BLASPHEMY! Or is it?

[Tinman]

So I have been playing around with audio since my YUT.

I have had just about everything from tube gear to white van speakers to high end stuff. And then some. Fixing this stuff also exposes you to many flavors of equipment you'd normally NOT own.

SO what's the deal?

Well, I have just finished putting together my latest dream system consisting of all REVOX gear. All of it has been carefully restored, a FULL re-cap non-withstanding. I also am able to do full tuner alignments, etc.

So I have had for quite some time a B&O Beocenter 9500 as my daily driver. I hooked up the Revox system to the same speakers using an A/B switch.

Played both with different material, CD, Tape, Tuner.... Quiet and LOUD.
Without tone and with. Loudness on and off.

Even tried a few different speakers...... :scratch2:

So I have come to the conclusion that they basically sound the same. In fact, in some small areas, the B&O actually sounds BETTER. HUH??:scratch2:

It's a subtle thing, mostly at low volume. But the B&O KILLS every other system I have ever owned on ONE feature. EASE OF USE.
The REVOX has the weirdest remote I have ever seen. Not totally intuitive and seamless like the B&O. The old 9500 is just a total pleasure to use. The most human friendly device I have ever had the pleasure to own.

And it sounds GOOD, too.

I have also played a Sansui 9090DB, a Pioneer SX-1050, a few Concept receivers (My favorite SINGLE component) some AKAI gear, etc, etc.

I have come to an unexpected conclusion: It's all been a waste of time.
For my listening habits and the fact that I like an intuitive way of controlling gear that just "WORKS", the old B&O just keeps proving it's worth to me no matter how hard I try to replace it.

Did I mention that it's STILL ahead of it's time in style?

So now I'm stumped. I do not listen to anything louder than a 40WPC amp can deliver. Why keep all this monster gear? I love it all, but I really can't listen to all of it. As much as I love REVOX for it's ease of service and quality, I may yet part with it. The B&O, once you know it, is ALSO built in a very modular fashion, has the same basic electronics as the REVOX, and is just as easy to fix.

The B&O also runs MUCH cooler, is seamlessly integrated, (even the turntable is remote controlled by the system) and there are NO buttons and switches. Just glass and metal. Did I mention it can use multi-room amps?

The REVOX runs HOT. They ALL do. They ALL needed new caps. (Heat?)
The REVOX has a million buttons. The components do not seamlessly connect for a one button touch operation. (Not easily, anyway)

So I'm bummed. I'm actually considering keeping only the B&O and my beloved Studer A810 Reel to Reel. Am I NUTS???

What do you think?

 

[JoeESP9]

I don't think you're nut's, maybe overly blessed but not nut's.
Keep what makes you happy. If it's the B&O so be it. If not, no big deal. If it was me I'd keep both!

 

[jdurbin1]

How does the 2080 figure into this equation? Didn't make the race, or was it an also-ran?

I've never owned B&O but we did sell it side by side with Tandberg, and I never got the same buzz from it I did from Tandberg stuff, B&O's attention to ergonomics notwithstanding.

John

:scratch2:

 

[Arkay]

I think you may be unconsciously influenced by what you are most accustomed to. The B&O has been your "daily driver" for a while, whereas the Revox system is newer.

I know that the ONLY remote control I've ever had to go to a dealer --twice!-- to learn how to use, was a B&O. Their system controller remotes are among the LEAST intuitive I've ever used. Once you are used to it, it is fine and seems easy, but it is anything but user-friendly in the beginning. I think the Revox remote (the only one I know is an old wired one for a R2R deck) is far simpler and easier to use.

The B&Os DO have buttons, but they are either covered with streamlined metal to make them less conspicuous, or else moved entirely to the remote (depending on the model/system). If you lose the remote, God help you!

I'm not surprised that you don't hear big differences between them; both are good-sounding, plus you didn't mention which speakers you have tried; it is very possible, even probable, that your speakers are not revealing enough to let you hear the differences. Your hearing may also be a limiting factor. I say that NOT to imply anything negative about you, but simply because everyone hears things differently.

