A tour and demonstration of the Bang and Olufsen Beogram 5000 turntable. State of the art for it's time in 1983 this would have kept your DeLoreon in good company and played your synth-pop collection in style.
You're spot on regarding the lowering of the tonearm minus a record. Matter of fact, when I first tried it in the store, I was sure it was broken. I then reached for a used lp, placed it on the platter, and low and behold, all worked as it should. You definitely know you're turn tables my friend, thanks for the ever insightful and witty feedback! - Lj/TGIF
I am so lucky to have this turntable (refurbished with original parts by a B&O professional) and I love it. So stylish and easy to easy - good WAF - I will be sure to keep it for many years.
I’m taking a shot at a 5 year old comment. I’m looking to repair my B&O 3000 that I bought in 1986. Who is your B&O professional? Is he still around. I’m willing to ship. I’ve searched to find someone to repair it to no avail. Thanks
Thanks Rob. I definitely appreciate the minimalistic design but frankly am just giddy over a good ol Pioneer PL500 series wood grain plinth type unit or a nice Technics. I'll most likely sell this one as new styli can reach into the $200 range. Fair, sure, but just a little more than I want to put into this unit. Very high tech even by decade of excess standards, I'm sure this kept the original owners DeLoreon nice company. Thanks for watching! - Lj
Thanks and glad you got a kick out of it. One that doesn't show up often, I thought folks ma enjoy seeing a video of it should I decide not to keep it. Thanks for watching and commenting, have a great weekend! - Lj
Hi Bridgette. Off the top of my head, if the belt didn't fix the probem, you may want to look for the voltage setting screws (there's one for each speed) and also try cleaning any speed control dials with contact cleaner. One or the other will most always solve the problem unless the motor itself has decided to give in which is almost never the case. Thanks for checkin' this out and best of luck! - Lj
That arm is all preset and it sounds like it is very fast from the start to the groove. They made this impossible to lower the stylus unless there was a record on the turntable. It cut down on mistakes. I think that has a repeat also. You can hit the 'Play' button consecutively and hear a song up to seven times. I am sure that will go into the proper hands for years of enjoyment. Nice of you to offer this up to someone. You always thinking outside the box. Your the best Lj~ Rob/BusyDayAhead
I just pulled my Beogram 5000 out of a box that was sealed for many years. It was part of a full B&O system including the cassette, amplifier and speakers, which are gone. It looks like it's clean and still in good shape, although I have to also pull out my small number of remaining vinyl records to test it. I wouldn't have a clue on who might be able to tune up or fix this in Southern California if something doesn't work. Maybe it should be eBay-bound, but it was groovy in its day.
Vic Benson Hi Vic. The B&O turntable were definitely groovy in the day. Do you remember the scene in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation where Chevy Chase tosses the Christmas tree through his neighbor's window? The neighbors were pretty "uppity" and as they shared a glass of wine, they were listening to a full B&O system like you mentioned! I sold this one not long after makin' the video but a glutton for punishment, already found another one at a yard sale for $2. Go figure. Have fun playin' with it and thanks for tunin' in! - Lj
BioCYTE1 Ha...love the Tainted Love/Soft Cell background from the weighty 80s. You have triggered the also very 80s National Lampoon movie memory, and the Beomaster was that in the day. I'm hoping that it plays decently when I get the 5 pin din converter from eBay. It appears to have the MMCx cartridge intact, so prospects are decent for getting the LP groove going again. If not, there is a market on eBay and new and less pricey turntable options from this millenium. Thanks for the comment.
VERY cool!!! I have never actually heard of that brand but it looks cool! I like how the record sits flush with the table, makes it look sleek! Great video, the quality of your picture is AMAZING!!!!!
Damn these units are ....beyound words...BAND and O.....fantastik......jesus......the past too the future......i want these units....all of them....Danish good quality....must i say more.
