I just received a MMC2 from a fellow BeoWorld member and replaced the MMC3 on my Beogram 8002….. my God, what a difference!

I was so very disappointed in the MMC3 that it very much colored my view of the iconic Beogram 8002, with all the raves and kudos associated with this deck.

Well the MMC2 has restored my assessment of the 8002 and it is a marvel.

I have played everything from Ricky Martin to E. Power Biggs on the Petal Harpsichord and the difference is stunning!

Jeff

Im suprised that even an MMC2 could make Ricky Martin sound good

Im still regretting selling my BG8002 a couple of years ago. I never listened to it then, but now have three record decks, none of which are as good!

Hi

And my goodness what a difference you'd notice if you bought a SMMC1!!! The difference between it and my MMC2 is incredible, the MMC2 sounds rubbish in comparison.

David Coyne

I wouldn't set too much store in the differences between any original B&O cartridge to be fair. Some will have deteriorated to such an extent that EG:- a badly deteriorated MMC1 will sound far worse than a MMC4 which has faired better over the years. The bottom line is that it is pure luck to find a B&O manufactured cartridge which performs to its original spec's. The differences between the MMC1 & 2 at the point of manufacture were quite minimal, the MMC1's were apparently hand picked MMC2's.

Chris.

The comparison here is with the SMMC1 and MMC2. There is a lot of difference between Soundsmith cartridges and the original cartridges - the Soundsmith ones are far more modern sounding , being much more forward. This gives a definite impression of more detail but can produce listener fatigue. The originals have the more typical B&O sound with plenty of detail but presented in a softer way. Chris is quite right in saying that older cartridges will be wearing though. The choice as to which is better is a matter of taste. For those brought up in the CD world, the Soundsmith route will be the one to choose.

Peter :

The comparison here is with the SMMC1 and MMC2.

My apologies David, Peter et al, my comment was posted on the back of a 6 hour non stop drive and I didn't read the post through properly. I would certainly agree with tis comparison though judging by my own SMMC cartridge.

Chris.

Comparing these aging Beograms and their equally aging cartridges is a lot like comparing antique automobiles…. basically pointless, yet so very satisfying.

With that lead-in statement in mind added to my speaker arrangement, which has got to be the worst on the planet, I finally had the opportunity to have a “serious” comparison between my much touted Beogram 4000/MMC20CL and the Beogram 8002/MMC2.

With pop music and even E. Power Biggs on the petal harpsichord, the 4000 held its own exceptionally well.

However with a marvelous violin concert the MMC2 really slammed the MMC20CL. The subtle notes were simply missing on the MMC20CL, and the overall sound quality was not clearly as crisp.

In short, the Beogram 8002/MMC2 sounded considerably more real…. almost like the three virtuosos were playing in the room.   

Thus this is not really a comparison between the two turntables, but more of an observation on how well the 4000 works and how well the 8002 really does perform.

The Swiss component 4000 is an absolute masterpiece and truly performs like one. With a new Soundsmiths MMC20CL I have no doubt that it would rival the 8002 at every level.

However the Beogram 8002 has been such a colossal disappointment, due entirely to the poor choice of a MMC3 and now has moved to the top slot, my best sounding Beogram.

Jeff

Some people reckon they can hear the coils on the 8002 through the cartridge (I can't!) The major advantage the 4000 has is the mass of the platter which is far greater than the 8002. The 8002 has the different support for the record but I don't think either is very good!

Shame you are not in the UK or you could compare them to my 3000 with 12" arm and bespoke SP2. That has real bass!

Peter,

I would love the comparison with your 3000. A bespoke SP2? You had it custom made? Remarkable.

I would have to say that the Beogram 4000 has a little more going for it besides platter weight. Working on my Beogram 4000 thoroughly impressed me with the build quality and the over-engineering.

B&O cut corners on the 4002 and beyond…. One only has to open up the 4000 next to the 8002 and the differences are startling. The 8002 looks positively pedestrian next to the beautifully machined 4000.

Then there is the strobe, not necessary, but oh isn’t it nice to have available? Not to mention the record position indicator….

On the other hand, the 8002 is one handsome unit. Initially I didn’t like the wide sensor arm, but have come to appreciate its ecstatic value not to mention the over-all sound quality.

I think I need to lean more about the Beogram 3000.

Jeff