Vintage Products

Re: Just got a Beomaster 900K, well, not exactly...

lausvi — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 09:33:44 GMT

Dillen:

I was just informed that Helvar-Celeston, the finnish company, had a quite intensive cooperation
with Bang & Olufsen from 1962-68.
Several of B&O's models were produced in Finland under the Helvar-Celeston brand.
The Stereomaster (Beomaster 900K) of this thread being one of them.

Where did you get this information, if I may ask?

One of the early ones seems to be a finnish version of the Beocord Belcanto, known as the "Helvar Helcord Belcanto 1000". I must say I prefer the name "Beocord" over the "Helcord"

Re: Just got a Beomaster 900K, well, not exactly...

Rich — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 18:38:17 GMT

burantek:

very handsome piece!

i really like your first pic and the cabinet on this! i like the slight variance in angle of the panel with the cabinet!

would look great on my desk!!!

don't suppose i'll ever see one available over here (though mika managed a caddy over there)!

keep us posted!

If one shows up on our shores, I'm quite sure I know who will get it!

Re: Just got a Beomaster 900K, well, not exactly...

tournedos — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 15:48:58 GMT

Dillen:
Some of the portable radios were among the models, they were sold under names like
Celeston Marita (Beolit Teena),

There was one of these for sale last winter in a local auction. Silly me, I didn't grab the picture, but it looked exactly like the Teena except for the script of course. I've also seen one of the local BEO / 610's.

Re: Just got a Beomaster 900K, well, not exactly...

Dillen — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 15:26:51 GMT

I was just informed that Helvar-Celeston, the finnish company, had a quite intensive cooperation
with Bang & Olufsen from 1962-68.
Several of B&O's models were produced in Finland under the Helvar-Celeston brand.
The Stereomaster (Beomaster 900K) of this thread being one of them.

Basically, the Helvar-Celeston models were more or less identical to the
ones B&O produced in Denmark but with other dials, logos, lettering etc. and
sometimes with slightly different component suppliers.
Some of the portable radios were among the models, they were sold under names like
Celeston Marita (Beolit Teena),
Celeston Rita (Beolit 608/609)
Celeston Rita Automatic (Beolit 700)
Celeston Trans 14 Export (Radio BEO)
etc.

Martin

Re: Just got a Beomaster 900K, well, not exactly...

lausvi — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:31:15 GMT

Hi Menahem. Thanks for checking.

After the last post I have bought a working stereo decoder from Frede (thanks again!) and it's now installed and working. Sorry for not mentioning it here.

The Stereomaster is not in use at the moment, but safely in storage waiting for a proper time and place. (I am at work now, and have a complete 5000 system here. I have it for repair and as I don't have space for it at home I have it at work. BC needs belts and other small things, Martin's parts should be here today/tomorrow. )

Re: Just got a Beomaster 900K, well, not exactly...

yachadm — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 04:41:46 GMT

No luck for the Stereo Decoder at the B&O parts depot in Tel Aviv.

But check this parts unit on ebay - says that the Stereo light works!

380173367669

Also some other good vintage stuff, and Danish L&L tube stuff!!!

Menahem

Re: Just got a Beomaster 900K, well, not exactly...

rayfenwick — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 19:02:28 GMT

When I bought my 'Wyndham' Beomaster 900K, it too had a missing decoder board, and some missing knobs. Frede came to the rescue and was able to supply the decoder board and the knobs, and a RIAA preamp board for my Beogram 1000, which is a natural partner for the 900K. I'd suggest contacting him. Good luck, and thanks for the write-up - it's a good looking set and It's great that it is being restored and used.

Re: Just got a Beomaster 900K, well, not exactly...

lausvi — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 07:19:54 GMT

Thanks for the photos, Martin.

I would be most glad if any one of you would find a decoder for me!

Re: Just got a Beomaster 900K, well, not exactly...

yachadm — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:51:18 GMT

Got the pics!

When I'm in Tel Aviv the next time (we live in a village about 3 hours away), I'll go in and see if he has one in stock.

Menahem

Re: Just got a Beomaster 900K, well, not exactly...

Dillen — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:26:10 GMT

... and the reverse side:

Re: Just got a Beomaster 900K, well, not exactly...

Dillen — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:25:11 GMT

There were other producers of MPX modules (stereo decoders) that fit
the Beomaster 900 and 1000.
Just recently, I discovered this Scan-Dyna module in a Beomaster 900K.
Same method of fitting and same plug as B&O's.
Not sure if that will make it much easier to find one, though...

Martin

Re: Just got a Beomaster 900K, well, not exactly...

Jandyt — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 15:11:26 GMT

I agree with Martin.
We are watching this thread with great interest.
May I say how nice it is to see someone of your age working on this type of equipment, down to component level.

Andy T.

Re: Just got a Beomaster 900K, well, not exactly...

lausvi — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:56:12 GMT

The mounting bracket of the 1000's decoder didn't really fit into the Stereomaster so I had "a bit" temporary and impractical installation....

This is why I had to test with external speakers! With a bit of modification the 1000 decoder could be fitted there, I guess.

I have never seen a B&O 900K but from the photos I have seen I'd say I prefer the Helvar version. The speaker cloth give it a nice lighter appear and the fact the cloths are slightly deeper in the facia makes it to look very nice.

I have seen now two Stereomasters but I have no idea how many of them were made or are still alive. I could try and send an email to the Helvar (nowadays they make light controllers etc. but they just might have some records still available) and ask about the B&O cooperation - that might give some idea.

Re: Just got a Beomaster 900K, well, not exactly...

tournedos — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 14:20:20 GMT

Indeed!

That stereo decoder seems to be exactly the same as in my 900M, only it has a mounting bracket / cooling fin combo, whereas mine is just soldered in the same "hinge" that holds the power amp board.

I actually like the look of the speaker cloth more than the hard plastic grilles on the "real" 900K. Otherwise, the case looks a bit heavy though. Wonder how many of these were built?

Re: Just got a Beomaster 900K, well, not exactly...

Dillen — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 16:25:54 GMT

Just because we're quiet, doesn't mean we aren't listening.

Nice photos and it's a nice set.

Martin