There are a few differences in these decks and this is mainly down to the provision of a pre-amplifier (RIAA). In the case of the Beosystem 5500, this is built into the Beomaster - the 6500 and 7000 systems have it built into the Beogram. Therefore the Beogram 6500 and 7000 are not really a good choice and are also the most expensive as they can work with the new equipment.

If you want a deck to match the 5500, you need either a 5005 or the 5500. These are to all intents the same deck. Both will work fine. You can however use other decks which do not cosmetically match but will also work fine. The best would probably be the 8002 and this is the top deck made by B&O. However the 6006 and 8000 would also work. The 6002 will but has reduced Datalink functionality but is going to be much cheaper!

I use a 4000 with my 5500 - not remote control but you have to clean the record anyway! And it looks better and is made better than any of the above. Don't rule out the 5000 tangential deck either - sounds better than the 5005/5500 and matches the looks.It is also remote control but only start, stop and pause.

Remember you will need a cartridge and you will either need a new Soundsmith one or retip an old B&O one - the latter option is cheaper but the Soundsmith cartridges are very good and more modern in sound characteristics.

Update-

I purchased one and then a second B&O used Beogram 5500 turntables with new MM3 cartridges. One works but is not impressive in function or sound. The second has some issues. The tone arm stops moving after playing about one third of the record. It also has troubles with determining the speed to play.

I would appreciate the names of qualified repair shops that I might have repair first one and then the second TT.

Thanks,

Couldbfishin

Gerry Meeks

Houston, TX

Correction to update. I purchased two used 5500 turntables with used MM3 cartridges. The cartridges are not new as stated originally.

I contacted Pyramid Audio in Austin TX today and the say the average cost to repair a Beogram 5500 turntable is $300-375. I have used them in the past to repair a Denon turntable and they did a fine job. So, I plan to send them one of the two Beogram 5500's to be refurbished and then if I like the results, I may send the second.

Thanks for your input.

I have a Beogram Turntable/Record Player 5500 for sale and I was curious if you were still looking? From your post replies it looks as though you ended up purchasing two but it was not clear if they are in working order. My Beogram 5500 comes with a used (but in good working condition MMC5) and is cosmetically sound and works perfectly! I rarely use it and would like to clear out some space, but I am not sure how much to sell it for and how much to charge for shipping. I am considering posting it to eBay, but after numerous searches I can't find a single WORKING one at all, although I did find the MMC5 cartridges run about $200 alone. If you are interested please let me know, or if you can guide me even a little on how much to sell it for, any advice would be greatly appreciated! Cosmetically 9.5/10, Sound (10/10), no original packaging or manuals.... Thank you Kaela B. 

Hello Kaela B.

I received your message. I did purchase two Beogram 5500 turntables, one working and one not. Both came with MMC 3 cartridges. It took me a couple of months of watching Audio Karma, eBay and BeoWorld  to buy these two turntables. Unfortunately I don't remember what I paid for them. I will look for the receipts this week and let you know if I find them.

I know the non-working TT was part of a BeoSystem 5500 that someone had not listened to for a long time and they admitted that they didn't know what was working and what was not. Unfortunately, most of the system does not work. But they are identical components to what I have, and I like having the spare parts should I need them. I am guessing I paid about $600-700 for the cassette player, CD player, wireless remote station, hand held remote, receiver and turntable with MMC3 cartridge, including shipping. They sold it piecemeal and I was high bidder on every item in the system.

My current working Beo 5500 system I bought locally at an estate sale for maybe $250. It was working when I bought it, and I am listening to Miles Davis on it as I type this message. That was a great find, and it was only lacking the Beogram 5500 turntable and cartridge.

The working Beogram 5500 that I bought is now part of that system found in the estate sale. It works and sounds fine, and I like the way the system functions together. But, I have other brands of turntables that I actually prefer. The choice of cartridges is much broader with some good values to choose from, and they track much lighter. So, I listen to them most of the time.

I have not heard a MMC 5 cartridge. As I remember there is one source for new ones, and only a few sources for rebuilding the used cartridges.

If you are inclined to get the most you can, and have the time, you might list it on Audio Karma and see if there are any takers. I think most equipment sells for more there than on eBay, but eBay is a much broader market.

If you have some photos of it, and can include some of the stylus and its condition, I would be interested in seeing them. The MMC 5 has my interest if it was an improvement over my MMC 3 cartridges.  I am guessing you could ship your TT anywhere in the US for about $100-125. They are not difficult to package, but it is critical that it be done correctly in order to avoid damage. I could give you some tips on packaging, or you could do a search on the subject and probably find something on YouTube

We can continue discussion through BeoWorld, or if you feel comfortable we can share email addresses. I use the same name on eBay, "couldbfishin", so you can look at my buying history and rating there. I have purchased several sets of speakers and stereo equipment there, and I rebuild vacuum tube gear as a hobby. I keep thinking I am going to sell some equipment, but I haven't yet. I also need to downsize, or trade up as I say.

Couldbfishin

Houston, TX

Thank you so much for responding so quickly and with so much detail. I will be sure to check out Audio Karma and see if anyone is looking! I am totally fine with exchanging emails or continuing our conversation here, your call. I am on my way to a Dropkick Murphy's concert right now, but I will check in soon and let you know how the information search/selling process progresses! Have a good day! Thanks again! Kaela

Send photos when you  have them.