Need help: My B&O Beogram RX2 needs work

[rvc1]

I purchased a Bang & Olufsen Beogram RX2 turntable a few years ago. The needle seems to be working just fine (the original owner replaced it with a new cartridge). The problem is the RCA cable. It is connected to the TT so it can't be replaced easily. One side/channel doesn't work properly (the other side works fine). I keep getting either no sound, low sound, buzzing/humming/noise or nice working sound. When it's working it's usually after turning the cable connection, taking it on and off, etc, until I find the "right" spot where it works. This is very inconsistent and seems to be getting worse. And I do have the ground cable connected to the ground connection on the receiver.

My question is, how easy is this to fix myself? Could I open the casing myself and try to replace this cable, or fix it, or whatever it might take to get it working? I would get it serviced however it looks like that might cost over $100 at a local place, and the TT cost me about that much.

Any advice, recommendations? Is there a good site to help troubleshoot this issue and learn how to fix it myself? Or am I in over my head if I have no experience in this area?

 

[bimasta]

When it's working it's usually after turning the cable connection, taking it on and off, etc, until I find the "right" spot where it works.

From your description, the problem is at the plug-end, not where the cable enters the turntable. Sounds to me like the wire is broken inside the insulation — sometimes the broken ends make contact, sometimes not — that's why it sometimes works when you fiddle with it. It's a common fault with older units, caused by repeated bending (or people who pull plugs out by grabbing the cable, not the plug). If that's the case, it's an easy fix with new RCA plugs. [If that's not the problem, then yes, you'll probably have to look inside the TT — could be an age-related "dry joint".]

 

[rvc1]

Thanks for the reply. I was hoping it would be an easy fix. The thing is, how would I change the RCA cable? That's what I was explaining about them being attached to the unit. The TT was manufactured with the cable attached.

 

[Montycat]

Do you know how to solder? Whether the RCA plugs or the inside end, it will require soldering.

It's really not that hard to do either. There are many soldering guides on YouTube and elswhere if you are interested in learning.

 

[bimasta]

You probably only need to change the RCA plugs, not the entire cable, because that's where the wear-and-tear damages the wire. It's very easy.

 

[rvc1]

Well, no I don't know how to solder. However, thanks for the encouragement. I think I can figure out how to fix this, shouldn't be that hard.

 

[Montycat]

If you do want to learn, see if you can get some old electronics or even appliances to practice on. The soldering iron and a few basic tools (wirestripper for example) might take a $50 investment or so but they can be handy tools later on too.

 

[rvc1]

That's a great idea, trying it on old electronics. So I have two questions before I try this, just so I'm sure of what my approach should be:

The idea will be to open the unit and solder a new wire inside the TT, right? I suppose I can use an RCA cable I have and just cut of one end, strip the wire casing off and solder that tot he inside of the TT, wherever I see the old wire is connected?

Another question is about a different and maybe simpler approach - I think it's what BIMASTA was suggesting - since the problem seems to be plugs and not the cable, could I just cut the cable, strip the casing to expose the wire, do the same to a new RCA cable, and attach the two? Would i just twist them together and tape it up? Or is there a better way to do that? This would keep me from having to open the unit and solder if I choose to try an easier route.

Sorry for what must seem like really novice questions, I've never done anything like this before but if I have some good direction I think I'm pretty handy and can execute this and actually, I think it will be pretty rewarding to accomplish this myself.

Thanks for all the info and advice, it's been very helpful and much appreciated!

 

[Old Ears too]

Even if you were to use your approach, you'd want to solder the wires of the new cable to the old coming out of the unit. Just makes for a better overall connection.
Even I can solder, it's not that difficult, you can learn and it will make you feel good to fix it yourself too.

 

[Montycat]

Frequently it happens to me that if I do replace just the RCA plugs, I end up replacing the cable anyway. I've thought the problem was right at the end and had trouble anyway after installing new ends, so I end up doing the cable anyway. Just twisting the wires together is a bad idea; at most I would only ever do it for speaker wires and then only if it was a temporary measure.