Looking for a pristine, vintage B&O system - Which one to get?

23 replies

Gents,

After becoming very proficient with classic cars, I know would like to turn some attention to playing my old LPs and mix tapes. It would be perfect to do so on a nice, vintage B&O system for the look and for the sound of it - I do like the Beomaster 1900 (And have an opportunity to buy an entire, complete system) and the Beosystem 4500. Primary use will be for playing records. Though I also appreciate a CD player (Though most CDs are already ripped to iTunes).

What do I need to consider to get a vintage system to enjoy?

  • Price guide for full, immaculate to almost pristine systems?
  • Appart from craigslist, eBay, what are good sources/ vintage dealers in the US (Cali/ SoCal prefered)?
  • Servicablility when things need to be replaced (Where to go?)?
  • Which model is more finicky? What other B&O models would be cool options?
  • Can they be hooked up to a wireless home entertainment system (via Apple Airport) and an iPod plugged in at an aux port?

Feel free to contact me at michaelabaum@gmail.com if you prefer.

Really appreciate the collective wisdom of this board.

Best,

Mike

 

 

i had a dream last night and it featured a beosystem 8000 , i know sad isn't it ?

most guys dream of fast cars and beautiful women

:D

The Beomaster 1900 is a real classic system. I have the Beomaster 2400-2 which is almost the same machine, but with an ultrasonic remote control.

But if you need to connect more than just a tape deck and a record player the 4500 system is a better choice. The AirPort Express is also possible to connect.

I suggest you buy both systems. If you have the room for it.

I had to repair my Beomaster with a set of new lamps. I bought them from Dillen here at the forum. The lamps must be soldered in their right places.

I think you really need to decide what it is you want the system to do. I have a couple of excellent classic systems but they do what they were designed to do - which is mainly pay the radio and LPs. If you want them to play MP3s and CDs, this is not as easy. The 1900 has relatively few connections and I would say is not ideal for this scenario. I would consider the Beocenter 9500 - CD built in, a proper Phono soclket but a decent AUX connection too. Similar design ethos of no buttons and flat panels but with modern connections.

My B&O Icons:

BeoCenter-9500.png BeoCenter-9500.png
Beoremote-Beo4.png Beoremote-Beo4.png
Beovox.png Beovox.png
Beovision-11.png Beovision-11.png
Beotime.png Beotime.png
Beosound-Stage.png Beosound-Stage.png
Beosound-Moment.png Beosound-Moment.png
Beosound-5.png Beosound-5.png
Beosound-2.png Beosound-2.png
Beoremote-One.png Beoremote-One.png
Beoplay-Portal.png Beoplay-Portal.png
Beoplay-Earset.png Beoplay-Earset.png
Beomaster.png Beomaster.png
Beolit.png Beolit.png
Beogram-400x.png Beogram-400x.png
Beocenter-2.png Beocenter-2.png

Don't mess about - get the full Beosystem 8000. The rest are mere chipolatas compared with this enormous bratwurst of a system.

I suppose one could use a CDX with the 8000 system but its size and complexity and getting a room big enough to have MS150s  in does limit some people.

The collectors' choice would be the Beolab 5000 system which has plenty of connections and is just very musical to listen to. However I stick to my initial thoughts that if it is planned to use this with modern sources, a 9500 is a good choice - or the 4500 as mentioned above which combines the spirit of the 1900 you admire with rather more modern electronics - it is is essence a separates 9500!

By the way, you didn't say what sort of classic car you have! That might have some bearing on our suggestions! 🙂

My B&O Icons:

BeoCenter-9500.png BeoCenter-9500.png
Beoremote-Beo4.png Beoremote-Beo4.png
Beovox.png Beovox.png
Beovision-11.png Beovision-11.png
Beotime.png Beotime.png
Beosound-Stage.png Beosound-Stage.png
Beosound-Moment.png Beosound-Moment.png
Beosound-5.png Beosound-5.png
Beosound-2.png Beosound-2.png
Beoremote-One.png Beoremote-One.png
Beoplay-Portal.png Beoplay-Portal.png
Beoplay-Earset.png Beoplay-Earset.png
Beomaster.png Beomaster.png
Beolit.png Beolit.png
Beogram-400x.png Beogram-400x.png
Beocenter-2.png Beocenter-2.png

Peter wrote:

By the way, you didn't say what sort of classic car you have! That might have some bearing on our suggestions! 🙂

Yep:

Austin Seven = 1900 system

Austin Healey = Beolab 8000

I have loved and lost a MG BGT V8, Triumph TR6 and a four pot BGT so I tend towards the bigger banger.

 

If you look at the car in my avatar  what B&O system matches that😁 

Maybe if if B&O delivered som radios for the the Danish army at some time🤔

Thanks so much for pitching in - Choices, choices, and, once decided, where to find and get?

Thanks much for the pointers to the Beolab 8000 (Cool with speakers and matching cabinet) and Beolab 5000 - Gotta love the 8000.

In the end, it probably comes down to a choice between "pure vintage" and focusing on LPs (Probably the direction for me to go) or "some vintage with more compatibility", which would point to the 9500. Size is not really a limiting factor: They are all huge systems.

Oh as to cars, if this gives any clues to the ideal system: It is all about Porsche and crazy Italian coachbuilt cars: Currently I drive a 69 911S, 56 356A, a 72 Alfa Romeo Junior Zagato and a 62 Lancia Flaminia Zagato. 

Thanks,

Mike

 

 

scuba wrote:

If you look at the car in my avatar  what B&O system matches that😁 

Maybe if if B&O delivered som radios for the the Danish army at some time🤔

Built like a tank = Beolab 5000.

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