Thanks Mikko. The minimalistic design of these is just awesome. I'll most likely try to hunt down a DIN-RCA adapter and see if I can find someone with a stylus so I can at least try it out. It's really unfortunate, as you said, that a new stylus, or re-tipping of this one, is so damn expensive. The B&O amplifier would be a great addition, but I've never seen one for sale! Thanks for watching! - Lj
Thanks Mark. I was hoping you'd catch this and possibly have some insight as I knew re-tipping and/or proprietary styli don't come cheap. Honestly, I really don't think I'll be keeping this one, they seem to fetch some decent coin in similar condition on eBay which is likely the way I'll go. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous about shipping it though! Nail biter for sure even when packed in a bullet proof box. Insurance all the way. Thanks for watching, appreciate the feedback! - Lj
Thanks Anders, that was excellent information. While I have to admit that this TT was fun to own, I did decide to sell it to a collector as the notion of replacing or re-tipping the stylus didn't appeal to me. I considered building out a complete B&O system (and would then have replaced the stylus) but decided against it at the end of the day. Who knows, maybe another one will turn up in the future but I can confirm that the new owner was very happy with it! Thanks for checking this out! - Lj
Thanks Ott! Mark (B707) stopped by & we agreed that while this would keep a DeLoreon company, we equally (if only slightly) prefer the afghan & wood paneling soaked seventies alternatives. Ah! The Sansui has a 5-DIN connector! Love stumbling upon odd creature connectors & exploring what they belong to! I have to admit, this is a sleek little thing and maybe a little too fancy for me. P.s., doesn't everyone have a Danish record playing tennis girl at home? Thanks for all the advice on these! - Lj
Thanks Lj Gonna proceed with your suggestion and record a video of the fixing maybe useful for the community. I let you know abou it soon. greets from belgium
Thanks Steve! All the credit for the picture goes to the camera and tripod! The turntable is pretty cool and definitely a rarity. Judging from the comments, it looks as if a new styli can be in the $200 range. Probably more than I want to invest in this table, I'll most likely part ways with it and put it in the hands of a B&O collector. Thanks for watching! - Lj
I would check for weak or corroded contacts beneath the button where it connects to the circuit board underneath. You have to take the top of the turntable off, but its probably just a loose or dirty contact and an easy (and cheap) fix. Good luck, be brave and patient and you'll likely be well rewarded! Thanks for watching! - Lj
You're probably spot on with repairing to sell but don't think I'll go as far as re-tipping the stylus. At $150 (+/-) I may leave that to the new owner. The opening mechanism turned out to be a simple magnetic catch. Thanks for watching and for the advice! - Lj
Ah, the magnetic catch is missing club just gained another member! Sorry to hear yours dropped off the face of the earth as well but great to hear from someone that can testify regarding the legendary status of these turntables! Thanks for watching and commenting, enjoy yours as well! - Lj
That looks pretty sweet. I know the B&O name but I've never seen one of those. It looks quite sleek and hi-tech now, so I can imagine how it must have seemed to the original owner in the 80s.
Kool. If you look in the back of the cover you will find 4 hinges. The two outer hinges are hinges, the inner hinges are drag units and are broken (That is why the cover stays open). Happens all the time (Mine is also in the same condition). Finding a replacement cart is a problem. Very very expensive.
Hi David. Thanks for the tip. This one was sold not long after the video was made, given the cost of re-tipping and my lack of interest in it at the time, it didn't make sense to keep it. That said, another one turned up a couple weeks ago at a yard sale and here it sits. A video will surely follow soon enough, thanks for checkin' this out. - Lj
Fred Breitner The B&O MMC5 is actually a step down from the MMC4. There were 5 cartridges in the line, ranging from the 5 up to the MMC1 which featured a sapphire cantilever with a nude mount long contact diamond stylus. These cartridges cost about $600 twenty years ago and are worth every penny if you can find one. You didn't mention it, but it is worth noting that B&O turntables had the best mechanical isolation of any turntable which really improved playback as compared to any of the conventional designs. Also, it is worth noting that Bang & Olufsen had linear tracking turntables which were a step up from the Beogram 5000 discussed here.
Very beautiful! I have one of these, and it's one of the best audio purchases I've made. It's fast, reliable, easy to use, looks amazing, and most importantly sounds fantastic. It looks like yours has the same issue mine does though, the lid catch has snapped off. It seems to be a common occurence with this model.
A linear tracking B&O?! Never seen one of those. I only rarely see any linear tables, but a B&O one would be a very cool find indeed! Thanks for watching! - Lj
Thanks Travis! Definitely a neat rarity from the DeLoreon era. Based on comments, it seems as if a new styli will be around $200 which is pretty much what I expected. Probably more than I want to put into it, I'll likely end up parting ways with it. It is sexy as shit though and probably got the original owner plenty of ass back in the day! Thanks for watching! - Lj
Thanks Mark! Secretly hoped you'd catch this! I like the profile of this table but based on feedback, I don't think I'm going to get into a new stylus at the $200 mark. If I'm going to drop that kind of coin, I'll likely find something with a nice wooden plinth that reeks of afghans and wood paneling and then I'll really smile. Now there's something I know you can understand like no one else ;-) This, well, it's probably best with someone that has the matching DeLoreon. Thanks for watching! - Lj
Very Cool! We got to keep doing these vintage gear vids LJ. BANG up job brudda. Way to BANG out a quick video of this turntable. I bet you got it at a BANGIN price too. Ok that was bad....hehe
The SL1200 is definitely a popular table but given the choice I'd run away with a PL-570 every time. Difference in opinion makes the world go round. Cheers Mark.
MMC5 is not an upgrade over the MMC4. they're 1-5, with 1 being the highest quality and most expensive. Made with different materials. The 5 is the entry-level
Very Nice. I've seen them before and actually considered getting one until I found out just how rare and expensive replacement cartriges and/or stlyus'were going to be. Hope you finf a stlyus at a reasonable price. Great score!!