But use whatever suits YOU best, because you are the one using it! If you like the B&O, keep and use it. B&O made GOOD stuff! If you decide not to keep the Revox set-up, I know a guy with a place in Hong Kong that might be able to take it off your hands. He'll probably even pay for the shipping.

 

[Tinman]

The 2080 is superb, but I am comparing "systems" that are all the same line, and remote controlled.

Single, stand-alone receivers are another thing. But I tell you, the Concepts have better amplifiers, IMHO.

 

[Tinman]

I think you may be unconsciously influenced by what you are most accustomed to. The B&O has been your "daily driver" for a while, whereas the Revox system is newer.

I know that the ONLY remote control I've ever had to go to a dealer --twice!-- to learn how to use, was a B&O. Their system controller remotes are among the LEAST intuitive I've ever used. Once you are used to it, it is fine and seems easy, but it is anything but user-friendly in the beginning. I think the Revox remote (the only one I know is an old wired one for a R2R deck) is far simpler and easier to use.

The B&Os DO have buttons, but they are either covered with streamlined metal to make them less conspicuous, or else moved entirely to the remote (depending on the model/system). If you lose the remote, God help you!

I'm not surprised that you don't hear big differences between them; both are good-sounding, plus you didn't mention which speakers you have tried; it is very possible, even probable, that your speakers are not revealing enough to let you hear the differences. Your hearing may also be a limiting factor. I say that NOT to imply anything negative about you, but simply because everyone hears things differently.

But use whatever suits YOU best, because you are the one using it! If you like the B&O, keep and use it. B&O made GOOD stuff! If you decide not to keep the Revox set-up, I know a guy with a place in Hong Kong that might be able to take it off your hands. He'll probably even pay for the shipping.

The Beomaster 4500 and it's components as well as the Beomaster 9000, and 9500 are capacitive touch. NO buttons whatsoever. And yes, I have others.

The Beolink 1000 remote can be used by an idiot. (ME ) The later one, with the LCD screen and colored buttons.... well, forget it. It IS rocket science.

Speakers used: EV-Sentry 100A's, Visonik David 702's, DCM CX-27's and a set of Sequerra Pyramid Metronome Model 7's and Sub.

My ears are better than my age. All done with A/B switching on the same source.

Differences between the systems are just not significant enough to say "WOW, this is IT!"

Yeah... at really LOUD volumes.... but I don't listen to window-rattling music anymore. Just average listening, mostly Jazz and vocals.

So maybe I'm nuts.

Now mind you, I am discussing a "system". Not mix and match single components. Yes, I have a few that MAY sound better, but are not user friendly.

 

[HandyHamlet]

I have come to an unexpected conclusion: It's all been a waste of time.

What do you think?

Well You wouldn't have been able to draw any conclusion if you had not followed your path.

I'd consider it a major success. :thmbsp:


There is a lot of second guessing around this forum I noticed.
Why so many speakers?
So many systems?
Multiple low budget systems instead of one mega expensive one?
The latest is why receivers instead of separates....


But life is full of different flavors.

How does one know what makes them truly happy unless they try a little of everything?

 

[dr*audio]

Have you ever had to work on the B&O? Those friggin' things are a nightmare to take apart. I don't care how good they sound, I'd chuck it just for that reason alone. Also did you compare a Revox turntable, or any other decent turntable to the B&O turntable? I am not very fond of the B&O turntables. The platter is too light and there is no mat to speak of, just some fuzzy stuff.

 

[Tinman]

Have you ever had to work on the B&O? Those friggin' things are a nightmare to take apart. I don't care how good they sound, I'd chuck it just for that reason alone. Also did you compare a Revox turntable, or any other decent turntable to the B&O turntable? I am not very fond of the B&O turntables. The platter is too light and there is no mat to speak of, just some fuzzy stuff.

I have bought and fixed a LOT of B&O gear. I don't find it hard at all. Well, the old stuff, anyway. Not fond of the new stuff starting with the 3500.

I have the linear tracker for the 9500. It's OK. Sure, it's not a Revox, or a Thorens, for that matter. But it does the job.

