Hi Jeff

I may be a little off topic..but here goes

I have an almost mint beogram 7000 with an original MMC2 stylus (which appears to be in good condition).

I've just purchased a Sound Smith SMMC 1 stylus and the difference in sound quality is incredible. Even worn vinyl is now of almost CD quality and good condition vinyl sounds far superior!!!

You really need to get a new stylus and try it in the different beograms to pick the difference i'd suggest.

Hope this is in some way helpful

Regards

David Coyne

Hi David,

I've heard very good things about Soundsmiths. Thank you for the tip. Sooner or later I am sure I will try them.

Jeff

HiFi Choice waxed lyrical about the 8002, as at long last the deck had a decent support for the record - the hard ribs of the 8000 causing record damping problems in extremis.

The 8002 (and 6002) were lovely, refined and gentle sounding decks and I'm pleased to read that Soundsmiths re-building of the cartridges gives them almost CD life and sparkle, something my 20EN and CL's seem to lack in typical UK temperatures ;) 

I have been very interested in this exchange as my Beogram 8002 has been something of a disappointment, no doubt in part because of its MMC3 cartridge.

I have given a great deal of thought as to a realistic comparison as to my six Beograms and the results are as follows:

1. Beogram 4000/used MMC20CL/McIntosh 2255
2. Beogram 4004/NOS MMC20CL/McIntosh 2255
3. Beogram 8000/used MMC6000/ Beomaster 4500
4. Beogram 4002/used MMC20CL/Beomaster 2400
5. Beogram 8002/used MMC3/Beomaster 4500
6. Beogram 1602/used MMC4000/Beomaster 4500

While I am ever so pleased that the iconic Beogram 4000 performs so well, at the same time I am really disheartened that the totally refurbished Beogram 8002 fares so poorly in comparison. This is NOT what I expected when I purchased this 8002.

The difference between the 4000 and the 4004 is very slight, but then it is an unfair comparison as the 4004 has a NOS MMC20CL.

I am well aware that the dampening deteriorates with age, but even this constant doesn’t explain fully the difference between these Beograms.

Your comments in regard to the hard ribs of the 8000 causing damping problems…. I had not heard this before.

I am working on finding a suitable MMC2 or MMC1 for my 8002 and have great hope that the change of cartridge will make an amazing difference.

Jeff

Jeff,

Looks like you have an excellent collection of rare Beogram turntables.  I am very envious because I decided to go back to vinyl recently and I'm looking for a nice linear tracking B&O table.  They are hard to come by even on eBay especially for the ones that still work properly.  8002 was my dream turntable in the childhood and I'd love to own one some day.  If your experiment doesn't turn out to your liking you can dump it on me and I'll pay top dollars.  🙂

Modesty aside, I have achieved a very nice collection of B&O equipment with a great deal of help from the fine members of BeoWorld.

Thank you for the most welcome compliment.

The 8002 is legend, but so far I have seen little evidence to this claim to fame.

I am floundering in my search of a really good MMC1 or MMC2 for my turntable, so anything is possible.

Jeff

I know im repeating myself.. but honestly, I was very disappointed with the mint beogram 7000 i bought which had an original MMC2. It now sounds incredible with a new stylus. I'd suggest the issue is probably the stylus.

if you were closer I'd loan you one!

David Coyne

Piaf wrote:

I am floundering in my search of a really good MMC1 or MMC2 for my turntable, so anything is possible.

Jeff,

If you are set on an MMC2, I have sent a PM/email.

Thx,

Hi,

By the way, could anyone confirm that the MMC20EN is a rather warm (I didn't say dull) cartridge?

Or is the warm sound down to wear (although it looks fine under the microscope), or contacts, or a capacitance problem?

Compared to my other cartridges (Goldring 1022, Eroica MC, A&R P77) it is full bodied with excellent bass but rather soft (detailed nonetheless) up higher.

I've got a Beogram 6006.

Thanks!