M100 is pretty high end if you ask me and the price they go for rather low in comparison.

Cheers.

Speaker systems are either passive (80s) or active (90s) but a lot of stuff then can use either, depends on model numbers and the connectors are proprietary but fairly standard. I'd just be aware that at this stage in life, you're likely to need to replace capacitors, belts and speaker foam so you'd either want a setup where that had been done, or possibly go older where the parts are larger and easier to service. If it's cheap then you're likely going to have to spend more time+money in the not too distant future.

You can ship anything safely, if you're willing to spend enough money for packaging and postage. Personally, I'd recommend just finding something selling within 150 miles or so and picking it up yourself, if you have a car, or if not offering the seller a decent amount of money to drive to you. My first buy I drove about 50 miles down the motorway to meet the seller halfway, buy them lunch and chat about the system I was buying. A lot cheaper than courier delivery and an interesting afternoon, learning more about the brand. Most people selling vintage B&O gear are interesting people.

KorgKamerat wrote:

1) Are there any optimal / suboptimal combinations around the speakers and consoles? Are they all mix and match (e.g Pentas are active, which amps are not?)

You mention: Beocenter 4000, 7000, 8500, 9000 and 9300 - all of those systems are with build in amplifiers, but can also be used with the active Beolab Penta's via PowerLink -and ofcouse those systems can be used with all passive speakers. 
I think the Beocenter 9000 does not have PL sockets - but it has SpeakerLink sockets which does the same, but are harder to find (ask Steve at Sounds Heavenly if you find one of those systems).

Thanks so far guys!

First of all, the "problem" with the M100s is that they sell, a little shady, for EUR 600 here. That's more than I'd give for a condition unknown total system.

There's a pair of pentas here at EUR 300. 

There's a pair of RL60.2 at EUR 80

There's a 9300 with a pair of RL 6000 at EUR 500

Pair of S45.2 and M70, both with original stands for EUR 200 each.

I have to say I totally dig the design of the M70 and S45.2 with stands, while Pentas look to be a little bit too dramatic. I'm leaning towards BC7000 and M70/S.45.2, a total of EUR 400.

But disregarding looks, what's best bang for the bucks - given the pricing examples above and considering that condition is unknown, disregarding the sales text.

EDIT: There is also what is apparently a full System 5500 at sale here.. what's a good price, considering that everything works but probably needs professional TLC in the near future?

The problem is what one person likes, you may not. S45.2s are great small speakers - beautifully accurate but they do not do a huge amount of bass. Personally, this bothers me not one iota. You may feel different. Equally, most of the 80s and 90s equipment will need servicing and more and more contain integrated circuits. If I were to do my time again, having owned all sorts of systems I would probably choose a Beolab 5000 system fro the late 60s - beautifully made and sounds fantastic. Is obviously completely non remote control and records would be your major source, though a Beogram CDX would attach nicely. A classic and wonderful service manuals available. I would realistically match with a Beogram 4000 which is slightly later but works fine. I would pair with Beovox 45.2s though if I had the space Beovox 5000s and 2500s would be an alternative.

If remote control was a must, Beocenter 9500 and either the 45.2s or Pentas.

I would highly recommend Beovox s45.2. They are more than good enough! If you look around you can get some incredible deals. I bought my pair for 40€, and spend some time refurbishing them, which I think is part of the fun. I matched them with a Beomaster 2400, even though I might update to the Beomaster 4400, which is considered one of, if not the best build by B&O. I bought the Beomaster 2400 from a retired radio technician, who made sure that everything was perfect (replaced caps/transistors/bulbs...).I had luck finding a Beogram 4000 in good condition for very cheap (minor repairs/adjustements were needed). With some new cables and some money spend at the hardware store for the restoration of the Beovox and minor repairs on the Beogram I spend under 400€ for a timeless looking, good sounding setup. I can recommend the Beomaster 2400. It is definitely possible to ship it as it is rather lightweight and quite sturdy, and affordable. Also, I was told it is quite easy to service. 

Thanks a lot, really appreciate your inputs.

I think I'm going for a "woodie" on stands, I've started buying 70s/80s theme furniture now. I was disgusted to see the M70 trumpet stands, so I think that alone settles it for M100 or S45.2. As the former is too expensive, the answer is kind of given.

In the latest development, I understood that my resentment for a Beosystem pizza box affair was really just a mysterious attraction. Just picked up a Beomaster and Beocord 5500 (EUR 150 total, inlcuding CX100 and a B&O headset), so the hunt for Beogram and CD 50 has started :) 

While I carefully collect 5500 modules and control panel, is the 5000 series modules 100% compatible and identical looking? There are some cheap, working 5000 things for sale around here.

Thanks a lot, Peter. Very good and personal recommendation.

Alas, I stumbled upon another path which is visually extremely tight.