Hi!

I am new to Beoworld and to Bang and Olufsen products in general, and a brand new audiophile.

Recently I have decided to make use of some old records and have bought a Beogram 3404 on eBay.

However, since I'm new to this, I am not sure what kind of amplifier I should buy, since this turntable is over 30 years old.

Can I use any modern amplifier or do I need a special compatible one and which one would you recommend?

The person who sold me the turntable oly told me this:

''If it's a turntable that has a moving coil cartridge in it then you would need compatible amp that goes with it, for the moving coil cartridge if it does not have that then you can use the modern amps.''

Since it has an MMC cartridge, which I assume stands for moving coil cartridge, it probably needs a compatible amplifier.

Hopefully you can help me with this and please bear in mind I am new to this and not a very good technician. :)

Thank you.

Welcome! I'll help as best as I can.

What you will need to connect your Beogram 3404 is a preamplifier meant for moving magnet cartridges. The seller of your turntable was mistaken, as the cartridges used in these Beograms are actually considered "moving iron" (or, as Bang & Olufsen referred to them, "Moving Micro-Cross", hence "MMC"). A preamplifier meant for moving coil cartridges will not work, as it will provide far too much amplification. What you will need is either a phono input built into either a receiver or integrated amplifier (not all of the ones sold nowadays include one), or a stand-alone phono preamplifier meant for the purpose (as seen in this kit). If you have anymore questions, just ask.

-Adam

Or... to make things remarkably simpler... get a period Beomaster... 2400 perhaps?

You in the states?

Thanks a lot for the quick replies!

I will try to buy an integrated amplifier you mentioned so I don't need to buy a preamp, which would be a problem since, being 19, I have only so much money to spend :)

If you know of a specific brand, please share since I am new to this.

As much as I would like to make things simpler, the Beogram 3404 is already on its way from the states to Vancouver and should be here on Saturday. Then I am heading back to Croatia which is in Europe, so I will also have to buy a voltage and frequency converter. So much trouble for a Bang and Olufsen, but it's very worth it.

Thanks again for the replies!

Tonci

When it comes to integrated amplifiers with magnetic phono inputs, the main thing is age. Stereo equipment made before the early '90s is likely to have one; after that, as the equipment gets newer, it's chances of having a proper preamp lessens. As far as brands go, most decent integrated amps and receivers by Pioneer, Sansui, Marantz, Scott, Sony, Technics, Yamaha, Denon, and, of course, B&O made between the early '70s and the late '80s should have a suitable phono input (typically indicated by a setting labeled "PHONO" or "MM PHONO"). To make sure, check the specifications of the equipment in question, if possible.

Looks like the 3404 is taking quite a circuitous route! A voltage converter will be a must; however, depending on the design, you might not need a frequency converter. I believe that B&O turntables from this time used servo motors, which weren't dependent on line frequency for speed regulation. Hopefully, someone else can confirm this fact. Again, hope this helps.

-Adam