The Soundsmith cartridges are very different from the originals. If you want sound more like a CD, then the soundsmith range are for you.

However the sound can be a little bright and the detail is a bit wearing after a while. The older CLs and Axels retipped cartridges offer a softer and much easier to listen to sound. Which you like more is all a matter of taste - See Soundproof's review. He is having another go at present!

Yes I think the idea that worn LPs come to life again with a bright cartridge is a clever one; it makes sense.

You could always tame a bright cart by lowering the value of the resistor at the input of the RIAA module in the Beomaster.

If someone with knowledge in measuring cartridges had a go perhaps...

So be it—two arms on a Beogram anyone?

Hello,

I've just got from an auction site a NOS MMC20EN with standard headshell adaptor and tools, all in original box for 60 €.

Although the tip is new, how will it sound like?

The guy also had a new MMC4000 which sold for 40 €!

Well, in my experience...

I had an 8002, and went through 3 original MMC2 cartridges over it's life (original one gave out after 25 years [it was my Dad's system originally - given to me as a gift], first NOS one I bought from B&O turned out to be defective after a week, and the second NOS was good).

It was used with a BM6000, and Beovox S80.2 speakers. It sounded very smooth and articulate, but always a bit lean to me (which I always complain about B&O speakers sounding lean anyway). Even when I increased the tracking force a smidge, it warmed up a bit, but the bass got all tubby and sloppy sounding.

That being said, I sold the 8002 to a friend and now have an older 8000 with an MMC20CL. It's used with a BM8000, and MS150 speakers (along with the same S80.2's sometimes switched in).

The 8000/MMC20CL combo sounds noticeably warmer in a more "lifelike" sense. It is set at the recommended 1 gram of tracking force.

Now, whether that's due to the BM8000 and MS150 speakers, I don't know. However, I've heard people on this forum opine that the BM6000 is actually a bit warmer sounding of a reciever, and I can tell you the S80.2's definitely have a bit more of a relaxed sound than the MS150's, which are more forward, but with a fair bit more bass depth and volume. Even when I use the S80.2's, the BG8000/MMC20CL sounds more lifelike.

I would think that the BG8002 would be the technically superior turntable with it's revised platter and cartridge choices, and it very likely is. But as far as what my ears hear....The 8000/MMC20CL beats it. Maybe I just like distortion? The right kind (certain even-order distortion products) can fool us and sound pleasant. But I don't think the 8002/MMC2 sounds any cleaner, either. I just find the 8000/MMC20CL to sound more lifelike - more of that "there are real musicians in front of me" feeling.

Jon

I have 3 MMC-2s and an MMC-1 for my 8002s. 

I also have a Yamaha PX-2 linear tracker with AT 440mla and Adcom hi output MC with Van den Hul stylus.

The AT is much hotter/harsher than the others despite it's current cult status . The Adcom sounds the best, but all 3 MMC-2s are close to it but have a lusher warmth that is a matter of taste. Somehow the MMC-1 seems a little harsh/distorted? Age issues no doubt. Peter Lederman says that the failure mode of the suspension is softening, not getting hard. I am probably going to spring for a "Voice" at some point but am concerned it will be hotter than I prefer. Someday I need to wander up top Peekskill with my old carts and have a serious listen. phil

Agree with just about everything you say. I prefer the CLs to the later cartridges too, though the CL is very temperature sensitive - probably not an issue in California! - and I prefer my 4000 to my 8002. Not sure about the suspension issue - all I know is that the older the cartridge, the less likely it is to track CD4 records - something I would have put down to either stylus wear or hardening of the suspension. I am sure Peter knows best though.

Phil Hunt:

I have 3 MMC-2s and an MMC-1 for my 8002s. 

I also have a Yamaha PX-2 linear tracker with AT 440mla and Adcom hi output MC with Van den Hul stylus.

