Hello JD, I have a 2300, I'm using Beolab 6000s.  The 2300, like all systems now, needs active speakers (connected via one or both of the 8 pin DIN powerlink sockets at the rear of the unit).  If you have the money then Beolab 6000s or 4000s are nice.  The slightly cheaper but harder to find Beolab 2500s were designed for use with the 2500 and 2300 Beocenters).  However, if money is tight then you can easily get away with just picking up a second hand B&O passive amp, there are about 4 on ebay right now.  They sell for between £60 - £150 depending on age or type.  The cheapest and simplest type is the MCL2P which simply has a powerlink socket input and two regular 2pin speaker outputs.  So takes the output level from the Beocenter and provides conventional amplification to drive any ordinary speakers (if you want an ordinary sound that is).  So you could be up and running for less than £100, especially if you already have speakers.  Of course, if you have a recent B&O TV (1989 or later) then you could connect the Beocenter to the TV (via 7 pin DIN audio aux socket on the Beocenter) and use the TV speakers (need a remote for the TV too).  So, you could go on ebay and buy a reasonable second hand B&O TV (MX or LX type)  for anything from £10-100  (£50 should do it).  Then you will have a complete B&O AV system, or at least the ability to play CD/Radio sound through the TV (and it will be good).  Check out these ebay item numbers, just as an example:

380240391559

130398285588

I actually have an MCL2P amplifier that will work, even let you have the correct powerlink cable for it (has to be fully wired, mark 1 or 2 type). Then all you would need is any 8ohm passive speakers and you're in business.  Let me know, 07891 854722.  Was going to list it on ebay myself for £75 so if you want to make an offer then please feel free.

jack

many thanks for your info.I am going to have a look online at the cost of the beolab speakers first off.  However i will be back to you quickly (tomorrow evening) to confirm if I am interested in  buying your amplifier - it sounds more suited to my needs and budget !.

I have another query - and again my apologies for my general lack knowledge regarding B & O equipment and audio in general.

Am i correct that once i have the amplifier the quality of the sound will then depend completely on the quality of the passive 8 ohm speakers (i have a few old speakers but suspect it would be a waste?)  or will a few new speakers give a decent sound from (because of) the B & O system. I listen to a lot of music but have never really plunged in the world of hi-fi's etc in great detail.

Thanks

Jd

Hi JD,

The B&O passive amps are exactly the same as those they used to fit to many 80s systems.  It's 2x30watts so is perfectly usable in any home, lage or small.  I can offer you a pair of Beolab 6000s that are in mint condition about 4 years old.  These will cost £800 (though you can get much older ones on eaby for anywhere upwards of £500.  I also have an old pair of Beovox passive CX100s in black.  These do have a few marks on the bottoms but are generally fine (very compact)  see links below.  Failing that, any speakers from a decent Hi-Fi shop.  Depends on what sort of sound you want, and the music you listen to.  Deep bass will usually mean larger speakers, but not always.  You could even use some PC speakers via the Beocenter headphone (3.5mm jack) output (and by that I mean somethng like the Harman Kardon Sound Sticks).  To answer your question then yes, the sound will be mostly dictated by the speakers and your room (size / shape) etc.

link      £795  (Active)   New price about £2K+

      £100  (Passive)  Restored bass drivers

jack

thanks again for your advice. Called in to a local hi fi specialist today . Was advised that given that the BeoCenter was so old (15 years ?!) and it hadn't been used in that period there was a distinct possibility that it would "keel over" once i started using it. Proprietor was no big fan of B&O equipment!

To tell you the truth not sure what to do - i have your number and will give you a call in the next day or so if i decide to go ahead.

Thanks

JD

That's rubbish!

To many of us here, 15 years is relatively young for B&O equipment! If I were you I would get whatever is needed to get some sound out of the thing and enjoy it.

Avoid your local hi fi man as he is talking out of his backside!

A decent pair of headphones would be the cheapest option.