analogsurviver
Headphoneus Supremus
- Joined
- Jul 2, 2012
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The BEOGRAM turntable models with the tangential arms look interesting a quick search doesn't revel much info anyone using one is there a preferred model of the series?
It is a can of worms even likes of myself do not dare to come close. In principle LOTS of going for them - I did comment on B&O having one of the best direct drive systems in existence - but the platters they used and their assumption that super non damped ultra light alu platter is going to perfectly damp the resonances created in the record by the tracking with a stylus borders on the best approximation of wishful thinking imaginable.
It is a HIIGHLY exclusive system - accepting in its stock form nothing but B & O cartridges. These were among the best available - EVER - but today are ever more rare and ever more expensive. It is true that Soundsmith is doing contemporary version of these carts ( B & O did incredibly stupid thing - they have destroyed all the tools and blueprints & whatever cartridge related during the CD craze ...) - but these are more adapted to the modern trend more heavy effective mass arms, not the lightest possible B&O linear tracking arms. And they get pretty $ for a decent quality - which is about to say that they mimic the old B&Os in this regard. And they are NOT the sonic equal of the originals; that is not to say they are worse, just different.
There do exist mods for the arm to accept normal 1/2" mount cartridges, if you prefer to go that route.
Yes, there is a preferred model - anything with the latest direct drive. It was basically the same, differing in cosmetics/equalling the styling of the entire Beowhatever Series - and some differences whether it did or did not include phono preamp again to be compatible with respective Series. Please consult Beogram related forums - quite a lot to chew trough.
It will also have to be recaped - replacement of capacitors - for proper and reliable operation; it is 30 or so years old by now.
No idea how it is with feedback, etc, or anything else from the practical point of using one - never had the opportunity to hear one for any appreciable amount of time in non B&O system - and even that was decades ago.
I did not want to scare you off - just warn that it is not a plug and play/fire & forget solution as it would like to present itself. For starters: where on earth are you going to get a platter mat of the EXACT thichkness to replace those rings or ribs (according to the model of the TT ) - other than building it yourself or having it custom made ?
As far as I know, B&O does not have provision for adjustment of VTA - but I may be wrong on this.
If you stumble upon any reasonably priced B&O fitted with a lightly used MMC 2 - or even better, MMC1 cartridge - it is worth buying for the cart alone. Look up the prices on ebay - and that should give you some idea what that "reasonably priced" may mean in concrete $. Whether it is within one's budget, is another matter.
The best way to find out is by having a demo of a properly functioning one - and then deciding if it is worth the trouble. If you do go for it, NEVER forget to get a replacement cartridge, preferably original B & O - while you STILL CAN. They are not going to become cheaper ...