That's an interesting question, I don't have enough experience with anything but my Beogram 3000 tangential to make a comment. I suspect though that it will get a bit muddled as since B&O tables are dedicated to a particular cartridge lineup, the quality of a particular table can be obscured by the quality of the cartridge. Say, is an older table, which may be superior, with an inferior cartridge better than a more modern table, say, that's not as good with something like an MMC1?

I do know that I've had MMC5, MMC4, and MMC2 cartridges on my table, and there is no comparison. The 5 was not very pleasant, the 4 is pretty darned good, and the 2 is outstanding IMO.

I look forward to hearing some of the opinions of others on this.

I really liked the sound of my Beogram 4002 with an MMC 20EN cartridge on board. 

That said, I sold it and kept my Beogram 8002 instead. A better cartridge helps with the later decks, with an MMC2 sounding better than an MMC4 on both my 8002 and old 5005.

Like Jeff says, there are lots of variables. Deck design, build quality, the cartridge and whether it fits in with the system you're using. You could add to that list the importance of the amp, speakers, etc.

Being B&O fans we won't talk about cabling though :P

Best sounding deck I have is a 1960s Beogram 3000 Thorens with 12" arm and an SP2 cartridge with custom elliptical stylus from Axel. Had almost every other B&O deck and cartridge going in my time, but this has the best sound.

I can attest to that, Peter. Here's mine.

I switched to a Beogram 4002 back in 1976 and have only used Beogram tangentials since. Currently I use the 4002 and 8002 although I have an RX2, 3404, 2404 (plus some ELAC Miracords - 50H and 770H). 

With turntables though, the cartridge and stylus play the biggest role in the sound. So the question which is the best Bang & Olufsen turntable is not clear cut for sure.  For me, I think I will always have to have a working 4002. I really like the 8002 as well though.  

I also have a Beogram 4000, and am very pleased with its sound. An amazing turntable.

A friend swears by his two  Beogram 8000/8002.

soundproof wrote:

I can attest to that, Peter. Here's mine.

 

link

I take it you now have the wonderful lid as supplied by the master of the 5000 system Frede! Much better than the one I had made!

Some weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to acquire a New In Box SP 8-9 stylus. Unused - I was not expecting it to play well, the suspension having stiffened. I replaced the rubber ring around the stylus with a new one, the old one had dried up, and checked the diamond with a microscope. It was perfectly regular and clean - the PU really had not ever been played. As if I needed convincing - everything inside the wooden box looked as if it had never been opened (the measurement diagram, etc.)

I put the PU on my other tonearm, and lowered into the groove of a record, and heard very well resolved music from my Beogram 3000. That was fun - with a stylus as ancient as from 1968.

And yes, I do have Frede's lid. He is starting to wonder about me, by the way, a lot of things have come in the way of my taking the trip down to pick up a Beosystem 1200 he has refurbished for me, as well as an extra Beolab 5000 amplifier I want to have.

Peter wrote:

soundproof wrote:

I can attest to that, Peter. Here's mine.

 

link

I take it you now have the wonderful lid as supplied by the master of the 5000 system Frede! Much better than the one I had made!

I cant compete with the more than beautiful Thorens 3000, but of my 4 working decks I like the BG 5000 pizzabox the best, the MMC4 and SMMC4 are just right for my somewhat worn vinyl collection. BTW I´m still looking for a BG 4000, nearly bought a 4002, but reconsidered, it has to be a 4000.