Hi

 

I am looking at buying one of these Beocenters but which one is the best value for money? Has anyone got any strong views as to the best and worst I am sure you will have!

 

Many thanks

 

Andy 

The BC 9500 is the most complete of the series. The 9500 has two way communication, the best and complete cassettedeck, a timer. If you could live without the timer a 8500 is also an option. The 9300 is the youngest, has an updated cd-mechanism, has an inferior cassettedeck (compared to the 9000, 9500, 8000, 8500) and has less facilities than the 9500. The 8000 and 9000 lack power link connections.

Be aware that if the cd-mechanism has failures, it might not be possible to obtain spare parts!

I would get the 9500 - indeed that is the one I have! I wouldn't get a 9000 - too old and lacks features - and I wouldn't get a 9300 as it loses too much compared to the 9500 and is no more reliable.

hi had new cd mech fitted to my 9300 this year, this part fits 9300 and 9500

malcolm

The 9500 has the Philips cd2 mechanism which is no longer available. I have a BC 9500 myself and hope the mechanism will last.... If not I am pleased to hear that the 9300 mechanism will be OK.

Why do you think, that the 9300 has a inferior cassette deck?

It's quite the same like Beocord 6500, Beocord 7000, BS2500 and Overture. Ok, a connector is different... but averything else is the same.

The laser of the 9x00 systems seldom fails... it's the controller and the capacitors on the board. Quite normal after 20 years and easy to repair. 

9500 !! I bought mine as new in 1990. It was my first Beo. I still have it and love it! Still working without any problems. No repairs all the time.

I have both a 9500 and 9300 and i think the 9500 sounds better, warmer more detailed sound. 9300 sounds a bit "flat".

Die_Bogener:

Why do you think, that the 9300 has a inferior cassette deck?

It's quite the same like Beocord 6500, Beocord 7000, BS2500 and Overture. Ok, a connector is different... but averything else is the same.

The laser of the 9x00 systems seldom fails... it's the controller and the capacitors on the board. Quite normal after 20 years and easy to repair. 

The deck is definately different. The spec of the 8000, 8500, 9000 and 9500 are better. The deck in the 9300 is based on the Ouverture-deck (2500), which is different from the 6500 and 7000. See also info on this site. For example, no dolby C, worse frequency respons, etc.

In fact the 9300 is the Ouverture in the 9000-series design and technically different from the 8000, 8500, 9000 and 9500.

Agreed! The cassette in the 9500 has the following features lacking in the 9300:

1. Dolby B/C - the 9300 has generic NR only (it is in fact Dolby B though Dolby is not mentioned!!)

2. Auto Dolby - it will recognise which NR a recorded tape uses and switch automatically.

3. Manual recording level - you can over ride the auto recording level - not possible in the 9300.

4. You can program tracks to play in the order you want. 

As the original OP was "which offers best value for money" then I have to say the 8500 assuming you can live with the grey panels (which are far more hardwearing than the mirrored ones of the 9500). Almost identical to the 9500 other than the lack of 2 way com's/timer functions (for which there was an eprom upgrade) and the appearance. Staggeringly cheaper to buy though and ultimately just as reliable

The 9500 would still be my first choice though.

Chris.

Agree with chris

8500 best value for money and available for nearly half the price of 9500/9300.

I prefer the painted panels also, as the shiney ones dont stay shiney for very long, specially with misses mop on the prowl.

I'd rather have the dust than the scratches!!!

Many thanks

It sounds like the 8500 is value I dont need everything the 9500 has I will monitor the prices on ebay and hopefully find one

 

Thanks again for the expert advice

 

Andy 

beo4life:

Agree with chris

8500 best value for money and available for nearly half the price of 9500/9300.

I prefer the painted panels also, as the shiney ones dont stay shiney for very long, specially with misses mop on the prowl.

I'd rather have the dust than the scratches!!!

Don't agree here. I have a 9300 with mirror finish and the panels stay shiney for quite a long time. I bought this machine nearly 12 years ago and the panels are still unmarked.

The 8500 is still more idiot proof when it comes to marking the surface. The 9500 is beautiful if it's kept in pristine condition, but any scratches show up badly. The 8500 doesn't show up scratches anywhere near as badly, and it's more difficult to scratch!

I prefer the appearance of the 9500 though. You could always fit 9500/9300 panels to an 8500 if you prefer the mirrored appearance...