B&O Beogram RX2

17 replies
Z(
Zinfandel (archived2)
Bronze
4 posts
Posted November 11, 2020 at 18:44 GMT
#2147327

Thanks for letting me join. I recently retired and now have time to try and archive/digitize my approximately 300 albums of mostly classic rock. Took my RX2 off the shelf, probably last used it in early 2014. As far as I recollect it worked fine, I even transferred a few albums at that time. It now has issues.  Sound level is very low ( I have it hooked thru phono inputs of a Yamaha RX450), muted and somewhat scratchy. My vinyl was well used and often had scratches but there is only muffled sound now. I have a MMC4 cartridge. I suspect it may be the culprit as I have checked all my connections multiple times.

 

Here's my problem. New MMC4 are around $200 USD. I can get an analog to digital USB with pre-amp for another $100 USD. Total outlay $300. I can get a mid-level Audio Technica AT-LP120XBT-USB for $250 USD. Has digitizer and pre-amp already.

1. Is there a way to confirm it is the cartridge without buying  new one? Is $200 the best I can do?

2. While I realize we all have a bias towards the B&O solution, would the Audio Technica be a good choice to archive my collection? Noticeable quality loss over the RX2/MMC4 in this use? There is little risk with this solution ( unless somehow the pre-amp in my Yamaha is the problem and even then that only comes in to play with option 1)

Thanks for any input.


 



Z(
Zinfandel (archived2)
Bronze
4 posts
Posted November 12, 2020 at 15:43 GMT
#2147328

I hope asking about another brand of turntable as part of my question wasn't heresy!

Any opinions on possible causes for my distortion or less expensive cartridges?

 

Thanks

DI
Dillen
BronzeModeratorFounder
12777 posts
Posted November 12, 2020 at 16:32 GMT
#2147329

Welcome to Beoworld !

1. There is no such thing as a cheap Bang & Olufsen cartridge, but ask Hans Henrik at pickupservice@outlook.dk
He is usually the one with the best prices.

I cannot comment on #2. Not because I won't or because it is a non-B&O deck, but simply because I know nothing about it.

Martin

Z(
Zinfandel (archived2)
Bronze
4 posts
Posted November 12, 2020 at 16:39 GMT
#2147330

Thanks. I think I am going to seek help at a local repair shop (20+ years of experience) to help determine if it is the cartridge and see if they possibly have one. I will post back when I have some info.

DI
Dillen
BronzeModeratorFounder
12777 posts
Posted November 12, 2020 at 17:04 GMT
#2147331

There are no electronics in the signal path inside the Beogram RX2, so any sound problems will be down to the cartridge (most likely) or the internal wiring.
A non-suitable external preamplifier can also cause problems. After all, B&Os cartridges are neither MC nor MM.

Martin 

M(
mikdabrit (archived2)
Bronze
20 posts
Posted November 14, 2020 at 04:15 GMT
#2147332

I have had success with FJS Toneabnehmer Service in Germany,

Takes around 6 weeks

They charge approx 120 Euros to re tip and fit a new cantilever to an MMC4 cartridge. Total cost with shipping both ways is around $150.

I have a Beogram  RX that now sounds fantastic.

M(
mikdabrit (archived2)
Bronze
20 posts
Posted November 14, 2020 at 04:32 GMT
#2147333

 H Martin

Does your comment above pertain to my post that i made  a few days ago. Is there not a relay?

 

"Anyone know how to eliminate this.

I bought a used RX and on adding a cartridge tested on anotheg RX there was a loud hum in the output.I traced the RCAs and found one plug was shorted and not in good condition. I replaced the RCAs with a new cable and now I get A noise whenever I play a record or raise the tonearm.

The good news is no more shorted input to my amp.

Any ideas where this relay sits, or do I have to live with it?"

DI
Dillen
BronzeModeratorFounder
12777 posts
Posted November 14, 2020 at 06:55 GMT
#2147334

Yes, there is a relay on the small board all the way back, near the cable exit.

But this relay, contrary to what most people might think, doesn't break the connections from the cartridge to the signal cable to mute the signal.
It shorts them to ground.
This means that faulty relay contacts won't cause missing or intermittent channels, it will cause no muting.
In other words, the relay can't introduce distortion.

Martin

SB
Saint Beogrowler
Bronze
807 posts
Posted November 14, 2020 at 23:49 GMT
#2147335
I’ve a bit of experience in this department. When it comes to digitizing, the AT will be much fussier in setup to be at its best. It’s nice that it’s something you can buy new as an all in one and is an adequate starter turntable and if you want to dish out more money there are many nice carriages available that are compatible but require expertise in setup.

The RX-2 with a rebuilt lowest end cartridge or new soundsmith lowest end will outperform in audio quality and ease of sound isolation (that will be important when digitizing) compared to the AT. Rather than buying a preamp with USB which can really limit the quality, I’d go with a used mid-grade preamp and a basic Behringer analog to digital USB converter for a similar price. Cleaning your albums expertly will make a huge difference.

Overall, you might find after all this that streaming digital is fine for digital and that listening to your albums through a turntable is way more enjoyable than listening to them after they’ve been digitized.

M(
mikdabrit (archived2)
Bronze
20 posts
Posted February 16, 2021 at 16:53 GMT
#2147336

H Martin.

So with a nice working cartridge I now find that the left channel is continually shorted, I believe through the muting switch operated by the cam wheel under the platter The right channel is working and the switch slides.

Could the muting switch be shorted inside.It seems to slide ok and all seems to work mechanically. I tried to check the wiring continuity and that seems ok. Would like to avoid de soldering wires as they. area pain to reconnnect.

Any suggestions?

thanks

Mike

 

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