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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
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
5,695 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.
v1rowt8 OP
33 posts
 
Thanks folks for all of your responses to my question. The cartridge is of MM design, and I will acquire a phono stage applicable to such, and see how it goes. This should prove to be an interesting experiment. Again, many thanks.

GW
inpepinnovations1e75
395 posts
 
Actually there were adaptors made to install cartridges other than B&O on the 4002, but they are probably more rare than the B&O cartridges! Why aren't you using the cartridge that you have? Get a cheap phono pre-pre and try. As others have pointed out or will, you can do better with the purchase of another TT etc., if you are still interested after listening to your present set-up OR you might just be satisfied with your 4002 setup.

salut, Bob P.
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