As a long time re-seller of tangential turntables I have pretty much had them all.

The one I have kept throughout this time in my Beogram 6000 quad. This is essentially a 4002 with built in RIAA pre amp, excellent choice for my Beomaster 6500.

Currently using it with a NOS MMC20CL which I obtained as one of a number from a some time retired B&O dealer.

I have had a broken 20CL repaired by Axel and I can't tell the difference with my NOS example. I sold the Axel repaired one to a Beoworld member of some repute and he is delighted with it.

My recommendation is therefore an early 4002 with the heavy platter and a MMC20CL

I have serviced, restored, lusted over and adored all the BeoGrams ever made.

My opinion is based on my familiarity with the technical aspects and build quality, not on whether one looks nicer than another.

My hands-down Tangential favorite is the BG4000 - it is solid, sounds fantastic, and after a proper restoration (by your's truly, of course) will last at least another 30 years, with no problems. I adore its mechanical and electronic circuit design and integrity.

It was designed to last, and WILL last, and you can use it all you want, without worrying whether it might die if you push this or that button.

Bearing in mind that the BG4000 is rarer than hen's teeth (and is priced appropriately), a first-generation BG4002 (AC motor - type 5501) is a respectable substitute.

My favorite Radial TT is the BG3000 - 1972 vintage.

My favorite Cartridge is Axel's nude Shibata rebuild - on any of the B&O machines.

Menahem

Update:

Well, I ended up deciding to get the Beogram 4002 this past weekend.  It’s a type 5513 with an MMC20EN pickup and in excellent shape.  Unfortunately, I waited until making up my mind on which way to go with this purchase before ordering a DIN-to-RCA cable from Steve at Sounds Heavenly, so it’ll be a bit longer before I can hook it up to the rest of the stereo to do any critical listening.  Still, the sound coming directly off the pickup was clear (albeit very, very tiny!). 

Thank you all again for your extremely helpful feedback, especially the reassurance that none of these options represented a bad choice.  Jeff’s advice to pick what was most appealing and then go with that was particularly insightful, although it took a bit of reflection before figuring out what that was.  The 8002 had nostalgic appeal from my past, very interesting drive technology and the advantage of being able to take one of my existing MMCx-series pickups.  The 8000 was available immediately and in immaculate condition.  Nonetheless, in the end the simple elegance and substantial build quality of the 4002 tipped the scales.  Two days later and I’m still marveling at how well built it is.  The 4000 must be truly impressive indeed! 

Here are a couple of photos

Sorry, I'm having trouble figuring out how to insert multiple images into a single post and so will do this as separate ones for now.

And the last one

Very nice indeed and an excellent choice. I promise you, you will be delighted. (That said, find an excellent MMC20CL and you will be in heaven!)

Jeff

Congratulations! It does seem to be in very good shape too! And in the rare dark veneer - like my own 4000 - to boot!

Has it got the AC motor then? 

Those old MMC's could certainly do with a re-tip though. Listen for attenuated treble, the sign that it's had it.

Jeff is right: the CL is best. But a re-tip can do the same, only EN will still be etched on its body!

Lovely looking deck - I too like the dark finishes. Makes me think about getting the 4000 out again!

Jacques,

Thank you.  I'm absolutely delighted with it so far and eagerly looking forward to getting the RCA adapter cable in order to do more than just look at it or play with the functions!  It's a Type 5513, which I'm guessing has the smaller DC motor.  I didn't remember to ask the seller but can follow back up with him or take a look inside if the physical difference between the two motors would be obvious. 

Appreciate the feedback on the CL.  The seller was open to doing an exchange for the EN when he had a CL available and I'll likely take him up on the offer.  Re-tipping the EN might not be a bad option either, although your comment about the resultant mis-labeling made me laugh as it hit close to home.  Seeing EN still on the body of an upgraded pickup would indeed bother me!

On a semi-related note, is there any general advice on how to minimize further wear marks on the keypad?  The start button is the only one with any discollaration and it's light.  I've been using a microfiber cloth when touching the keys so far but was wondering if there might be a more elegant solution? 

- Charley

Paint it black?