Like I needed to go down another Audiophile rabbit hole

[Rauti]

It was a long day at work yesterday and then when I got home I spotted the FB Marketplace Ad with a Bang and Olufsen Beomaster 5500 receiver, CD player, cassette deck and Master Controller for $150 my interest was piqued. I should have known when the FB Marketplace Ad said, “Powers Up” and then when I inquired the guy says, “Everybody’s coming in the morning.” So I skipped dinner and drove the 70 miles. The guy was personable enough and I’m pretty good with electronics tinkering, so I bought it.

Unfortunately, I forgot how these components are pretty useless without the controller working perfectly. So now I have to figure out how to fix the volume controller (which also is used to adjust balance, treble and bass) on the Master Control Panel 5500. And then I need to pick up Euro din speaker connectors - because B&O.

At least it looks good (and the components are surprisingly heavy for their size).

 

[peguinpower]

70 miles before dinner? Buyer was highly motivated to say the least. Good luck with the project!

 

[Rauti]

70 miles before dinner? Buyer was highly motivated to say the least. Good luck with the project!

I know. It was after 9pm when I left. Ended up making dinner after Midnight. At least by then the salmon had thawed . Besides, with Daylight Saving Time, I knew my sleep schedule would be messed up anyway!

 

[OMGCat!]

I believe “electronics old and new” YouTube channel did a series on one of those a while back.
I know he had a B&O with control problems for sure. Might be worth a look to see how he went about tackling it.

 

[Rauti]

I believe “electronics old and new” YouTube channel did a series on one of those a while back.
I know he had a B&O with control problems for sure. Might be worth a look to see how he went about tackling it.

Yeah, I saw both parts (or maybe that was “Banging Olufson”). Mine is in excellent condition, and I tested the circular controller and the micro switch is working. So I’m guessing it’s the opto-coupler. Sourcing one is the real issue. I may just get a different compatible remote in the meantime. But I want to make sure the amplifier output stage is working (I know the preamp part is). No rush. On a side note, it seems I have plenty of projects to keep me busy: My old Mac 1700 popped the fuse as soon as I turned it on and my old Fisher 500-C shuts down three seconds after I turn it on. I swear, vintage Audio equipment is just like old Audis: Once you stop using them for any period of time they’ll let you know in no uncertain terms they feel slighted by your neglect!

 

[OMGCat!]

Yeah, I saw both parts (or maybe that was “Banging Olufson”). Mine is in excellent condition, and I tested the circular controller and the micro switch is working. So I’m guessing it’s the opto-coupler. Sourcing one is the real issue. I may just get a different compatible remote in the meantime. But I want to make sure the amplifier output stage is working (I know the preamp part is). No rush. On a side note, it seems I have plenty of projects to keep me busy: My old Mac 1700 popped the fuse as soon as I turned it on and my old Fisher 500-C shuts down three seconds after I turn it on. I swear, vintage Audio equipment is just like old Audis: Once you stop using them for any period of time they’ll let you know in no uncertain terms they feel slighted by your neglect!

Ha, that's a good comparison. I used to work for Audi and now Porsche. They, like audio gear, most definitely do get cranky and fall apart if not used regularly.
Hopefully you can get the B&O set up and running again. I remember checking them out in hi-fi stores back in the 80's and thinking I was looking at the control panel of a space ship rather than stereo gear. Great sound too, especially the turn tables.

 

[cableguy2]

Yeah, I saw both parts (or maybe that was “Banging Olufson”). Mine is in excellent condition, and I tested the circular controller and the micro switch is working. So I’m guessing it’s the opto-coupler. Sourcing one is the real issue. I may just get a different compatible remote in the meantime. But I want to make sure the amplifier output stage is working (I know the preamp part is). No rush. On a side note, it seems I have plenty of projects to keep me busy: My old Mac 1700 popped the fuse as soon as I turned it on and my old Fisher 500-C shuts down three seconds after I turn it on. I swear, vintage Audio equipment is just like old Audis: Once you stop using them for any period of time they’ll let you know in no uncertain terms they feel slighted by your neglect!

I hope you are still on this board. Did you get the B&O 5500 working? I have a friend with one, and between the controller and such, I was not impressed, but the controller didn't seem to work well. I could run the tape unit, but got no sound out of it. Just curious. Thanks for replying if you can.

 

[Lavane]

Opto-coupler, or a chip? One integrated amp I worked on had all those functions built into a centipede of a chip. 24 legs to unsolder to replace it.

 

[RunOutGroove]

I have no idea how that stuff sounds, but aesthetically, I've always dug the design. The fact that it's all a kind of proprietary system, needing specialized connections and designed only to work together is a kind of turnoff to me. Still, if you're able to gather all the necessary pieces, get it working and it sounds great then you've got a very cool system and one that's dirt cheap. For a while I wanted one of the turntables as I love the sleek low profile design. Since getting a new table though that really sounds great, I'm kind of over my fascination with those things. One turtable is enough for me... though I guess that if I had a few, one of them might have to be a B&O.

 

[egellings]

Every vild and svinging apartment should have one of deese!

 

[JoeESP9]

Otay!