Thanks Bret! I'll likely end up putting it up for sale or trade but we'll see what happens. Haven't forgotten about you, I'll send you a note tonight to tie off on your trade vid! - Lj
A new cartridge getting into the grooves of a New Order album and you got a whole new turntable. I guess the key word here is new. But does new always mean good? Absolutely new! I mean absolutely not. According to a few true audiophile's here in the Vinyl Community, you will get a lot more mileage and enjoyment out of a classic table than you would out of a new one. I myself would rather a brand new anything but I would settle for a classic table any day of the week. Rob/ListeningToPontyNow~
I had a B&O RX-2 (same timeframe as this one, but lower-end than yours) for nearly 30 years. One belt replacement, no other issues. Really a great 'table, IMO. B&O turntables are suspended in design, so if you still have it, try putting on a record, then rapping on the plinth. Nothing bad will happen. The cartridge on yours is actually a downgrade from the MMC4. The MMC1 was the TOTL for B&O. Very, very expensive. I think I paid $289 in 1989 or so for the MMC4 that I bought as an upgrade from the MMC5 that came with my 'table. That was painful at the time. People talk about the SoundSmith cartridges being expensive. Well, not if you buy the bottom model, which is still a great cartridge. $200 is not out of line for a good cartridge, and any other cartridge maker has models that cost much more than that in their line. What do record collectors spend in a couple of months on vinyl? You have to invest some money to get the best sound out of all that vinyl. Anyway, I "upgraded" in 2013 to a MUCH more expensive Pro-Ject 'table. I hate to admit it, but it doesn't sound much different, really, once all's said and done. Just the cartridge on the Pro-Ject cost twice what I paid for the whole B&O turntable, with cartridge, in the 80s. It was a fun upgrade, but probably not worth it, in retrospect. Just a note for others that find this video: the instructions you find on the sub-platter are for locking and unlocking the sub-platter for transport. The suspension must also be locked down.
Hi Mike. Great comment, thanks for taking the time to check this out. The B&O tables are (or were) definitely in a class of their own in their heyday, I don't disagree. I realize now that the cart on this one was in fact a downgrade, you're correct. Faced with a re-tipping and adding another table to the collection, I ultimately decided to sell this one to a collector that was happy to add it to his B&O collection. I'd also agree that you've got to invest something to truly reap the rewards vinyl has to offer and there's no sense in playing pricey new vinyl on a sub-par system, crossing your fingers and wondering why the cd still sounds better. I'm using the Pioneer PL518x and Dual 1219 as the two primary's at the moment and both are outstanding. I may try a Project in the future, I've heard mixed but more good than bad about them. At the end of the day, the mechanisms are painfully simple so much is really in the eye of the beholder I think. Thanks again for swinging by and checking this out. - Lj
I've seen your Pioneer in your vids. That's a nice-looking table. I have a bit of a thing for the old direct-drives, but I don't have the room for a second 'table. Maybe if I got rid of this massive Pioneer RT-707 on my second rack I'd have some room (that's a real nice problem to have, I admit). I enjoy your vids. See you later…
Thanks for digging into this. $200 may be more than I want to invest in this particular table, just not convinced it's worth it at the end of the day. As you said, I'd much rather go after a 1200 or even a nice vintage Pioneer PL500 series with a wood plinth for that kind of bank. - Lj
My brother-in-law had a Bang and Olufsen system in the early 80s. It was so spacey looking...so different looking than everything else made at the time. Wow that arm is fast. LOL...we should come up with a name for that twist motion when taking a record off a TT while it's still spinning. It might be risky but try plugging the DIN plug from the TT into a tape deck's DIN plug. Maybe you can run it throught the tape deck??
use a strobe mat and adjust the speed thrue 2 holes under .one marked 33.3 the other 45.can use a small tip philips srewdriver to adjust the pot,s with.
I wish I still had my Audio Technica turn table. It's tone arm and platter both moved and spun down really fast as well. It worked great but the motor that turned the platter died and I couldn't find parts for it anywhere.
Richard Stifle Hi Richard. Sadly, when the motor goes, it's really hard to get a turntable back in business unless your dedicated to it beyond belief and willing to pay the bandit for a motor from a used unit. I've lost a few myself over the years. The B&O in this video was sold aways back but of course, another one turned up not long after and here it sits! Thanks for tunin' in! - Lj
Great table! I think sound-smith (dot com) which is here in NY is about the only place to get new cartridges for B&O units. I had a friend in college who had one of these. I remember that they are well isolatied and super immune from skipping due to foot fall or other vibrations in your listening room. Nice score!
Ah the old twist and spin the lp off while the table is moving master arrives! I had you in mind while I was saying that! I was thinking the same thing about the DIN plug through the tape deck. I think my TEAC R2R has that plug but believe it's for remote control input. Either way, without a stylus, there's no trying it. Seems like they fetch $200 new so it's not likely I'll be hearing it anytime soon. Maybe I'll let it teach the Pioneer how to cue a record in proper time.
No, not as good as the Technics, but it's an interesting, though odd turntable. It probably sounds decent. And yes, soundsmith is a good company. Nice find LJ!
Did you ever experiment with a 45 rpm record on this machine? Your mind would have been blown when you realized that it knew what size record you put on it!