I'll probably end up finding room in the house for ONE full Revox setup, and keep the B&O in the bedroom. The rest, I think, needs to go. I have been very lucky to find all this stuff for little or no money over the years. It took a lot of TLC to get everything into great shape again, but that is the part of the process I enjoy most. I just got to the point in my life that I realize that I can't keep EVERYTHING.

Tough choices, though.

BTW, all the speakers were freebies over the years. I just kept the one's I liked. :yes: Kind of like the Audio Lab Electrostats I got for free, and eventually passed them on to a forum member here, for free.

They were really just not practical for me. They needed too big a room, really.

So it goes.

 

[oneinchside]

Blasphemy?

I guess not. You figured out what works.

With other material in another room with another set of speakers and most importantly another set of ears the conclusion may be different.

Good on you for doing a full recap and due diligence before making a decision. I hope the next owner really loves them and appreciates your hard work.

 

[JonL]

Have you ever had to work on the B&O? Those friggin' things are a nightmare to take apart. I don't care how good they sound, I'd chuck it just for that reason alone. Also did you compare a Revox turntable, or any other decent turntable to the B&O turntable? I am not very fond of the B&O turntables. The platter is too light and there is no mat to speak of, just some fuzzy stuff.

Yes. The platter is light. There is no mat. Fine. Have you listened to one?

 

[ke4mcl]

before discovering mcintosh early in my audiophool career i too was blown away by b&o stuff. i still think its someof the most elegant stuff out there. i own a beocenter i havent powered up yet. will need to get around to that. the remote is $400 if i lose it and you canNOT work the unit without the remote. thats scary.

if b&o makes you happy then go for it! thats what matters!

 

[jayk]

is this the same beocenter you have?-

here's a video of it.

 

[Tinman]

is this the same beocenter you have?-

here's a video of it.

Ummm....no.

I do have a 7700, fully restored for my Mom. She loves it.
But here's mine. (quick pic off the web)

You guys couldn't google "Beocenter 9500"?? :scratch2:

 

[Tinman]

before discovering mcintosh early in my audiophool career i too was blown away by b&o stuff. i still think its someof the most elegant stuff out there. i own a beocenter i havent powered up yet. will need to get around to that. the remote is $400 if i lose it and you canNOT work the unit without the remote. thats scary.

if b&o makes you happy then go for it! thats what matters!

If I could even get close enough to TOUCH McIntosh, we wouldn't have this discussion. :tresbon:

While I have been blessed, I have not gotten into those ranks. I had a friend that owned McIntosh gear. I drooled over it when I was 14. :drool:

It just never came my way. EVER! :tears:

 

[hypertone]

That B&O stuff sure is cool. I've never heard it, but I've always thought it was so slick.

 

[hypertone]

Damn, that is giving me wood! :tresbon:

 

[jayk]

Ummm....no.

I do have a 7700, fully restored for my Mom. She loves it.
But here's mine. (quick pic off the web)

You guys couldn't google "Beocenter 9500"?? :scratch2:

i did google beocenter 9500, the pic i put up is one of many labeled so.:scratch2::scratch2:

edit-oops, my bad:bash:. it was labeled 'b&o beocenter', without the '9500'.

i like your version better. NICE!

 

[Tinman]

Have you ever had to work on the B&O? Those friggin' things are a nightmare to take apart. I don't care how good they sound, I'd chuck it just for that reason alone. Also did you compare a Revox turntable, or any other decent turntable to the B&O turntable? I am not very fond of the B&O turntables. The platter is too light and there is no mat to speak of, just some fuzzy stuff.

The 9500 hinges open and has a kickstand. All the boards either hinge up/down or are removable. EVERYTHING just plugs in. THIS is hard to service??

It's a different logic than we are used to, but once you get it, it's cake!

 

[fdejong]

Tinman -

Beautiful Beocenter you have there. Looks flawless.

I have a Beomaster 8000 myself but unfortunately it needs to be fixed. Only one lonely red LED comes on when I plug it in.

One day I'll muster up the courage to see what it will cost to get it fixed...but first I'll need to find some speakers worthy of 150watts x 2!