mason wrote:

This is phase one of my vintage system (I have a bit of the new gear). Can anyone recommend me an amp and some appropriate speakers?

Period correct... BM4000 or ideally a 4400, S60/75 or M100/100-2

mason wrote:

The only problem I have is lack of space – is it possible to link the Beogram to my Beocenter 2 and Beolab 3s? Has anyone ever done this? This would be ideal.

You can use the "AUX IN" on the BC2 (DIN to RCA lines w/ a RIAA kit) ...talk to Steve @ Sounds Heavenly!

I would suggest a Beomaster 4400 and M100s - the BM4000 is notr as good in my opinion. The Beolab 5000 system is wonderful but is not technically as good - things did advance quite a lot in this period. Frede can probably restore you a 4400 though - he did my 4401. However if you decide to go the 5000 route, you will not be disappointed.

i thought the beolab 5000 is one of the best amplifier made from b&o?!?

---

my system-idea was simular:

oldscool-style: beogram 4002 incl. mmc 20 cl retipped by van den hul and a beolab 5000 with good speakers. any ideas?

modern-style: beogram 4002 incl. mmc 20 cl retipped by van den hul / pro-ject phonobox 2 / pro-ject pre box / option pro-ject ipod dock / beolab 4000 mk1.

---

which system sounds better?

B&O designed systems to go together - if you have a Beolab 5000, Beovox 5000s and 2500s sound fantastic - as demonstrated by Frede. The beolab 5000 is a great amplifier and was one of the best of its time. Circuit design did improve though and I think the 4400 sounds even better with the right speakers.

i agree with you peter... but a complete and in mint condition beolab 5000 system incl. the beovox 5000 and 2500 speakers is nearly impossible to find... the design is great and historical the first project for b&o from jacob jensen.

i'm sure that the beomaster 4400 match perfectly with the beogram 4002(4) series. but, i don't like the design of the beomaster 4400. yes i know i'm picky, that's a part of my job as a communication designer... sorry about that. ;-)

what do you think about the second opinion: beolab 4000 with pro-ject parts?

regards

dario

A full mint 5000 system is actually easy to obtain - see Frede!  Not cheap but you get a true piece of quality.

I also think it will sound better than Beolab 4000s . I have a couple of pairs of these and like them but use them as TV speakers. I use Beolab 3s with a Beogram 4004, 5500 system and beoport which is not that dissimilar - very happy with it but it does not have the same tactile qualities or looks as my beolab 5000 system. I doubt I will have it as long either.

what will be the costs of a complete mint beolab 5000 system?

you're 5500, 4004 setup sounds intresting. the design of the beolab 3 should more look in my opinion like the beovox 2500. that would be the perfect redesign... ;-)

maybe the beolab 5000 match also perfectly with new piega speakers. what do you think about that, new speakers, old amp?

thanks for your advise

dario

I talked to Frede about mixing different eras of speakers - he reckons, and I agree, that B&O made speakers and amplifiers match each other and to act in a synergistic fashion. Therefore I wouldn't recommend it. The Beolab 5000 system is a classic and works very well as a whole. With different speakers it can sound more lively than a totally flat amplifier should.

Price - it will vary and you need to talk to Frede, but I would budget for about £3000 including speakers. You can of course simply buy the components for much, much less. You will not have an as new system though. Sound quality - read Soundproof's article - it plays music.

i started a research and saw your picture of your beolab/beomaster 5000 and beogram 4000 system. looks great!!! this is exactly what im looking for...

my beogram 4002 joins at the moment my beocenter av5. the sound is quite good... with the beolab 4000 it would even sound better and with a beolab 5000 setup it will play nearly perfectly.

do you have the contact details from frede?

thanks dario

p.s. this forum is very helpful, in my opinion the best bang & olufsen forum.