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With your requirements... the first place I would look -the "stack" systems.

link -or - 5500/6500/7000

These are available as separates and you can piece the kit together as you like.

The 5000 gear is very nice, but limited to older control code and runs passive speakers.

People seem to really like the link.

SPK: Redline series or Pentas

Another route... if you like the "flat" systems: link.

SPK: Beovox or Beolab panels... if you can find them!

Or, you can go w/ the "bent" systems like the 6000/link and add a

Hi burantek,

Thank you for the quick reply. I love the look of the 5000 et al.

Do you think I'd be better watching for component parts on ebay or going somewhere like LifeStyle AV (where I suspect prices will be slightly higher but the quality is too)?

The 7000 on there looks stunning but I'm not sure I can justify that expense on my first system (and meagre wages)

Well, you have already passed the first phase! 🤒

You know you like the "looks" of the "stack" systems -so concentrate on them.

As much as I like the 5000... the later ones offer much more future proofing w/ Powerlink sockets for active speakers.

On a budget... you can certainly piece this together, though it may be initially cheaper to source a turnkey system.

These tend to be fairly robust, but eBay can always be a crapshoot. If a set was coming from LifeStyle or any other third party you could certainly expect a fair review of the gear advertised and rest assured that it is not something that "was sitting in grandad's attic and I am not sure if it works" type of descriptions.

You are interested in a turntable... keep in mind that money/ounce... the MOST expensive B&o item will be the cartridge.

The 7000 system at Lifestyle is actually mine and is the one that is always pictured when systems are sold on eBay!! It has however never appeared before. It has a TDA1541A DAC (not all do!) and is a beauty.

However as an entry model I would consider a Beomaster 4400 and S45-2 speakers with a Begram 4002 turntable and a CDX CD player. This will sound superb - probably better than any modern system you will get. Bass will be light but detailed and if you want more bass, just get bigger speakers. It is not remote control though if that is important.

Hi Peter,

I bet you'll be sad to see the 7000 go. I'm not sure I could have parted with it.

Remote is not a problem for me, I'm fairly healthy. Bass too is not so much of an issue as I have a first floor flat and don't like to send too much bass down to my neighbours.

Is the 4002 going to be more challenging to find than, say, a Beogram 5500?

Probably easier if the truth be known. It will need servicing though - they all do - but it is much better made and you will love it. I have 3 400X type decks and love them all!

I am selling the 7000 as it was just sitting in its boxes and quite frankly the money would be useful. I have a 5500 system which I use every day and is slightly more useful to me because of the connectivity. The 7000 is in better condition though.

Take a look at the 7000 series music centres, they are rather under rated. A 7700 with the Master Control Panel is a really good sounding bit of kit and is normally cheaper to buy than a stack system. Any of the 7000 range will sound good and will look nicely "retro". Add a decent pair of uniphase speakers and you will have a great system.

Good point - very cheap now and excellent sound. the 7700 is the one to get of course. If I could only have one system and it had to serve the whole house and be approved by the wife, the Beocenter 9500 would be my choice though. Not such a good amplifier but works with everything and very versatile. 

Kevin,

Could I support Peter's suggestion (see below)

'However as an entry model I would consider a Beomaster 4400 and S45-2 speakers with a Begram 4002 turntable and a CDX CD player. This will sound superb - probably better than any modern system you will get. Bass will be light but detailed and if you want more bass, just get bigger speakers. It is not remote control though if that is important.'

This is one of my systems (apart from having a BG 4004 rather tha a 4002) and it is still the most musically accurate set up I have.  In fact the 4400 was a gift from Peter and I fully understand his enthusiasm. 

Cleve