x?  Here those Beograms are not common.  There is a Beogram 3000 available so I am wondering if it will be a good option.
4. The Beogram 3000 uses the MMCx range and typically came with the MMC4 cartridge, I think.  Is it an idea to move up the range or does other parts of the Beogram limit the advantage from the better MMCx?

I am slowly upgrading my HiFi and will be using the Beogram with a non B&O amp and speakers.  I am moving to a valve amp system and high efficiency speakers most parts DIY.  I am looking for an easy to use high Wife Acceptability Factor LP player to complement a Garrard 401 that I am restoring.  No idea how the latter would perform compared with a Beogram but am sure it will have a low WAF.  I will admit the Beogram 8000 (and really the 400x) were an item of teenage desire for me and the idea of having two radically different designs and expressions of engineering art is very attractive.  I think it is hard for anyone to say the Beograms are not iconic looking.

Thanks for any comments and opinions.

Richard

Hi Richard,

Welcome to Beoworld !

1. It won't work. The mains frequency is used inside the Beogram and the transformer modules differ, not only in voltages.
 You need a correct module.

2. Yes, I'm here. I still have new stainless steel tachodiscs available, capacitor kits too.
PM me for details.

3. In my opinion, the Beogram 8000 series is superior to any of the later tangentials, mainly in build quality
but I also find the sound from the later decks a little bit "plastic-ish", but that's only when you compare them side by side.
The difference between the 4000 and 8000 series are mainly in looks. I can't really tell them apart soundwise. Others may disagree.

4. That's for you and your wallet to decide. The Soundsmith SMMC4 is very good and some people claim it to be as good as the original MMC2.
Having said that, I've had a couple of cartridges rebuilt by Axel in Germany and they sound and track superbly too.
I'm sure that others will step in with comments on this.

Martin

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 too strident for my taste - others will disagree and describe the difference as extra detail. The late tangentials are not in the same league in any respect.

Hi Martin and others,

Thanks for your comments - saved me making a mistake and getting it in the neck from my wife.

I do not have a circuit diagram for the BG 8000 but had heard it was micro controlled and not a synchronous motor.  

I am watching a US BG 8000 and it currently is a good price.  Needs a tachodisc etc.  What sort of cost is a power/transformer module (240V 50Hz) and is this an option?

Another question, how would you rate a BG 3000 to a Beocenter 2002 LP player soundwise?  I have limited experience with other LP players (Beocenters 2002, 4600 and 5000).  Is it comparable, slightly better or much better?

Finally, with the MMCx range was there point that the rest of the player stopped you getting the real benefits of the better MMCx?  Ie putting a MMC1 in place of a MMC4 onto a BG 3000 makes little difference to the sound whereas changing from a MMC1 to a MMC4 on a BG 8000 would make a marked difference.

Thanks again and sorry if these are silly questions - I believe if your do not ask you do not learn.

Cheers

Richard

The LP section in the 2002 is actually not bad being based on the radial deck of the time which in my opinion is at least as good as the tangential 3000. However this good work is spoiled by the poor amplifier in the 2002 so any good features are rather lost. The Beocenter 5000 that you mention is however a good one and an excellent performer.

On the MMC range, I think the MMC2 is the cartridge to aspire to. The 1 is a lot more expensive and I cannot tell the difference. The Soundsmith SMMC4 is however the best value new cartridge with performance that will please most diserning ears!