I'm afraid it only transmits in response to commands from the MCP, as it was the only two-way remote option available for it... and the the MCP only comes to life when you use it, so there would be nobody to listen to unsolicited status transmissions from the Beomaster.

The later models broadcast the status messages every now and then and after every status change, as there were remotes such as Beolink 7000 that could be showing the status continuously.

But, if you don't find anything else wrong with it, there's no particular reason why the IR transmission wouldn't work. MCP5000s don't usually fetch much money so it won't be a huge investment just to try.

Receivers of this kind are sometimes sold as "defective" only because the seller didn't know how to use it!

Thanks!

I hoped that this is the normal operation... then I'll look for a remote :)

My guess is also the same for this seller, because the front lid was stuck a bit, and the power button seems to call back the last operating state, so if the machine was pulled out from stand-by state, and next time when it is plugged in and you push the power button then it does nothing, you have to select a source, but it is hard with a closed lid, however it is not very tricky to open it by hand... 

Huh, just did a little look around for the MCP5000, and I am not happy, the only one suitable (on ebay, at least) is from UK and costs 67€ + shipping, but my beomaster was only 26 € , maybe someone got one spare? :) 

If you build out your system with additional sources (e.g, beocords, CD50, beogram or even an iPod via an adapter that simulates the beocord interface) you will find the MBP worth every cent, a thing of beauty, and an amazing experience

and no one will give one up because they do fail and are irrepairable ... so prices are only likely to climb over time