No it doesn't. It is set up for ise with B&O cartridges, which are Moving Iron  (a type of Moving Magnet). Surprised the 5000 is not thought man enough - I have heard this through Pentas and it was very good. The 8000 does have a bit more oomph though and is possibly the most capable B&O amplifier. John Barker on site uses the system you describe and seems very satisfied with the results.

I have used a Beomaster 8000 and Beovox Pentas as my main system for four years now, and as Peter says, I am extremely happy with it. I used to own a Beomaster 5000 and did try running the Pentas with it, but I was not very impressed compared with the 8000. I also have a Beomaster and Beolab 5000 system that has recently been serviced, and I think the 8000 shades this too in terms of performance. It is probably worth pointing out that if your friend's 8000 has not been serviced, then it is probably in need of one to get maximum performance and reliability from what is a complex and powerful bit of kit!

Looks and performance-wise though, you can't go far wrong with this set up :)

my turntable is not going to suit her then after all, I guess to round out her system she now really needs a Beogram 8002 with a nice MMC2 cart  :-)