BeoGram

Re: Stylus Review

Piaf — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 12:29:51 GMT

Chris,

Thank you for the most helpful information. It took me altogether too long, but at last I understand.

Jeff

Re: Stylus Review

Medogsfat — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 03:34:47 GMT

Piaf:

The 4000 being a diamond tip as opposed to the sapphire tip on the 20CL series would indicate that it would be longer lasting. (This from an old jeweler.)
Jeff

This is incorrect Jeff. All of the cartridges mentioned have diamond tips (styli) including the 20CL - it is the cantilever which is made from a single sapphire crystal on this model (quite a feat of engineering) as opposed to the more common aluminium tube. This is one of the reasons it is considered the highest specified of the MMC20 series and consequently the most expensive.

The 6000 is a quad cartridge and specifically designed for the beogram 6000. Very rare to find and they tended to wear out much faster than their contempories. For your purposes the MMC20CL is easily the better. Better still though is the Soundsmith MMC20EN which Peter owns and rates extremely highly - possibly due to it being brand new and without the associated aging suspension problems of the original B&O items.

Chris.

Re: Stylus Review

Piaf — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 00:54:19 GMT

Beoaus,

I failed to mention that I also have a 20E, which really disappoints. The 4000 was a gift from my B&O advisor in California, while the tip-less 6000 came in its box along with the Beogram 4002. (Original equipment I believe.)

I might have been interested in your new 4000, but less so after your narrative. Anyone with a new 20CL? Now that would be nice.

Thank you for your information which very much a help!

Jeff

Re: Stylus Review

beoaus — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 22:49:53 GMT

My 20CL's sounds better than the 20EN's on pristine records, you may have a dud. Both are similar suspension wise and under the eye glass. I use the 20EN's on more worn recordings.

The 4000 and 6000 cartridges I have heard do not have the dynamic seperation of the 20 series. I have thrown out a 4000. I have a new 4000 which I will sell and a worn 6000. Condition on these is hard to assess nowday's.

I bought a 20CL from a person who let me audition it on a 4002. It sounded the same on his system as the 20EN. On mine it was clearly better. I put that down to effort I used to restore the turntable (cap kit, setup and system)

Order - 20CL, 20EN, 6000, 4000. The 6000 was a pretty good cartridge but they are rare to find nowdays.

Hope that helps, Beoaus.

Re: Stylus Review

Piaf — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 14:05:48 GMT

I admit that I am still confused. The reference section states that the 20CL and 20EN were both the top of the line for the 4000 series Beograms. The 4000 being a diamond tip as opposed to the sapphire tip on the 20CL series would indicate that it would be longer lasting. (This from an old jeweler.)

The tip-less 6000 came with my 4002 along with the 20EN. I exchanged the 20EN for one of my “old” 20CL’s and the difference in sound quality was remarkable, plus the aluminum base looked better on the arm than the black 20EN. I “assumed” that the CL was the better unit, but it may well be that the 20EN was worn. I need to get proper magnification to determine stylus condition.

So which is the more desirable, the 20CL, 20EN, or the 4000?

Jeff

Re: Stylus Review

Piaf — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 13:54:21 GMT

Simon,

Sorry, sorry. I did not mean to change the styluses, rather I had intended to enquire which cartridges were the best and conversely the worst.

I'll check the reference section as you suggested.

Jeff

Re: Stylus Review

wirralsimon — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 02:14:52 GMT

The cardridges are not designed to have replaceable styli, so the MMC6000 is effectively useless as it would cost more to have it rebuilt than replaced.

I think you will find the information you re looking for by going to the reference section of Beocentral.com and then choosing accessories.

Simon

Stylus Review

Piaf — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 01:28:41 GMT

Is there a list of styluses from best to “least desirable” for the Beogram 4000 through 8000 series turntables?

I currently have four MMC 20Cl-C’s, one MMC 4000, one MMC 20EN, one MMC 6000 [without a tip], and one MMC20E.

Jeff