Great find! I've always loved the minimalistic B&O design. And they used to be quite good quality also back in the days. Too bad the cartridge & stylus are the pain in the ass to find for decent prices. This turntable definitely deserves to be with the B&O amplifier. And the remote control! :D But DIN-RCA adapters are cheap if you like to try it. Mikko / TheVinylCorner
yea, the PL-500 series (the first series with those numbers as they did two with the second being 80's pieces of black plastic) are good tables but still in all honesty half the table of the 1200 for the same money. Don't fool yourself the 1200 is as close as you can get to direct drive heaven without going into the broadcast level tables like my SP-10. Even the high end Denon's like Mark's while very pretty contain parts in them that are unobtanium without buying a second one as a donor. cheers
As far as weight goes, it's not as heavy as the Dual 1218 and far from as light as the consumer grade crap on the market today. I put it on the 60lb postage scale, and although I had to wiggle it a bit (so this number is probably a little skewed) it came up around 12lbs. It's got some respectable weight to it, more than I thought it would when I first picked it up. Good 60/hr point. I figure at the end of the day even if I part it out (platter, counter-weight, tone arm, pc board) I'll do ok.
yeah I this is old ,but hey so is my deck,, I just wanted to add mine has the exact same trouble with the lid as yours(but I still have the piece).. and my light works ,,,but not used in oh 20 years....
yea, just know it is at best a veneer over particle board, my PL-530 is just some sort of plastic film over particle board, and sonically identical to the 570 and half the table of the 1200. But yes if looks are important then a veneered plinth is the way to go if that is your desired appearance. I would listen to machined manure if it was sonically superior even if it was shaped like hello kitty. cheers
Thanks! Appreciate the info on Soundsmith. Judging from the comments, it looks as if my suspicions were straight in that a new styli could reach towards a couple hundred dollars. Probably more than I want to put into it, I'll most likely end up parting ways with it as I'm sure there's quite a few B&O collectors out there. Great to know about the isolation! I've had a few tables over the years that would skip if a cat farted. Thanks for watching! - Lj
Safely playing both side of the fence today are ya? ;-) My preference as you know is always vintage. Something about the history, the craftsmanship, etc. This one is really nice and I'm sure "Substance" would sound amazing pouring forth from it, I'm just not sure a new stylus is the right place to invest $200 which is what it seems they run. I'm afraid this one may have just served as entertainment and will soon be off to a new appreciative owner. - Lj/PontyIsNowHome
Thanks! Definitely agree there's better options out there. This was most likely a very shi-shi table on it's release in '83 and for the "audiophile" or high rolling Tweeter crowd. I'm neither. Give me a good old Pioneer or Technics and watch me smile. Here's my position, if I can breal my table by looking at it cross-eyed, it ain't for me. Thanks for the info on Soundsmith and for watching! - Lj
shame the stylus is shot, the real money is in find an cache of styli for B&O carts. I'd sell it if you can get some good coin as it is no where near the audiophile quality of a Technics 1200. If you want to entertain keeping it sound-smith dot can do the re-tip for you and are the best in the world in my opinion.
Try to repair the opening mechanism, it seems like a piece of plastic can do the trick (like a lever), re-tip the stylus and make some good money on ebay man!
Great video I received a beogram 3400 from a friend but doesn't work if I press play. Do you have any suggestion how to fix it or what can be the problem? Thanks Lj
Hi Hugo, I just got a beogram 3400 from a friend and have exactly the same problem. Did you solve yours yet? I would be very thankful if you could send me an answer. Thanks Urte
bang and olufsen and very bad turntables , they break down all the time . The replacement cartridge is over 250.00 dollars to replace . I heard of a 1/2 inch mount for them but its understanding that there no longer sold anymore . The b&o cartridge is not that good sounding too . For the hassle I would buy Technics or thorens only .I don't recommend people to buy these machines anyway .
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You're spot on regarding the lowering of the tonearm minus a record. Matter of fact, when I first tried it in the store, I was sure it was broken. I then reached for a used lp, placed it on the platter, and low and behold, all worked as it should. You definitely know you're turn tables my friend, thanks for the ever insightful and witty feedback! - Lj/TGIF
I am so lucky to have this turntable (refurbished with original parts by a B&O professional) and I love it. So stylish and easy to easy - good WAF - I will be sure to keep it for many years.
I’m taking a shot at a 5 year old comment. I’m looking to repair my B&O 3000 that I bought in 1986. Who is your B&O professional? Is he still around. I’m willing to ship. I’ve searched to find someone to repair it to no avail. Thanks
You cant have anything beter this.....70s and 80s at its best.....a good amplifere and speakears....you cant go wrong......turntable.... Great.
