A couple of questions about headphones, and then one about distortion...

2 replies
R(
Offline
RNWZA (archived2)
Bronze
Posted November 28, 2014 at 20:52 GMT
#2028500

Hi,

As some of you will now, I recently restored a BG 1200, and have had a BM 1200 serviced by someone that the local B&O dealer recommended. I am delighted with the beauty of the system, and the sound is fair for such old system.

I have two questions that I hope someone can help with.

1) The headphone output on the BM 1200 is rated for a minimum 100ohms. Is there any way that I can get my 32ohm Sennheisers to work ok with this? Or do I need to go and find a high impedance set of headphones? What do you guys generally use with your older sets?

2) I know vinyl distorts in the trebles closer to the inside of an album, but listening to the last track on virtually anything turns vocals into a lispy mess on the BG 1200. Is this just the way it is, or would a new stylus to replace the SP14 help? 

BTW, thank you to those who gave me advice when I did the resto...it was a huge help! (Especially Soren)

Thanks in advance,

Ryan

DA
Offline
Davefarr
Bronze
Posted November 29, 2014 at 09:29 GMT
#2028501

Hi Ryan,

great news that your BG 1200 is up and running.  THE SP14 I think is a fine cartridge - I have one on my restored BG 3000 Thorens TD 124 MkII.  It was retipped by Axel and is incredibly detailed with no distortion at any point.  Just crystal clear sound.

I'd firstly check the tonearm and cartridge geometry.  Make sure everything is adjusted, parallel, 90° to the vinyl etc according to the service manual. Then, you could get the cart retipped if you don't know how much use it's had.  Also, try cleaning your vinyls with a record cleaner such as has been discussed here on Beoworld.  I've found it makes a huge difference and you'd be amazed at how much muck comes out of even a brand new vinyl.

I've got this one:

or
BeoWorld Gold Membership card
Join BeoWorld

Register to access the forums, reference material, and exclusive member benefits — including our monthly prize draw.

Become a Member

December 2026 Prize Draw

Gold Members Only

As a Gold member you're automatically entered into our exclusive prize draw — your chance to win iconic Bang & Olufsen products. A unique benefit of BeoWorld Gold membership, every draw brings a new opportunity to win something special.

View Prize Go For Gold