I went from '80s Beomaster 2000 to Beomaster 6000 and Beomaster 8000.
I still have 2 Beomaster 6000 for a few reasons.
I can only compare to a Beomaster 6500 which is a bit more user friendly with remote, speakers and linking options.
The Beomaster 6000 has the greater design than the 5000. The mat grey look does not look that good IMO. Sound is very close to the Beomaster 8000 even old HIFI tests says its a bit better.
The cons of a Beomaster 6000:
Main connections on the back which are annoying unless you don't move the master around much.
Volume control can slip, Display say 74.8 constantly. Getting warm.
The 2035 Terminal were optional so tjeck if the remote print board installed first! Unclip the plastic under the Beomaster.
No data link for tape 2 so if a CD player is connected you got no remote option to control it.
No stacking options. If you have the full system with Beogram and Beocord it takes space in lenght. You can get B&O stands though.
Linking options are aviable but its the old MCL30 system which were among the first ones so limited use compared to the later MCL X-tra speaker kit and then ML to wireless.
The Beomaster 5000 is limited. It does not work with a Beolink 1000 and the only thing that's different is remote option for a B&O cdplayer.
Linking is the same or close to as the Beomaster 6000 but you have to find them second hand and they are limited these days. You can get the IR code converter kit for either Beomaster which gives Beolink 1000 codes but those kits are very rare to locate.
You don't get powerlinks with the 5000 and I prefer the 6500/7000 as they have all options which still can be used today like the linking, Beolabs etc.
Most of the Beomaster 6000 has run for 25 years or more but once serviced they are very stable and reliable.
I got the 8000 and one of the main reasons for the 6000 is it sounds just as good so why let it go.
If you would like to link at some point find a 6500/7000 instead.
The Beomaster 8000? One thing is the size. Its wider than a Beomaster 6000 so a pain to find a suitable stand if you got the full system.