Thanks Rob. I definitely appreciate the minimalistic design but frankly am just giddy over a good ol Pioneer PL500 series wood grain plinth type unit or a nice Technics. I'll most likely sell this one as new styli can reach into the $200 range. Fair, sure, but just a little more than I want to put into this unit. Very high tech even by decade of excess standards, I'm sure this kept the original owners DeLoreon nice company. Thanks for watching! - Lj
Thanks and glad you got a kick out of it. One that doesn't show up often, I thought folks ma enjoy seeing a video of it should I decide not to keep it. Thanks for watching and commenting, have a great weekend! - Lj
Hi Bridgette. Off the top of my head, if the belt didn't fix the probem, you may want to look for the voltage setting screws (there's one for each speed) and also try cleaning any speed control dials with contact cleaner. One or the other will most always solve the problem unless the motor itself has decided to give in which is almost never the case. Thanks for checkin' this out and best of luck! - Lj
That arm is all preset and it sounds like it is very fast from the start to the groove. They made this impossible to lower the stylus unless there was a record on the turntable. It cut down on mistakes. I think that has a repeat also. You can hit the 'Play' button consecutively and hear a song up to seven times. I am sure that will go into the proper hands for years of enjoyment.
Nice of you to offer this up to someone.
You always thinking outside the box. Your the best Lj~
Rob/BusyDayAhead
I just pulled my Beogram 5000 out of a box that was sealed for many years. It was part of a full B&O system including the cassette, amplifier and speakers, which are gone. It looks like it's clean and still in good shape, although I have to also pull out my small number of remaining vinyl records to test it. I wouldn't have a clue on who might be able to tune up or fix this in Southern California if something doesn't work. Maybe it should be eBay-bound, but it was groovy in its day.
Vic Benson Hi Vic. The B&O turntable were definitely groovy in the day. Do you remember the scene in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation where Chevy Chase tosses the Christmas tree through his neighbor's window? The neighbors were pretty "uppity" and as they shared a glass of wine, they were listening to a full B&O system like you mentioned! I sold this one not long after makin' the video but a glutton for punishment, already found another one at a yard sale for $2. Go figure. Have fun playin' with it and thanks for tunin' in! - Lj
BioCYTE1 Ha...love the Tainted Love/Soft Cell background from the weighty 80s. You have triggered the also very 80s National Lampoon movie memory, and the Beomaster was that in the day. I'm hoping that it plays decently when I get the 5 pin din converter from eBay. It appears to have the MMCx cartridge intact, so prospects are decent for getting the LP groove going again. If not, there is a market on eBay and new and less pricey turntable options from this millenium. Thanks for the comment.
Nice turntable LJ! I have never seen a turntable like this. The light inside is pretty cool.
Thanks! Glad you got a kick out if and thanks for watching! - Lj
VERY cool!!! I have never actually heard of that brand but it looks cool! I like how the record sits flush with the table, makes it look sleek! Great video, the quality of your picture is AMAZING!!!!!
What a beautiful design! Nice!
Thanks! Pretty futuristic as far as turntables go! Thanks for watching! - Lj
Damn these units are ....beyound words...BAND and O.....fantastik......jesus......the past too the future......i want these units....all of them....Danish good quality....must i say more.
Thanks Mikko. The minimalistic design of these is just awesome. I'll most likely try to hunt down a DIN-RCA adapter and see if I can find someone with a stylus so I can at least try it out. It's really unfortunate, as you said, that a new stylus, or re-tipping of this one, is so damn expensive. The B&O amplifier would be a great addition, but I've never seen one for sale! Thanks for watching! - Lj
Thanks Mark. I was hoping you'd catch this and possibly have some insight as I knew re-tipping and/or proprietary styli don't come cheap. Honestly, I really don't think I'll be keeping this one, they seem to fetch some decent coin in similar condition on eBay which is likely the way I'll go. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous about shipping it though! Nail biter for sure even when packed in a bullet proof box. Insurance all the way. Thanks for watching, appreciate the feedback! - Lj
Thats great, B&O have such great engineers, This is Jazz
now that's a nice turn table. I counted 3 second response for that toner arm. That's faster than it takes me to manually move mine, nice LJ
Thanks Anders, that was excellent information. While I have to admit that this TT was fun to own, I did decide to sell it to a collector as the notion of replacing or re-tipping the stylus didn't appeal to me. I considered building out a complete B&O system (and would then have replaced the stylus) but decided against it at the end of the day. Who knows, maybe another one will turn up in the future but I can confirm that the new owner was very happy with it! Thanks for checking this out! - Lj
Thanks Ott! Mark (B707) stopped by & we agreed that while this would keep a DeLoreon company, we equally (if only slightly) prefer the afghan & wood paneling soaked seventies alternatives. Ah! The Sansui has a 5-DIN connector! Love stumbling upon odd creature connectors & exploring what they belong to! I have to admit, this is a sleek little thing and maybe a little too fancy for me. P.s., doesn't everyone have a Danish record playing tennis girl at home? Thanks for all the advice on these! - Lj
LOL! Great comment and hello Stevie! Thanks for watching, hope all are keeping well! - Lj
Thanks Lj
Gonna proceed with your suggestion and record a video of the fixing maybe useful for the community. I let you know abou it soon.
greets from belgium
Thanks Steve! All the credit for the picture goes to the camera and tripod! The turntable is pretty cool and definitely a rarity. Judging from the comments, it looks as if a new styli can be in the $200 range. Probably more than I want to invest in this table, I'll most likely part ways with it and put it in the hands of a B&O collector. Thanks for watching! - Lj
I would check for weak or corroded contacts beneath the button where it connects to the circuit board underneath. You have to take the top of the turntable off, but its probably just a loose or dirty contact and an easy (and cheap) fix. Good luck, be brave and patient and you'll likely be well rewarded! Thanks for watching! - Lj
You're probably spot on with repairing to sell but don't think I'll go as far as re-tipping the stylus. At $150 (+/-) I may leave that to the new owner. The opening mechanism turned out to be a simple magnetic catch. Thanks for watching and for the advice! - Lj
Where is this beautiful man now??
