For those of you who have followed the long saga of my Beogram 4000, I have an update.

 

After numerous attempts to find the fault that caused the 250mA fuse to blow the second the tonearm attempted to drop failed to produce a fault, I shipped the 4000 to Martin, who spend a good deal of time testing this particular Beogram, yet finding no electrical faults.

 

At this point it became apparent that this Beogram was manufactured for a 230v market and internal amperage becomes double when connected to 115v, which exceeded the capacity of the 250mA fuse.

 

Replacing the 250mA fuse with a higher capacity fuse solved the problem. It was a rather expensive fuse to say the least with custom’s fee and shipping, but well worth it.

 

Martin did a bit of pro-active part replacements, that is changing parts that tested within specifications, but looked less then perfect.

 

After the beating this turntable took on it original trip to me, this round trip was uneventful, to the degree that Customs Canada didn’t even open the box…. and they tend to do more damage than the shipping itself.

 

One tiny adjustment and the Beogram was back to it full glory and I mean this in every sense of the word. The sound quality of this Beogram is simply stunning, out-classing my Beogram 4002, 4004, and 8002.

 

Maybe it is just my 30 year old MMC 20CL cartridge that I saved as a spare that should get the credit for the amazing clarity of the Beogram, but whatever the reason, this Beogram 4000 is phenomenal.

 

Suffice to say I am delighted to have the 4000 back home, safe and sound.

 

My many thanks to Martin for his patience with me trying to assist me in my repair efforts and for actually finding the source of the problem. Also my thanks to Frede for locating replacement parts to fully restore this Beogram.

 

Jeff

I'm new to this and Hi Jeff I have a Beogram 4004 I bought in 1979. A couple of years ago a problem developed inwhich sometimes fades one channel fades out in one channel and other tims sometimes it will run both channels with only one input attached to the amp

 No one can here can solve the problem. I have tried it on several preamps so I know its the turntable Any ideas? Love to have it working again

 Thanks

 

 

 

 

 

Must be a fault in the mute circuit. Can't see how it could be anything else.

I agree with Peter.

Since you are using an external RIAA, I take it that there are no CD4 module or RIAA built in your Beogram.

This leaves the Beogram with absolutely no electronics in the signal path so the only sources of problems would be the cartridge, the tonearm leads, the signal cable and the muting relay. Actually relay contacs usually fails to close = doesn't mute properly, but I suppose in rarer cases they can fail to open as well. Reminds me that there's one of those red cylindrical ROE capacitors on the relay board... we really like to replace those.

Martin

I have a Beogram 4004 as well…. my second “best” turntable after the stellar Beogram 4000.

 

I am not an expert here…. that tile goes to Peter and Martin; however, if you have access to another cartridge it would be well worth your while to try swapping it for another. It might be just that simple.

 

I have a MMC 20CL that now plays only one channel, although it does so consistently, not intermittently like your situation.

 

I have no B&O service shops in my area so I rely on BeoWorld to assist me in making my own repairs.

 

If it is the muting relay, a broken wire in the tonearm, or the signal cable the fix will be more complicated.

 

Again, I am the complete amateur here, but if it were me, I’d first try to find another cartridge and see if that makes a difference.

 

Failing that, closely inspect the signal cable and look for damage. A flawless cable exterior does not guarantee that there are no broken internal wires, but obvious damage might suggest that you have a cable problem.

 

If your Beogram 4004 is equipped with a 5-pin DIN connector, it is possible to have a solder issue at the connection with the cable.

 

Jeff

Hi Jeff,

I've been reading your posts regarding your Beogram 4000 with great interest as I've also got the same machine which was originally wired for the European market-I live in Northern California. I've just bought quite a few parts for my 4000 from a guy in the U.K. who was selling loads of spares on E-Bay. You've been through quite a lot with that machine so I congratulate you on your persistence in seeing the machine working properly. 

I have the original service manual for this machine so I'm about to acend Mt. Everest in doing the servicing myself it appears. Since we run on 110-117 and Europe is 220, is it possible to switch this machine over to North American current w/out a hitch? I know I'll have to get inside the table to remove the European white double round pin plug, & install a double spade I suppose it's called. the 5 pin connector looks a little beat up at the metal end of the plug so I think I'd also want to replace that also. Lastly, where do you folks go to source replacement belts?

Cheers,

Duncan

 

Martin (Dillen) can get you the belts. If you are replacing the DIN lead, you can use a thick Powerlink cable with the central and two bottom pins cut out. They are well shielded and work rather well. My 4000 has one! My 4000 also has a voltage selector on the bottom and works with 110, 120, 220 and 240V at both 50 and 60Hz. Is yours different?

Hi Duncan,

 

I am delighted to “meet” another Beogram 4000 owner in North America.

 

I am NOT the B&O expert, that title goes to Peter, Frede, Martin and notable others, however if I understand you question correctly and you are considering changing your Beogram 4000 from a DIN connector to RCA plugs, it would be far better (and easier) to purchase an inexpensive adaptor. $10 and you don’t have to alter anything.

 

As for adapting your 4000 to 110v I believe that there is a switch on the power box. (I could be wrong on this, but no matter the mavens on this site will no doubt correct me if I am mistaken.)

 

If you are an incredibly patient sort, then I recommend taking things slow and easy. These turntables are absolute masterpieces but I seriously question what their designers had in mind for servicing.

 

I am not of the above described patient and calm sort, so it takes enormous amounts of concentration for me to slow down, breath deeply and take thing one step at a time.

 

One thing for sure, NEVER force anything. If the wood veneer does not slide out easily, find out why. If the aluminum panels don’t slide out as expected, take your time or you will do more damage than you can imagine.

 

As for belts, Martin is the source.

 

Now that I have given you my “great” technical guidance, if you are not comfortable in working on this fantastic treasure that you have, consider sending it to Martin for his assessment. However, only after he explains how to properly ship your turntable.

 

Please feel free to ask me any question that you like and I will attempt to answer your question. But I am just an amateur in the repair field and not a very good one at that.

 

Jeff

Hi Duncan,

 

So how are the repairs going on your Beogram 4000?

 

If you have any questions, one amateur to another, please ask.

 

As I have stated I am NOT one of the great experts on this site, but as one who genuinely loves his Beogram 4000 and has learned a great deal about it, I am here if you have questions.

 

Jeff

Dear all,

I have a problem that only 1 channel have the sound, any advices?

My first thought would be the cartridge.