Beolab 5000 – a lost cause ?

[Ernestogravelpond]

Hi

I have had a Beolab 5000 and Tannoy 3LZ speakers which I bought circa 1972 so now over 50 years ago The speakers have been recovered due to cat claw sharpening but are still going strong. The 5000 has been gradually  showing signs of ill health over a number of years now. All the lights are out now (literally) and most of the input selection buttons are now defunct but there are 3 left working. I mainly play iTunes via an output from the lap top though I can play CDs.

Anyway recently the right speaker made a bit of a popping noise and lot of crackling. I initially thought the speaker was the problem but after swapping things around it appears the amp is not now chucking anything out through the right channel.

Very oddly after swapping the inputs around to ascertain what was going on the red on button became lit but has since gone off again.

Anyway despite many of the issues with the amp I am loath to consign it to the tip or recycling centre.

Given that the only issue I really need sorting is output to the right channel how straightforward a fix would this be for someone with the necessary nous to find the way round the amp and the service manual. I know I would have no chance !!

Thanks for reading this rather sad and overlong posting.

What does anyone think ?

 

 

[AdamS]

It’s a truly wonderful amplifier, so whatever you do, DO NOT even consider “consigning it to the tip”!!

It’s a perfectly straightforward, if moderately complex, analogue amplifier design and so any half-decent repair person should be able to fix it, especially given that the service manual is available. I would say that it’s not unreasonable that it’s due for a bit of a service after 50 years.

Well worth doing, in my opinion. You’d have to spend a fortune to significantly better it.

 

[chartz]

1. Hi,

What Adam says above. Have it fixed, it’s a superb amplifier.

[Ernestogravelpond]

Thanks ever so for the advice !! I don’t really think I could ever take it to the tip. I will try and find a local electronics chappy to take it to along with the service manual. A while back I went into a local B&O showroom, before the right channel issue, to see abou the other minor issues being fiixed and was advised they could pass it on to their service department but they wouldn’t attempt to repair anything unless they gave it a service first which, if memory serves, would cost over £300 with no guarantee of a fix. I will let you know how I get on.

Thanks again

Ernesto

 

[AdamS]

That’s the spirit!

Whereabouts are you located? Someone on here might be able to recommend a repairer near you.

 

[Ernestogravelpond]

Thanks for that. I live in Feltham, near Heathrow Airport. I found an electrical repair chappy (Bobby Chohan) who has good feedback on line. I emailed him a pdf of the Service Manual and am taking it in for him to have a look on Monday.

Thanks

 

[AdamS]

Great news. Let us know how you get on.

[gburgess]

Checkout beolab.dk. The company’s passion is the restoration of the Beolab 5000 and related components. Won’t be cheap.

[Ernestogravelpond]

Good News !!

I took it in to Bobby at Thames Audio Video in Twickenham and it is fixed at a cost less than the B&O quote for a service !! All the input buttons now work as do the stereo and on/off lights. Very pretty at night with the room lights off !!

I am a very happy chappy !!

If anyone reads this and is in the Twickenham vicinity I can heartily recommend Bobby.

Thanks for all your help and encouragement !

Ernesto

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