"This is Jazz" - Love it! Thanks for watching, it's an engineering marvel for sure! - Lj
Ah, the magnetic catch is missing club just gained another member! Sorry to hear yours dropped off the face of the earth as well but great to hear from someone that can testify regarding the legendary status of these turntables! Thanks for watching and commenting, enjoy yours as well! - Lj
That looks pretty sweet. I know the B&O name but I've never seen one of those. It looks quite sleek and hi-tech now, so I can imagine how it must have seemed to the original owner in the 80s.
Kool. If you look in the back of the cover you will find 4 hinges. The two outer hinges are hinges, the inner hinges are drag units and are broken (That is why the cover stays open). Happens all the time (Mine is also in the same condition). Finding a replacement cart is a problem. Very very expensive.
Hi David. Thanks for the tip. This one was sold not long after the video was made, given the cost of re-tipping and my lack of interest in it at the time, it didn't make sense to keep it. That said, another one turned up a couple weeks ago at a yard sale and here it sits. A video will surely follow soon enough, thanks for checkin' this out. - Lj
Very nice. Not for everyone. An old format. Glad it sold, it's a nice machine.
Thanks for watching but unfortunately the turntable is not for sale. All the best, - Lj
Fred Breitner
The B&O MMC5 is actually a step down from the MMC4. There were 5 cartridges in the line, ranging from the 5 up to the MMC1 which featured a sapphire cantilever with a nude mount long contact diamond stylus. These cartridges cost about $600 twenty years ago and are worth every penny if you can find one. You didn't mention it, but it is worth noting that B&O turntables had the best mechanical isolation of any turntable which really improved playback as compared to any of the conventional designs. Also, it is worth noting that Bang & Olufsen had linear tracking turntables which were a step up from the Beogram 5000 discussed here.
Very beautiful!
I have one of these, and it's one of the best audio purchases I've made. It's fast, reliable, easy to use, looks amazing, and most importantly sounds fantastic. It looks like yours has the same issue mine does though, the lid catch has snapped off. It seems to be a common occurence with this model.
A linear tracking B&O?! Never seen one of those. I only rarely see any linear tables, but a B&O one would be a very cool find indeed! Thanks for watching! - Lj
Thanks Travis! Definitely a neat rarity from the DeLoreon era. Based on comments, it seems as if a new styli will be around $200 which is pretty much what I expected. Probably more than I want to put into it, I'll likely end up parting ways with it. It is sexy as shit though and probably got the original owner plenty of ass back in the day! Thanks for watching! - Lj
Thanks Mark! Secretly hoped you'd catch this! I like the profile of this table but based on feedback, I don't think I'm going to get into a new stylus at the $200 mark. If I'm going to drop that kind of coin, I'll likely find something with a nice wooden plinth that reeks of afghans and wood paneling and then I'll really smile. Now there's something I know you can understand like no one else ;-) This, well, it's probably best with someone that has the matching DeLoreon. Thanks for watching! - Lj
Very Cool! We got to keep doing these vintage gear vids LJ. BANG up job brudda. Way to BANG out a quick video of this turntable. I bet you got it at a BANGIN price too. Ok that was bad....hehe
The SL1200 is definitely a popular table but given the choice I'd run away with a PL-570 every time. Difference in opinion makes the world go round. Cheers Mark.
MMC5 is not an upgrade over the MMC4. they're 1-5, with 1 being the highest quality and most expensive. Made with different materials. The 5 is the entry-level
Ok, cool LJ, sounds good. You're welcome!
Great turntable !!!
Very Nice. I've seen them before and actually considered getting one until I found out just how rare and expensive replacement cartriges and/or stlyus'were going to be. Hope you finf a stlyus at a reasonable price. Great score!!
Thanks Bret! I'll likely end up putting it up for sale or trade but we'll see what happens. Haven't forgotten about you, I'll send you a note tonight to tie off on your trade vid! - Lj
A new cartridge getting into the grooves of a New Order album and you got a whole new turntable. I guess the key word here is new. But does new always mean good? Absolutely new!
I mean absolutely not. According to a few true audiophile's here in the Vinyl Community, you will get a lot more mileage and enjoyment out of a classic table than you would out of a new one. I myself would rather a brand new anything but I would settle for a classic table any day of the week.
