2. analog
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Turntable/Cartridge/Phono Stage questions

My current system consists of new Mark Levinson seperates, along with Revel Studio speakers. My preamp..... a ML380S, does not have a phono stage.

Having said this, I have been absent from vinyl/analog for quite a long time, but I am interested in revisiting the format. I have an old B&O 4002 turntable which has been collecting dust for ages, but I would like to get it up and running. In order to do this, it would need a minor tuneup, as well as a new cartridge......which I have located. I must emphasize, it is NOT my intention to go crazy with analog, I merely would like to re-visit my old vinyl recordings........especially the OOP ones.

Herein lie my questions: I have been reading about MM vs MC cartridges on this forum. I am unaware of which type cartridge the B & O uses. (The appropriate Cartridge Model is MMC 20CL, EN, or SR.) Would someone in the know please identify whether these cartridges are MM or MC? Accordingly, what might be an appropriate Phono Stage for this application? Again, I do not want to go too crazy with this, as the analog thing will be a very minor portion of my listening experience.

It is my hope to obtain a relatively inexpensive phono section which will give me reasonable performance (if that exists). I also want to assure that I acquire a phono stage with the proper signal output considering the given cartridge.

Any suggestions, information and/or share experiences would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance for the words of wisdom.

GW
v1rowt8
jimbo3
304 posts
 
Patrick- It's been a long time, but I think I recall that B&O had a MC in their line-up. It might have been a high output cartridge- not sure.

GW- If B&O did make their MC's as high-output, it is almost certain that it will be compatible with a MM phono section. And, I forgot to mention previously that, when connected to a MM phono pre, a low output MC will not produce any volume. (The fundamental difference between an MC and MM phono stage is gain. MC phono pre's have alot more gain to make up for the low output voltages.)

Jim
twl
3,251 posts
 
All the B&O Carts are moving magnet units. They are also very hard to come by now, since they haven't been made for years. Good luck replacing it, since no other cartridge will fit on the tonearm. I worked at an audio dealer who carried B&O, as well as alot of others, and any Rega turntable will pulverize any B&O TT, so don't count on alot of performance. A MM phono section will work fine, but you may need a DIN/phono adapter for your phono cable if you don't already have one. Check the end of your cable to see if it has RCA plugs or DIN.
kjg
171 posts
 
Sound aside, the 4002 is a *very* nice looking turntable, and worth keeping in the system for aesthetic reasons alone. If you search Google for "B&O Cartridges" you'll find several stores that stock B&O cartridges and should be able to provide you with a replacement. I have an old MMC-20EN cartridge that I occasionally mount in my (non B&O) turntable and while the sound is not spectacular, its certainly reasonable. If this is going to be your only analog source, then its probably a good idea to stay with a good lower priced phono preamp. I'm using a Monolithic PS-1, which can be found used for around $200 or so. I know that NAD, Rotel, and Musical Fidelity all make decent, inexpensive preamps as well, so you should have a reasonably wide range of choices under $300.

Ken
marakanetz's avatar
marakanetz
5,473 posts
 
Instead of buying B&O cartridge you can find some garage-sale turntable for $15 and hook it up with ML equipment.

Good Luck.
dekay's avatar
dekay
5,704 posts
 
V1: Check the following website for details/specs on the deck (there is a cartridge link as well).

http://www.beoworld.co.uk/beogram4004_4002a.htm

The deck sounds best @ low/medium volume levels, otherwise its noise level becomes a problem.

In "mint" condition it's probably worth $200 tops, but as a part of your past I can see the benefit of restoring it.

I do not understand the cartridge output specs, as they are stated @ the website, but perhaps you or someone else here will. This is what you need in order to match it to a phono preamp along with the loading specs.
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