Hi All,

Complete and utter newbie here so please bear with me...

I've just bought a Beomaster 1202 off eBay - fell in love with it as soon as I saw it, and it came with a Beomaster 1200, which I wasnt expecting! It appears to be in great condition, but has no needle.

I know this is a common problem from the research I've done on this forum but I have a few questions and was hoping somebody might be able to help...

As I say, I'm a complete novice - I dont even know the difference between a stylus and a cartridge so my question is - which of the two am I looking for? Digging arounds on this site it appears that an SP10 or  SP12 would be suitable for the 1202 - can somebody please tell me whether I'd need anything in addition to this?

Also, are there any alternatives to the cartridges noted above, as these dont appear to be cheap...

Finally, what is a pre-amp (sorry, I'm a newbie!) - apparently I need one...?

Thanks guys

You need an SP cartridge - almost any will do though the SP12 is the very best. The Beomaster 1200 has a built in pre-amp (RIAA - boosts the signal from a cartridge up to line level and also equalises it giving a flat frequency response). Are you planning to use this amplifier? If not, and the amplifier you have does not have a dedicated phono input, you will need an external RIAA. Lee sells these made just for this purpose as do other B&O resellers. Have a look here.

Where are you based?

Brilliant! Thanks for the reply Peter.

I'm in Chester, North West England - I dont have an amp yet but I'm hoping to buy one this weekend, so presumably I'll need one with a phono input..?

Just need to find an SP cartridge that wont break the bank now!

Thanks again,

Dan

Why don't you use the Beomaster - not a bad amplifier and very stylish - this system along with a Beocord 1200 reel to reel machine was the choice of many designers due to its looks. I have a spare SP12 which looks fine - email me your address and I'll send it along. Only rule is that you mustn't sell it! If you don't need it anymore, send it back!

Wow, thanks so much for your generosity! I've sent you a message via the 'start conversation with...' link on your profile - hopefully this will reach you...

Think I will use the Beomaster as an amp as advised. You're right it is pretty good looking - I read there is one in the permanent collection in the New York Museum of Modern Art. Feeling pretty lucky right now.

Thanks again.

Hi Again,

Looks as though I cant use the Beomaster as an amplifier as it turns out that i was given it by accident!! Real shame but I wasnt expecting it in the first place so no real grumble.

So, I'm hoping for a little more advice now regarding the type of amplifier I should get, as I seem to recall reading that B&O turntables dont easily work with non-B&O amps. I'll be looking for an older amp with a phono input (probably not B&O though) so the question is, will I need a particular connector? 

Thanks for your patience with me as I try to get my head around this...! 

Beograms will work with any amplifier - ideally get an older one with a dedicated record player input or you will also need an RIAA. This is the connector you will need. B&O receivers are very cheap to buy though. You could well get one for less than the cable if you look around! Cartridge boxed and wife taking it to the P.O. tomorrow!

Brilliant, thanks Peter!

I've goty my eye on a couple of amplifiers on eBay at the moment so will see how it goes.

Appreciate all of your help. 

Hi again,

Sorry to ask another question - I'll leave you in peace soon I promise! Anyway, it looks as though I'm able to keep the Beomaster 1200 with is great as it savs me having to get a new amplifier, but the (newbie) question I have is, how do I connect my speakers? I'm able to push the wires in and get sound from the radio but this obviously isnt a permanent solution - do I need to get a special kind of plug?

Having looked around I wonder whether this will do the job? http://cpc.farnell.com/_/755-463-black/2-pin-din-plug-black/dp/CN05810 

Thanks,

That is the correct type of plug - Maplin does then as well. Make sure the 1200 is working though! The next stage will be Beovox 1200s - should be available for almost nothing!