Rob/ListeningToPontyNow~
I had a B&O RX-2 (same timeframe as this one, but lower-end than yours) for nearly 30 years. One belt replacement, no other issues. Really a great 'table, IMO. B&O turntables are suspended in design, so if you still have it, try putting on a record, then rapping on the plinth. Nothing bad will happen.
The cartridge on yours is actually a downgrade from the MMC4. The MMC1 was the TOTL for B&O. Very, very expensive. I think I paid $289 in 1989 or so for the MMC4 that I bought as an upgrade from the MMC5 that came with my 'table. That was painful at the time.
People talk about the SoundSmith cartridges being expensive. Well, not if you buy the bottom model, which is still a great cartridge. $200 is not out of line for a good cartridge, and any other cartridge maker has models that cost much more than that in their line. What do record collectors spend in a couple of months on vinyl? You have to invest some money to get the best sound out of all that vinyl.
Anyway, I "upgraded" in 2013 to a MUCH more expensive Pro-Ject 'table. I hate to admit it, but it doesn't sound much different, really, once all's said and done. Just the cartridge on the Pro-Ject cost twice what I paid for the whole B&O turntable, with cartridge, in the 80s. It was a fun upgrade, but probably not worth it, in retrospect.
Just a note for others that find this video: the instructions you find on the sub-platter are for locking and unlocking the sub-platter for transport. The suspension must also be locked down.
Hi Mike. Great comment, thanks for taking the time to check this out. The B&O tables are (or were) definitely in a class of their own in their heyday, I don't disagree. I realize now that the cart on this one was in fact a downgrade, you're correct. Faced with a re-tipping and adding another table to the collection, I ultimately decided to sell this one to a collector that was happy to add it to his B&O collection. I'd also agree that you've got to invest something to truly reap the rewards vinyl has to offer and there's no sense in playing pricey new vinyl on a sub-par system, crossing your fingers and wondering why the cd still sounds better. I'm using the Pioneer PL518x and Dual 1219 as the two primary's at the moment and both are outstanding. I may try a Project in the future, I've heard mixed but more good than bad about them. At the end of the day, the mechanisms are painfully simple so much is really in the eye of the beholder I think. Thanks again for swinging by and checking this out. - Lj
I've seen your Pioneer in your vids. That's a nice-looking table. I have a bit of a thing for the old direct-drives, but I don't have the room for a second 'table. Maybe if I got rid of this massive Pioneer RT-707 on my second rack I'd have some room (that's a real nice problem to have, I admit).
I enjoy your vids. See you later…
LMAO, that arm is crazy fast! Thanks Mike! - Lj
Thanks for digging into this. $200 may be more than I want to invest in this particular table, just not convinced it's worth it at the end of the day. As you said, I'd much rather go after a 1200 or even a nice vintage Pioneer PL500 series with a wood plinth for that kind of bank. - Lj
My brother-in-law had a Bang and Olufsen system in the early 80s. It was so spacey looking...so different looking than everything else made at the time. Wow that arm is fast. LOL...we should come up with a name for that twist motion when taking a record off a TT while it's still spinning. It might be risky but try plugging the DIN plug from the TT into a tape deck's DIN plug. Maybe you can run it throught the tape deck??
This guy is the Doug DeMuro of turntables.
use a strobe mat and adjust the speed thrue 2 holes under .one marked 33.3 the other 45.can use a small tip philips srewdriver to adjust the pot,s with.
I wish I still had my Audio Technica turn table. It's tone arm and platter both moved and spun down really fast as well. It worked great but the motor that turned the platter died and I couldn't find parts for it anywhere.
Richard Stifle Hi Richard. Sadly, when the motor goes, it's really hard to get a turntable back in business unless your dedicated to it beyond belief and willing to pay the bandit for a motor from a used unit. I've lost a few myself over the years. The B&O in this video was sold aways back but of course, another one turned up not long after and here it sits! Thanks for tunin' in! - Lj
Great table! I think sound-smith (dot com) which is here in NY is about the only place to get new cartridges for B&O units. I had a friend in college who had one of these. I remember that they are well isolatied and super immune from skipping due to foot fall or other vibrations in your listening room. Nice score!
hey, why some beograms have an orange dot in the front panel near to the play text, and some don't have the orange dot?
Oh boy, someone call the corn police because that comment was poppin'! See? Now you got me going, no one's safe! - Lj
nice
Ah the old twist and spin the lp off while the table is moving master arrives! I had you in mind while I was saying that! I was thinking the same thing about the DIN plug through the tape deck. I think my TEAC R2R has that plug but believe it's for remote control input. Either way, without a stylus, there's no trying it. Seems like they fetch $200 new so it's not likely I'll be hearing it anytime soon. Maybe I'll let it teach the Pioneer how to cue a record in proper time.
No, not as good as the Technics, but it's an interesting, though odd turntable. It probably sounds decent. And yes, soundsmith is a good company. Nice find LJ!
Did you ever experiment with a 45 rpm record on this machine? Your mind would have been blown when you realized that it knew what size record you put on it!