The AT is much hotter/harsher than the others despite it's current cult status . The Adcom sounds the best, but all 3 MMC-2s are close to it but have a lusher warmth that is a matter of taste. Somehow the MMC-1 seems a little harsh/distorted? Age issues no doubt. Peter Lederman says that the failure mode of the suspension is softening, not getting hard. I am probably going to spring for a "Voice" at some point but am concerned it will be hotter than I prefer. Someday I need to wander up top Peekskill with my old carts and have a serious listen. phil

hi phil,

i've got a mmc 20 cl retipped with van den hul stylus... ;-) the sound is imo perfect, better than the mmc 2. i've no experience with soundsmith cartrigdes, but soundproof and peter made a useful test review in this forum. http://forum.beoworld.org/forums/t/30106.aspx

best regards

dario

Hi Jeff, I am new on this forum and came across on this issue. I know of someone who selling his B&O 8002 and would like to use it on with my McIntosh tube system. I am trying to get back on vinyl records and that was when I stopped  using it 20 years ago.  I would to give this a try but need your opinion first.  How is it sound using this with your Mcintosh system?

Wow! This thread has had more comebacks than Lazarus!

Amen.

j0hnbarker:

Wow! This thread has had more comebacks than Lazarus!

Amen.

 Phil Hunt:

 

I have 3 MMC-2s and an MMC-1 for my 8002s. 

I also have a Yamaha PX-2 linear tracker with AT 440mla and Adcom hi output MC with Van den Hul stylus.

The AT is much hotter/harsher than the others despite it's current cult status . The Adcom sounds the best, but all 3 MMC-2s are close to it but have a lusher warmth that is a matter of taste. Somehow the MMC-1 seems a little harsh/distorted? Age issues no doubt. Peter Lederman says that the failure mode of the suspension is softening, not getting hard. I am probably going to spring for a "Voice" at some point but am concerned it will be hotter than I prefer. Someday I need to wander up top Peekskill with my old carts and have a serious listen. phil

 

hi phil,

i've got a mmc 20 cl retipped with van den hul stylus... ;-) the sound is imo perfect, better than the mmc 2. i've no experience with soundsmith cartrigdes, but soundproof and peter made a useful test review in this forum. http://forum.beoworld.org/forums/t/30106.aspx

best regards

dario

Well.....I guess this resurrection business gives me permission to brag.

I DID make the pilgrimage about 2 mos ago and I did purchase the Voice.  Good news-it sounds sublime to me; both lush AND focussed. The other news-it sounds very much like my 2 favorite MMC2s. I am not bummed in the least. It confirms my judgement that the MMC2s were pretty damn good in the first place and that my ears are working. Peter was kind enough to examine all my MMCs and give his appraisals. My MMC-1 that I find perceptibly more strident than the 2s: "it is early MMC-1 production and has the 'wire' suspension that never wears out; the stylus shows negligible wear". The 2 MMC2s I prefer to my MMC1: both have good suspension and little wear (one I know history of-bought it new 18yrs ago and have used it a lot)

I find nothing "CD-Like" in the MMC2s or Voice except in the best sense of the comparison; they all sound very open, airy and at the same time, mellow to my old ears. Prehaps the MMC-1, but that's another story. And I also have MMC20CL/EN that I've run on my Yamaha PX-2 (as well as MMC1/2/Voice w/med and low mass setups). The EN can take a seat next to my MMC1, and the CL can come to the front of the class and sit with the 2s because they sound so alike; but the Voice-he's the teacher's pet!

It has been a satisfying pursuit, all of this, and it's satisfying for me to see how close to the apex the 8002/MMC-2 combination comes. I think I'm finally pretty complete with my pursuit of a great system. I know that there is no end to the little tweaks and equipment upgrades ($$$) that could be made, but I'm on a very satisfied plateau now; I think this setup will satisfy me the rest of my life now. Time to find more good music-music to hear, music to make.

Wishing everyone in the community a satisfying and serene holiday, Phil

PS: thanks again for the stylus guard, John Barker!