+beitie The sensor and switch it and many linear tracking turntables has built in that does that is definitely a cool feature! - Lj
Such a cool TT
mmc 5 is a down grade mmc 1 is the bedst next bedst mmc 2
found my dads in the basement today. it’s bent up but fixable
Great find!
I've always loved the minimalistic B&O design. And they used to be quite good quality also back in the days. Too bad the cartridge & stylus are the pain in the ass to find for decent prices.
This turntable definitely deserves to be with the B&O amplifier. And the remote control! :D
But DIN-RCA adapters are cheap if you like to try it.
Mikko / TheVinylCorner
yea, the PL-500 series (the first series with those numbers as they did two with the second being 80's pieces of black plastic) are good tables but still in all honesty half the table of the 1200 for the same money. Don't fool yourself the 1200 is as close as you can get to direct drive heaven without going into the broadcast level tables like my SP-10. Even the high end Denon's like Mark's while very pretty contain parts in them that are unobtanium without buying a second one as a donor. cheers
As far as weight goes, it's not as heavy as the Dual 1218 and far from as light as the consumer grade crap on the market today. I put it on the 60lb postage scale, and although I had to wiggle it a bit (so this number is probably a little skewed) it came up around 12lbs. It's got some respectable weight to it, more than I thought it would when I first picked it up. Good 60/hr point. I figure at the end of the day even if I part it out (platter, counter-weight, tone arm, pc board) I'll do ok.
yeah I this is old ,but hey so is my deck,, I just wanted to add mine has the exact same trouble with the lid as yours(but I still have the piece).. and my light works ,,,but not used in oh 20 years....
yea, just know it is at best a veneer over particle board, my PL-530 is just some sort of plastic film over particle board, and sonically identical to the 570 and half the table of the 1200. But yes if looks are important then a veneered plinth is the way to go if that is your desired appearance. I would listen to machined manure if it was sonically superior even if it was shaped like hello kitty. cheers
Thanks! - Lj
Thanks!
Thanks! Appreciate the info on Soundsmith. Judging from the comments, it looks as if my suspicions were straight in that a new styli could reach towards a couple hundred dollars. Probably more than I want to put into it, I'll most likely end up parting ways with it as I'm sure there's quite a few B&O collectors out there. Great to know about the isolation! I've had a few tables over the years that would skip if a cat farted. Thanks for watching! - Lj
sorry sound-smith can actually sell you a replacement for what looks like $200 at the low end.
Do you know if I could get a replacement stylus or cartridge for one of these?
Safely playing both side of the fence today are ya? ;-) My preference as you know is always vintage. Something about the history, the craftsmanship, etc. This one is really nice and I'm sure "Substance" would sound amazing pouring forth from it, I'm just not sure a new stylus is the right place to invest $200 which is what it seems they run. I'm afraid this one may have just served as entertainment and will soon be off to a new appreciative owner. - Lj/PontyIsNowHome
Aaaahhhhh, the smell of afghans and wood paneling!!!!
Thanks! Definitely agree there's better options out there. This was most likely a very shi-shi table on it's release in '83 and for the "audiophile" or high rolling Tweeter crowd. I'm neither. Give me a good old Pioneer or Technics and watch me smile. Here's my position, if I can breal my table by looking at it cross-eyed, it ain't for me. Thanks for the info on Soundsmith and for watching! - Lj
Hello, very nice turnable that i want buy, just a question, is it possible to change and choose a song which this turnable?
Is there any solution for a cartridge replacement that isn't a crap load of money?
shame the stylus is shot, the real money is in find an cache of styli for B&O carts. I'd sell it if you can get some good coin as it is no where near the audiophile quality of a Technics 1200. If you want to entertain keeping it sound-smith dot can do the re-tip for you and are the best in the world in my opinion.
Knew you'd appreciate that one! I want both back. To hell with hardwoods and duvets. ;-)
Today I bought one on eBay. No cartridge of cause.
What pickups can be used for this turntable?
Try to repair the opening mechanism, it seems like a piece of plastic can do the trick (like a lever), re-tip the stylus and make some good money on ebay man!
Sleek and modern,just like your video..lol
its do future like lol
I own a B&O Beogram 3000, I have replaced the belt but the turntable speed is juxt slightly slow...do you have any suggestions...thank you...b
same issue here!
what song is that in the background in the beginning of the video.
darude Sandstorm
Soft Cell - Tainted Love
Great video
I received a beogram 3400 from a friend but doesn't work if I press play.
Do you have any suggestion how to fix it or what can be the problem?
Thanks Lj
looks like a ufo
Hi Hugo,
I just got a beogram 3400 from a friend and have exactly the same problem. Did you solve yours yet? I would be very thankful if you could send me an answer.
Thanks
Urte
Hi i`m from Brazil , and would like to know if this item is for sale? tks good video!
bang and olufsen and very bad turntables , they break down all the time . The replacement cartridge is over 250.00 dollars to replace . I heard of a 1/2 inch mount for them but its understanding that there no longer sold anymore . The b&o cartridge is not that good sounding too . For the hassle I would buy Technics or thorens only .I don't recommend people to buy these machines anyway .
What did you pay for that btw?